November

EEA report shows EU Member States on target for Kyoto Commitments

A report by the European Environmental Agency (EA) entitled ‘Greenhouse Gas Emission Trends and Projections in Europe 2009’ that was published in November 2009 shows positive results in the EU. This report provides an assessment of the present and future projected progress of EU Member States towards achieving their Kyoto targets as well as the EU emissions reduction target for 2020.

The study shows that all EU Member States, with the exception of Austria, are on track to reach their commitments to limit greenhouse gas emissions under the Kyoto Protocol. Up-to-date projections show that the EU-15 will achieve a 13% reduction in emissions during the period 2008-2012 when compared with 1990 levels. This is 4% above their requirement under the Kyoto Protocol.

The full report is available for download on the EEA website.

Satellite to monitor Earth’s water cycle

In November, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched a new Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) satellite from northern Russia . The purpose of this satellite is to monitor the Earth’s water cycle in an effort to better understand our climate.

A new instrument has been developed that will allow the satellite to monitor both soil moisture and ocean salinity. As the temperature on Earth increases, the land will become drier. More water will evaporate from the sea and the salt level will increase. This may result in changes in ocean currents, which would dramatically increase the effect of climate change in certain regions around the world.

It is hoped that this new SMOS satellite will provide information on changes in the Earth’s water cycle so that we can more accurately forecast extreme weather conditions, and governments can better prepare for the effects of climate change.

Guidelines on Planning System and Flood Risk Management published

On 30^th November, new statutory planning guidelines on The Planning System and Flood Risk Management were published by Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Mr. John Gormley, T.D. and Minister of the State Dr. Martin Mansergh, T.D.

The aim of these guidelines is to make sure that a more comprehensive approach is taken in flood risk assessment and management in the planning system. Further details and a PDF download of the guidelines are available on the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government website.

Review of International Waste Policy

On November 19^th, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Mr. John Gormley T.D. published a review of all waste management policies in Ireland , including waste prevention and management. Some of the main recommendations made include:

• €20-€38 levy per tonne on incineration

• €30 levy increase on landfill waste (per tonne) by 2010, increasing to €75 in 2012 in order to meet EU targets

• Introduction of separated waste collection for households

Please see the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government website for the full statement.

Positive report on Irish beef processing

On November 19^th, Enterprise Ireland launched a report entitled Sustainable practices in Irish beef processing. The study focused on the period 2003-2008 and has found that Irish beef processors are considered one of the best in the world with regards to reducing the environmental impact of beef processing.

There were sixteen beef processors included in the study carried out by Enterprise Ireland , and results showed that all were fully in line with the European Union (EU) Integrated Pollution Prevention Control Directive.

Some of the main findings included:

• 57% reduction of nitrogen emissions to water

• 8.6% reduction in CO2 emissions

• 17% increase in recycled waste per animal

For further details, please see the Enterprise Ireland website.

Irish company install tidal energy generator off Canadian coast

OpenHydro, an Irish green energy company that is based in Co. Louth, has installed one of its first tidal energy generators in the Bay of Fundy, off the eastern coast of Canada . The turbine will rest on the ocean floor and energy from the water will power the turbine, which will convert this energy into electricity. This generator will supply the Canadian electricity company Nova Scotia Power and is expected to provide enough electricity for 1,000 homes.
 
OpenHydro is presently working alongside the French company EDF to develop larger turbines than the one in Nova Scotia , with an aim to generate as much as 500 megawatts of power. This would mean it would be on par with traditional fossil-fuel plants.

For further information on OpenHydro’s tidal technology, please see their website http://www.openhydro.com/home.html.

EPA publication on Environmental Enforcement in Ireland

On 17^th November, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a report entitled Focus on Environmental Enforcement in Ireland, which focuses on the years 2006-2008. The report considers the enforcement of environmental standards in Ireland as well as the challenges in meeting European environmental requirements.

Between the period of 2006-2008, there was a huge increase in enforcement of environmental legislation. This has resulted in Ireland becoming the first EU member state to have widespread inspection plans in all local authority areas. The EPA report focuses on enforcement of legislation in the areas of waste, water, air and noise.

Details of the report are available on the EPA website.

EPA launch water program

As part of the European Union’s Bathing Water Directive, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a water program that will enable monitoring and management of water quality along Ireland ’s coastline, lakes and rivers. Smart sensors, wireless transmitters and analytical software from IBM will enable the EPA to continuously monitor water quality in bathing areas, which is called for under this directive.

Information about water quality, weather and tides will regularly be published on the new Splash website.

EPA launch water program

As part of the European Union’s Bathing Water Directive, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a water program that will enable monitoring and management of water quality along Ireland’s coastline, lakes and rivers. Smart sensors, wireless transmitters and analytical software from IBM will enable the EPA to continuously monitor water quality in bathing areas, which is called for under this directive.

Information about water quality, weather and tides will regularly be published on the new Splash website.

New Online Energy Laboratory at GMIT

The Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) have opened a new online energy training laboratory where renewable energy systems can be tested. The laboratory aims to provide continual professional development to those already working in the energy and building industry, as well current engineering students.

Included in the laboratory are solar systems, biofuel systems, geothermal heat pumps, wind turbines and heat recovery systems. Trainees are enabled to test the efficiencies of these various energy systems under different conditions.

Further information is available on the GMIT website.