November

County Wicklow Wins Two Awards in International Environment Competition

30/11/2010

Wicklow has scored two major victories in the international Liveable Communities (LivCom) awards presented in Chicago earlier this week.

It is the second time that entries from the Garden County have won awards in this very prestigious competition which attracts entries from all over the world.

A Gold Medal was won by County Wicklow jointly with Norwich in the UK in the category for cities and counties with a population ranging from 75,000 to 150,000.

The submission from County Wicklow had to meet a set of criteria as follows:

1. Enhancement of the Natural and Built Landscapes
2. Arts, Culture and Heritage
3. Environmental Best Practices
4. Community Participation and Empowerment
5. Healthy Lifestyle
6. Strategic Planning

A Silver Medal was won in the Natural Category by the East Coast Nature Reserve in Newcastle for work there by Birdwatch Ireland in reclaiming land and restoring the fen.

Source: Wicklow County Council

RPS Dublin to manage European Green Capitals Award

30/11/2010

The European Commission (EC) has appointed the Dublin office of RPS, an environmental, engineering, planning and communications consultancy, to manage and promote The European Green Capitals Award across EU Member States. RPS Dublin will also promote the 2010 and 2011 winning cities, Stockholm and Hamburg, as role models for sustainable living. The company will manage the competition to appoint the European Green Capital City for 2014 and 2015.

The European Green Capitals Award is open to any city in Europe with a population of 200,000 people. Further information on the award is available on the EC Environment website.

Improved water services for Co. Clare

30/11/2010

Two new water services schemes have been formally opened by Clare County Council in Corofin and Tulla. The services include new wastewater treatment plants and upgraded water supply and storm water infrastructure.

The €7 million schemes were part funded under the Water Services Investment Programme.

Green Gold? In search of Ireland's Green Economy

29/11/2010

Documentary presented by Paul Cunningham, Environment Correspondent with RTE 

Broadcast time 10:15pm, Tuesday 30th November 2010

It has been said that the Green technology revolution has the potential to be a greater economic benefit to Ireland than the pharmaceutical or IT industries combined. This documentary will examine Green Technologies in detail; it will also look at the opportunities attributed to them and how Ireland is adapting to be ready to maximise these.

In the programme, Paul Cunningham speaks with many of those centrally involved in the question of the Green Economy. Contributors include Eamon Ryan, TD and Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources;  Mary Robinson, Honorary President, Oxfam; Colm Mc Carthy, Economics Department, UCD and Danny Mc Coy, Director General, IBEC.

This documentary is aimed at a general audience and will make a balanced and full assessment of the opportunities in Green Technology and inform the general public of the latest developments.

COP 16 Opens in Cancun, Mexico

29/11/2010

The 16^th meeting of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP 16, opens today (29^th November) in Cancun, Mexico and will continue until 10^th December.

Last year, at COP 15 in Copenhagen, officials failed to produce a replacement treaty for the Kyoto Protocol, which came into force in 2005, and the conference ended with the Copenhagen Accord. At COP 16 in Cancun, environmental officials and government ministers from 190 countries will continue to build on the Copenhagen Accord to establish a platform for future COP meetings.

  A recent white paper by Datamonitor, an independent market analyst, claimed that COP 16 was unlikely to reach an international agreement to cut carbon emissions. However, according to the author of the white paper, Alex Desbarres, COP 16 will more likely result in “the progress in a few key areas, namely carbon financing, deforestation, green taxation, carbon trading, and emissions targets."

The events of COP 16 can be followed in a number of ways:

• COP 16 Official webcast
  
  
• COP 16 Conference Brochures
  
  
• COP 16 Statements
  
  
• COP 16 Official Website 
   
• COP 16 Official Twitter Account
   
• COP 16 Official Facebook Page
   
• COP 16 Official YouTube Account

Minister Gormley launches National Youth ECO Forum

29/11/2010

On Wednesday 24th November, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley launches ECO-UNESCO’s National Youth ECO-Forum 2010: ‘World Wild Web; Young People Exploring Biodiversity’ which brings teenagers from all over Ireland together to explore birds, bats, bees in celebration of the UN International Year of Biodiversity.

This annual event, run by ECO-UNESCO, Irelands’ environmental education and youth organisation and held in The Greenhouse, Dublin will give young people the chance to voice their opinions and take action on protecting biodiversity. Participants will take part in a pilot of Dublin’s first Green Trail and meet with biodiversity experts. Through interactive workshops young people will get an opportunity to explore habitats, learn about community gardens, discover threats to biodiversity, learn how to effectively communicate biodiversity issues and come up with their own biodiversity action plans.

Source: Irish Press Releases

Minister Michael Finneran T.D. presents Irish Water Safety Awards

26/11/2010

Mr. Michael Finneran, T.D.,Minister for Housing and Local Services, presented Irish Water Safety awards at a ceremony in Dublin City Hall on 23rd November 2010.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Finneran paid tribute to Irish Water Safety [IWS] and to their many volunteers throughout the country for their important role in promoting water safety.  He praised IWS on the effectiveness of their educational and practical lifesaving skills programmes.

Although the figure for drownings was 145 in 2009, the Minister said this figure represents a personal heartfelt loss for friends and family.  He went on to say that the figures would be even higher but for the dramatic efforts of individuals who saved others from drowning and the ongoing work of volunteers in teaching swimming and rescue skills.

The Minister presented eighteen “SEIKO Just in Time” awards in recognition of eleven lives saved in dramatic near-death incidents.  Other award recipients  included Norma Cahill and Oisin McGrath who received special Achievement  Awards in recognition of their impressive performances at the World Lifesaving Championships in Egypt in October last. The Minister noted that earning ten gold  and setting four new world records was ‘a considerable feat’ given that ‘the competition involved 3,000 of the world’s fittest lifesavers !’.

Minister Finneran also thanked the many companies, individuals and in particular, volunteers, who contribute in many and varying ways to help Irish Water Safety complete its work.

The Minister concluded by recording his personal appreciation to each recipient of an award and to those who selflessly give of their time in the promotion of water safety.

Source: Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Ireland warned over failure to comply with EU directive on pollution

26/11/2010

Following the failure to meet the requirements of the EU Directive on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC), Ireland has been given two months to comply with the legislation.

European law requires industrial and agricultural activities with high pollution potential to be licensed, but such licenses are only given out when environmental conditions have been met. Currently in Ireland there are twenty-six pig and poultry rearing operations that are still not licensed.  

The EU is taking Estonia to the European Court of Justice for failing to meet the requirements of the same directive. Ireland may face similar proceedings if they fail it fails to act on the warning.

Science for Environment Policy: Issue #219

26/11/2010

The latest issue of Science for Environment Policy is now available online. Articles include:

• Pressures on rivers threaten human water security and biodiversity
• Synthetic fuels could be produces from soil bacterium
• Environmental choice may be better than coercion for business
• Lighter coloured roads could reduce temperatures in hot urban areas
• Benefits of logging residues as bioenergy depend on fuel they replace
• Effective guidelines needed for GM crops in developing countries

SHOWCASE YOUR PLACE COMPETITION - DEADLINE EXTENDED

ENFO Competition

25/11/2010

Due to the huge public interest in the ENFO Showcase your Place competition, the deadline for entries has been extended to December 31st!

Enter the competition by uploading your photo or video and a short description of your green initiative to our ENFO Competition page.

EU funding for Coillte habitat restoration project

25/11/2010

Coillte has announced that it has received funding under the EU LIFE+ Programme for the largest raised bog restoration project in Ireland. The project Demonstration Best Practice in Raised Bog Restoration in Ireland will be the fourth EU LIFE+ project carried out by Coillte and focuses on the restoration and conservation of over 630 hectares on raised bog, principally in the midlands. The project will run from 1^st January 2011 to 31^st December 2015.

Previous EU LIFE+ Projects carried out by Coillte include Restoring Active Blanket Bog in Ireland, Restoring Raised Bog in Ireland, and Restoring Priority Woodland Habitats in Ireland. These projects have resulted in the restoration of over 2,500 hectares of bog and over 500 hectares of native woodland.

For further information, please see EU LIFE+ and Coillte.

Conference: Enforcing European Union Environmental Law

25/11/2010

On Friday 26^th November, the conference on Enforcing European Union Environmental Law will take place at UCC Brookfield Health Science Complex Lecture Theatre G02 from 2-5.30pm. The event is aimed legal practitioners, environmental NGOs, academics and those with an interest in environmental law.

The focus of the conference will be to provide up-to-date information on EU environmental law, identify present-day challenges in the enforcement of EU environmental law and to act as a forum for discussion amongst participants.

Further information is available on the UCC Law website.

Marine Institute Library Catalogue Open for Access Online

24/11/2010

The catalogue of the Marine Institute’s Oceanus specialist research library of over 5,000 books relating to marine, natural and life sciences is now open to online viewing.

Through this link, http://www.marine.ie/home/Publications/Library+Catalogue/ anyone interested in the Institute’s extensive and historic collection of scientific literature relating to marine and freshwater resources can browse the content of the Library in advance of any visit to the Institute’s Library to view the material in person.

“The foundations of the Marine Institute Library collection began with materials acquired by the Fisheries Branch of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, which was established in 1899,” said Dr. Peter Heffernan, Chief Executive of the Marine Institute.

The collection, including some rare items dating back over one hundred years, was enhanced and added to by the successor agencies of the Fisheries Branch until the Fisheries Research Centre moved to Abbotstown in the 1970s and was incorporated into the Marine Institute in January 1996. Over the years, the Library has continued to build and preserve a fine collection of resource material to support Research, Development and Innovation in the Marine sector.

According to Anne Wilkinson, the Institute’s Library and Information Manager, “Our unique archive material, dating from c. 1890, is an important element of this collection. The archive includes scientific reports, books and publications prepared by Irish and international marine researchers, including copies of Fishery Ireland Acts dating from the late 1800s and Reports of the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries and Sea and Inland Fisheries Ireland from the same period."

The Library archive has a microfiche reader to facilitate access to some of this material. "We also hold many more titles in our Reports Section including copies of research reports prepared by Marine Institute scientists and marine related publications issued by the European Union," said Anne Wilkinson, "as well as those of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO)”

Oceanus Library is open to the public by appointment and is located at the Marine Institute headquarters at Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway.

Source: Marine Institute

Ireland's first CarbonNeutral® IT company

24/11/2010

IT Force, an IT outsourcing specialist, has announced that it has become the first IT services company in Ireland to be certified as a CarbonNeutral® company. Over 66 tonnes of CO2 will be neutralised in the first year as a result.

IT Force developed a programme to achieve the certificate in consultation with The CarbonNeutral Company, a leading provider of carbon reduction solutions. Managing Director of IT Force John Bergin outlined some of the environmental initiatives at the company.

“We have cut down on paper usage, saved money on electricity and general office supplies. As part of our move to the hub of the city’s public transport network, we are actively promoting sustainable travel for employees such as adopting the governments TaxSaver travel scheme, promoting the Dublin Bikes and investing in facilities to make cycling to work easy for staff. We have three car parking spaces in the building here but they are rarely used”.

For further information on becoming a CarbonNeutral® company, please see http://www.carbonneutral.com/.

Funding for Renewable Energy companies

23/11/2010

Energy Minister Eamon Ryan has announced new funding for renewable energy companies in Ireland.

Funding will be made available through NER300, a financing instrument managed jointly by the European Commission, European Investment Bank and Member States of the European Union.

It will assist 8 carbon capture and storage and 34 renewable energy projects in the EU.

Single or joint ventures in areas such as bioenergy, solar energy, carbon capture and storage, geothermal, wind energy, hydro and ocean energy will be eligible to apply.

“This funding programme is evidence of the ambitious policy plans at European level, to move in a low carbon direction,” said Minister Ryan. “The EU has set a target of 20% renewable energy in the next ten years - Ireland is and will continue to be, one of the main players in this project.

We have the resources, with the strongest wind and wave power in Western Europe. We have the expertise. In the first quarter of this year, one third of Irish start-up companies were in clean, green technologies. We must seize upon this competitive advantage, and use it to our financial and environmental benefit.

An energy revolution is underway and Irish companies can be a part of it. Direct financial assistance could help renewable projects progress.

These monies would provide a huge boost for start-up and existing energy companies in Ireland and I encourage all eligible parties to submit their applications as soon as possible.”

NOTE
Prior to being submitted to the European Commission, applications must be made to national authorities.

In Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is accepting applications at 01 8082100 or by emailing ner300@dcenr.gov.ie. The closing date for receipt of application is the 9th February 2011.

For further information, please see the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Division NER and the European Commission Climate Action Funding NER.

Source: Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

ESB International Appointed to EU Clean Energy Network

23/11/2010

ESB International (ESBI) has been selected as part of a consortium to support the establishment of a Clean Energy Network between the European Union and the Gulf Co-operation Council countries. The Network aims to promote greater technological and policy cooperation between the EU and the Gulf countries in the area of clean energy.

Under the three-year framework agreement, ESBI will head up an expert group on Electricity Interconnections and Market Integration. This is one of five expert groups comprising leading academics, professionals and policy makers from the EU and GCC countries that will work together on a range of research and knowledge sharing initiatives. ESBI will play an active role across all five of the expert groups:

The areas covered by the Clean Energy Network include:

• Renewable Energy Sources
• Energy Demand Side Management and Energy Efficiency
• Clean Natural Gas and Related Clean Technologies
• Electricity Interconnections and Market Integration
• Carbon Capture and Storage

ESBI Engineering Solutions Manager, Billy Byrne said, "ESBI's appointment as technical advisor to the EU-GCC Network recognises the Company's expertise in clean energy technology and provides an opportunity to showcase Ireland's leadership in this area. It will also give us access to a wealth of research, policy ideas and market intelligence from Europe and the Gulf states that will help to further develop our competence in this area".

The EU-GCC Clean Energy Network is part of a wider initiative by the EU to establish a long term strategic relationship with the GCC countries. The Network will act as a catalyst for practical cooperation between the two regions by facilitating joint initiatives in the areas of research, new technology, demonstration projects and communications, as well as providing associated policy support. ESBI is working on the project as part of a consortium led by the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA).

ESBI is a wholly owned subsidiary of ESB. For over thirty years, it has been providing engineering consultancy services to international clients, starting with its first project in Bahrain in 1976 where it currently has a resident staff of more than 35 people.

Source: ESB International

EU countries needs to triple effort to achieve low carbon economy by 2050

23/11/2010

A new carbon tracking tool has been launched by WWF and renewable energy business Ecofys, which indicates that European Union (EU) countries are only taking about one third of the action needed to achieve a low-carbon economy (80-95% reduction in greenhouse gases) by 2050.

The Climate Policy Tracker for the European Union report claims to provide the first up-to-date overview of greenhouse gas emission controls across the EU by analysing each country and key sectors such as energy, building and transport.

Jason Anderson, Head of Climate & Energy Policy at WWF European Policy Office, said:

“The deep cuts needed for 2050 have to happen across the economy. Member States need to scan their full policy portfolios to address weaknesses. They also need to commit to improving their implementation of EU policies, since 40% of results hinge on European legislation.”

Read more about the Climate Policy Tracker for the European Union.
Read more about the Climate Policy Tracker for Ireland.

First harvest of Achill Island sustainably produced turbot

22/11/2010

Achill Island Turbot, which specialises in sustainably produced turbot on Ireland’s west coast, has reaped its first harvest. The company was established in 2008 by Michael Flanagan and Raymond Mairs with the objective of creating a world class recirculation aquaculture facility on Achill Island.

Sustainability is at the heart of the operation with the company’s advanced recirculation aquaculture system designed to leave no negative impact on the local environment. The feed for the fish comes from sustainable sources which do not impact on wild fish stocks.

The production of fish in a sustainable recirculation aquaculture system contributes to relieving pressure on wild fish stocks, thus assisting with the long term viability of the world’s oceans.

The turbot are raised in an environmentally friendly land-based system using the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The fish farm supplies eco-friendly and fully traceable turbot to restaurants and culinary establishments.

Source: Energy and Environment Management

Bord na Móna Biodiversity Action Plan Launched

22/11/2010

Bord na Mona Biodiversity Action Plan Bord na Móna launched its first ever Biodiversity Action Plan (pdf) on 10th November 2010. Members of the company’s Land and Property team were joined for the launch event by a range of interest groups. These included ENGOs such as Bird Watch Ireland, the Irish Peatland Conservation Council and members of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The Biodiversity Action Plan was developed under the guidance of Bord na Móna’s senior Ecologist, Catherine Farrell and presents details on the following key areas:

• The wealth of experience already gained by the company over past decades in terms of cutaway bog rehabilitation;
• How biodiversity quickly returns to bog areas once peat has been commercially exhausted;
• A number of objectives and measurable actions that will be progressed by the Bord na Móna Ecology team over the next 5 years.

At the launch in Tullamore, Mr Éamon de Buitléar, well known and respected pioneer of Irish wildlife documentaries, complimented the work outlined in the plan. He also complimented the presentations by two Bord na Móna Ecologists, Mark McCorry and David Fallon, which clearly showed the rich diversity of habitats and species on Bord na Móna’s bogs.

The company’s Director of Land and Property, Gerry Ryan, also outlined Bord na Móna’s Strategic Land Use Framework to the attendees of the launch.

The group, which included 30 ecologists, joined Bord na Móna on a field trip to the Ballycon wetlands in East Offaly following the launch of the plan. They were delighted to find 136 Whooper Swans, just landed from Iceland, as well as 20 Greylag Geese and a range of duck species making use of the site at Ballycon and enjoying the last of the day’s sunshine.

Source: Bord na Móna

Winners are announced from 4th Annual Good Food Ireland Awards

22/11/2010

Members of the Good Food Ireland organisation were honoured for their achievements and commitment to supporting Irish food and for being the ‘best of their types’ at the Good Food Ireland 4th Annual Awards Ceremony in Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel on November 15th.

Over 250 key representatives from the food and tourism sectors including chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers, farmers, fishermen and food producers from the four corners of Ireland were in attendance at the highly respected industry ceremony. Guest of honor for the evening was T.D. Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Mary Hanafin, who presented over 16 awards to members along with Founder of Good Food Ireland, Margaret Jeffares and Chairman, Redmond O’Donoghue.

Guests and leading industry figures enjoyed a fabulous dinner, which included fresh produce from a select number of Good Food Ireland artisan producers. Many famous faces from the foodie world stepped out to lend their support to Good Food Ireland, such as Hugo Arnold and Darina Allen.

The winner of the coveted Best Overall Member Award of Good Food Ireland was awarded to The Old Convent, Clogheen, Co Tipperary, which is owned by Dermot and Christine Gannon. A list for the award categories and winners is available on the Good Food Ireland website.

Source: Good Food Ireland

Calling All Young Environmentalists!

19/11/2010

The registration deadline is now approaching for Ireland’s most exciting environmental awards programme for young people, the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards 2011. Groups have until the 26th of November to register their projects. The Awards recognise and reward the achievements of young people in environmental protection and are open to any group of young people, aged 10-18, who want to take action on key environmental issues such as climate change, energy, waste, biodiversity, transport and more.

“Last year’s awards saw some excellent environmental projects from all across Ireland - from bug hotels to green transport campaigns, and even an ECO-fashion show and gig awareness raising extravaganza! We are looking forward to more great projects this year. Through these innovative projects young people are taking action and raising awareness about climate change and other important environmental issues” said Elaine Nevin, National Director of ECO-UNESCO.

Each May, ECO-UNESCO, Ireland’s environmental education and youth organisation, hosts the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards Showcase and Awards Ceremony to honour the outstanding green achievements of young people from youth groups and schools across Ireland and Northern Ireland. The National Showcase, open to the public, attracts hundreds of young people who get an opportunity to show their environmental project work.

“The young participants of the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards programme concretely show what it means to act as agents of positive change and make a difference”, commented Walter Erdelen, UNESCO Assistant Secretary General for Natural Sciences in a special message of support to the young environmentalists.

Participants in ECO-UNESCO’s Young Environmentalist Awards have until February 2011 to complete their project in one of nine categories including climate change, biodiversity, energy, waste and transport. Once registered, ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards groups can avail of ECO-UNESCO’s advice and support as their projects progress.

Teachers and youth leaders can register groups of 2-20 young people at www.ecounesco.ie or by contacting ECO-UNESCO at +353 1 6625491, info@ecounesco.ie.

Source: ECO-UNESCO

Green Hospitality Programme Awards 2010

19/11/2010

The winners of the Green Hospitality Programme’s (GHP) Members Award were announced on Tuesday 16^th November, at the National Hospitality Environmental Conference. Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare, was awarded Green Hospitality Member of the Year 2010 as well as Most Innovative Environmental Project. Wexford Town was named as the Greenest Destination 2010.

GHP has become the standard for environmental management within the hospitality sector in Ireland, with over 20% of Irish hotels signed up to the programme. Huge reductions in water and energy consumption as well as diversion of waste going to landfill has been achieved, with positive impacts on the environment and costs.

Discover Ireland has also recently launched a list of Certified Green Tourism Businesses in Ireland, available at www.discoverireland.ie/green.

Science for Environment Policy: Issue #218 available online

19/11/2010

The latest issue of Science for Environment Policy is now available. Articles include:

• International trade in forest products transfers environmental impacts
• Macro-economic models need to widen their perspective
• Successes of the European Climate Change Programme
• Public acceptance crucial to success of water recycling systems
• Uncertainties surrounding waste-sorting reduce household recycling
• Translating research into action with ‘pyramid of knowledge’

EU study confirms Hydrogen key to zero-emission road transport

19/11/2010

A new European study has concluded that hydrogen-powered fuel-cell electric vehicles (EVS) will play a key role in reducing the emissions of road transport in the future. The study was carried out following the target set by the EU Commission and G8 nations to reduce road transport emissions by 95% by 2050. It examines the cost, sustainability and performance of internal combustion engines, battery electric vehicles, fuel-cell electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

According to the study, fuel cell electric cars, battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids need to be widely established across the European market in order to meet the CO2 reduction targets. While battery EVs were found to be ideal for short, urban trips, fuel-cell EVs would be more appropriate for longer journeys with fewer refuelling windows. The study concluded that these EVs provide the most feasible approach for reducing CO2 emissions in the medium and larger vehicle sectors. This sector currently accounts for roughly 50% of all vehicles and 75% percent of all CO2 emissions in road traffic.

The study estimates that by 2050, fuel-cell cars will account for 25% of all cars on the road, which would require a €3billion investment in hydrogen refuelling stations across Europe by 2020.

The full study is available for download from www.zeroemissionvehicles.eu.

Mary Robinson to give EPA Climate Change Lecture on November 23rd

18/11/2010

Following on the success of the Climate Change lecture series 2007-2009, the Environmental Protection Agency will now host three further climate change lectures. The occasional lectures are aimed at providing updates from the science of climate change as well as the policy and political response to this global challenge. As in the earlier lectures, speakers include top international experts in science, economics and technology.

The next lecture will be given by Mrs Mary Robinson, President of the Mary Robinson Foundation - Climate Justice. The lecture will take place on Tuesday, 23rd  November, 2010.

The lecture series is chaired by Dr. John Bowman.

1. Lecture Topic: Re-Shaping the Debate on Climate Change
Speaker: Mrs Mary Robinson, President, Mary Robinson Foundation - Climate Justice.

Date: Tuesday, 23rd November 2010, 6.30 pm - 8.00pm
Venue: The Round Room, The Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2

2. Lecture Topic: Climate Change – The Transport Challenge
Speaker: Prof. Julia King, Aston University.

Date: Tuesday, 1st February 2011, 6.30 pm - 8.00pm
Venue: The Round Room, The Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2

3. Lecture Topic: Climate Change & Agriculture : ensuring food production is  not threatened
Speaker: Dr. Wendy Mann, Food & Agriculture Organisation, U.N.

Date: Tuesday, 15th March 2011, 6.30 pm - 8.00pm
Venue: The Round Room, The Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2

E-brochure for EPA Climate Change Lecture Series 2010/2011

Attendance is free, but advance booking is essential

Bookings and enquiries to Clara Clark
Tel:  01-289 8533.  Email clara@claraclark.ie

Source: EPA

Portlaoise company signs landmark recycling technology agreement in UK

18/11/2010

The Portlaoise based company Cynar has signed an agreement with SITA UK, one of the UK’s leading recycling companies, to build the first fully operational plant to convert end of life plastics to diesel fuel in Britain. The first such plant will be built in London and is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2011, while nine further diesel conversion plants are planned for across the UK. It is estimated that they will convert 60,000 tonnes of mixed plastic per year.

EU BioRegion project in Westmeath

17/11/2010

Westmeath has been granted EU funding towards the creation of a bioenergy market under the BioRegions project. This three year project supports the creation of ‘bioenergy regions’ in rural areas across Europe, where at least 1/3 of the area’s heating and electricity needs are supplied from regional, sustainable bioenergy.

Westmeath Community Development Ltd is acting as the Irish partner in this project and has responsibility for developing the project in the county. In support of this, the company is hosting the first BioRegions Workshop at Bloomfield Hotel on February 3^rd, 2011 and all those interested in participating.    

At present, Westmeath is over 90% fossil fuel and import dependant and the development of a BioRegion will be a major step towards a more sustainable future for the region.

Science for Environment Policy: Special Issue 24

17/11/2010

The latest in a series of Special Issues of Science for Environment Policy is now available. This issue focuses on air pollution and climate change. Articles include:

• Reducing black carbon emissions benefits both climate and health
• Do climate policies need a ‘pollution safety margin’?
• How climate change could affect European ozone pollution
• Climate impacts on air pollution could increase respiratory disease
• Integrated climate change and sir pollution strategies: a winning combination
• Unravelling the complex chemistry of the atmosphere

Employment Seminar: from the Social Economy to the Green Economy

16/11/2010

The Employment Seminar: from the Social Economy to the Green Economy will take place on Friday 26^th November from 9.30am-2pm at the Radisson, Little Island, Cork. The event is being organised by the South and East Cork Area Development (SECAD). Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Batt O’Keeffe TD will open the seminar, while presentations will be given by seven other speakers during the semiar.

A full list of speakers and their biographies are available on the event brochure (pdf).

Attendance is free, but please register for the event by phoning SECAD on 021-4613432 or emailing info@secad.ie by Monday 22^nd November.

Issue of Guidelines on Dog Breeding Establishments

15/11/2010

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government have published, draft guidelines in relation to the operation of dog breeding establishments and compliance by operators with the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010. The Dog Breeding Establishments Act was signed by the President on 21 July, 2010 following its passage through the Oireachtas. It is intended that the Act will commence in early 2011.

The Department would encourage those groups and individuals with an interest in dog breeding to make their observations known, preferably by email, by the deadline of Friday, November 19th 2010. This will allow sufficient time for the submissions to be reviewed, the guidelines to be amended, as appropriate, and the Act commenced on schedule in January 2011.

It is important to note that only establishments with six or more female dogs over 6 months of age are covered by the Act. While these draft guidelines are intended to lead to best practice for dog breeding establishments, they have been prepared by veterinary professionals and can be used by anyone who keeps dogs as a useful guide to welfare issues.

Any observations may be subject to release under Freedom of Information legislation.

Source: Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Science for Environment Policy: Issue #217

05/11/2010

The latest issue of Science for Environment Policy is now available. Articles include:

• Waste incinerator health risks: no evidence for toxic metal build-up
• Assessing cumulative impacts on seabed ecosystems
• New method estimates time lag in spread of invasive species
• Nutrient footprints of different food groups calculated
• New index describes overall toxicological risk of a site
• Distributed power generation may be better for air quality

Fourteen Public Sector Bodies Commit to Energy Savings of €330 million by 2020

12/11/2010

A group of fourteen leading public bodies have committed to an Energy Partnership initiative with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to deliver total cumulative energy savings of €330 million by 2020. Mr Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, hosted an event in Dublin Castle today where the public bodies signed up to the Partnership, and highlighted their successes to date and their plans to achieve energy efficiency savings of 33% by 2020. The initial group of leading organisations is expected to be joined by other public bodies across the sector, which will commit to similar energy savings.

Leading by example with their energy initiatives and signing up to the Partnership are: An Garda Síochána, Bus Éireann, Courts Service of Ireland, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, the Department of Justice  and Law Reform, the Department of Education and Skills, Health Service Executive, Irish Defence Forces, Irish Prison Service, Kerry County Council, Louth County Council, North Tipperary County Council, Office of Public Works and Railway Procurement Agency.  In achieving the 33% energy efficiency target by 2020, when annual energy savings of all fourteen organisations are added year on year, combined savings of €330 million will be realised.

Read more
Source: SEAI

Energy: Commission presents its new strategy towards 2020

12/11/2010

The Commission presented its new strategy for a competitive, sustainable and secure energy on Wednesday (10^th November). The Communication "Energy 2020" defines the energy priorities for the next ten years and sets the actions to be taken in order to tackle the challenges of saving energy, achieving a market with competitive prizes and secure supplies, boosting technological leadership, and effectively negotiate with our international partners.

Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger said: "The energy challenge is one of the greatest tests for us all. Putting our energy system onto a new, more sustainable and secure path may take time but ambitious decisions need to be taken now. To have an efficient, competitive and low-carbon economy we have to europeanise our energy policy and focus on a few but pressing priorities."

In the Communication adopted today, the Commission identifies five top priorities. On the basis of these priorities and the action presented, the Commission will come forward with concrete legislative initiatives and proposals within the next 18 months. This communication also sets the agenda for the discussion by Heads of States and Governments at the very first EU Summit on Energy on 4 February 2011.

Read more
Source: Europa Press Release RAPID

New European noise award

11/11/2010

The European Environment Agency (EEA) and the Noise Abatement Society (NAS) announced a new European noise award earlier this week, aimed to raise awareness and recognise innovative solutions to noise problems.

Yesterday (10^th November), the EEA published a set of guidelines on the health impacts of noise. Excessive exposure to noise can lead to illnesses such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Queen’s University Library wins Sustainability Global Award

11/11/2010

One of Northern Ireland’s newest landmark buildings – the £50 million McClay Library at Queen’s University – has won a global award for its role as a model of sustainable design. The McClay Library has won the Sustainability category in the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Awards, defeating prestigious property projects from around the world.

More than 450 building projects entered the RICS Awards which are regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the built and natural environment. The McClay Library was one of only four category winners.

“The McClay Library reflects the University’s commitment to scholarship, the environment, and the future. Sustainability was a critical factor in its design and construction, in keeping with the University’s environmental policy, and we are obviously delighted that this has been recognised by the RICS,” says Queen’s director of estates Gary Jebb.

The Library is illuminated by a multi-storey open atrium, has 2,000 reader places and houses 1.2 million volumes. Ground floor facilities include IT training rooms, a Language Centre, Library and Computer support areas and a cafe. The upper storeys house the University’s Special Collections, subject-related enquiry points and a vast range of printed works.

The design aimed to reduce energy loads and provide energy input as efficiently as possible. Energy, fuel and water consumption is recorded and reviewed against targets on a quarterly basis. During the design and specification process, environmentally-friendly materials were selected, all of which can be refurbished or recycled after use.

Source: www.enviroireland.com

Smart Coasts initiative for Irish and Welsh coasts

10/11/2010

Under the EU Wales/Ireland Cross Border programme, £3.7m has been invested in the Smart Coasts; Sustainable Development project which aims to maximise the potential of both coastlines.

The funding will be used to create a system for forecasting water quality. This information will then be linked to electronic information systems, providing a real-time prediction of water quality to bathers. This new system will also provide a better understanding of pollution sources and help to meet requirements of the new EU Bathing Water Directive (2008) as water sampling will begin in 2012.

The Coasts; Sustainable Development project is led by University College Dublin in Ireland and Aberystwyth University in Wales and will involve a number of other groups on both sides of the Irish Sea.

Hamburg: European Green Capital for 2011

10/11/2010

The German city of Hamburg has been awarded the title European Green Capital for 2011. This European Commission award was announced at the first European Green Capital Conference that took place in Stokholm, Sweeden, at the end of October.

This is the second year of the award, having started last year with Stockholm leading the way as the very first European Green Capital for 2010. The award is given in recognition of excellence in the area of environmental protection, and encourages European cities to keep the environment as a central focus of their projects and activities.

Hamburg will act as an inspiration for cities aiming to improve their green credentials, with over 16.7% of the urban area consisting of forest, recreation and green spaces.

Seminar: Improving Environmental Performance and Reducing Costs in Business

09/11/2010

The seminar Improving Environmental Performance and Reducing Costs in Business will take place on Tuesday 23^rd November, 9.30am-12.30pm, at the Claregalway Hotel, Co. Galway. This seminar is hosted by Galway County Council, Enterprise Ireland and the Connacht Regional Waste Management Office. Admission is free but those interested in attending should confirm with Sinéad Ní Mhainnín at snumhain@galwaycoco.ie, or Tom Lowry at tom.lowry@enterprise-irealnd.com by November 18^th.

SEAI launch Energy Roadmaps for Ireland

08/11/2010

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) unveiled a number of Energy Roadmaps for Ireland in the areas of Ocean Energy, Bio-energy and Energy Efficiency by 2050 at the ‘Pathways to 2050’ conference that took place last Friday, 5^th November.

These Energy Roadmaps mark the first attempt for Ireland to outline the long term opportunities in energy and carbon dioxide reduction. Among the opportunities highlighted at the conference were potential employment, cumulative economic benefit, sustainable rural development, reduction of Ireland’s energy bill, as well as huge reductions in Ireland’s carbon dioxide emissions.

The three Energy Roadmaps are available for download from the SEAI website.

Energy Minister Eamon Ryan published Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan for public consultation

08/11/2010

Energy Minister Eamon Ryan has published (5th November) the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan for public consultation.

Ireland’s ocean territory is 10 times our land mass size. This Plan, in conjunction with the Strategic Environmental Assessment of Irish Waters also published today, looks at offshore wind, wave and tidal energy resources and how that could be maximised in the years ahead.

Crucially, this work found that Ireland could produce up to 10 times our existing electricity demand without significant environmental impacts.

Announcing the plan at the Irish International Energy Conference – Pathway to 2050, Minister Ryan said, “This Government has begun an energy revolution. We have doubled the amount of renewable energy on our system and we want to go further.

Every megawatt of renewable energy that goes onto the Irish national grid reduces our €6 billion annual fossil fuel bill, reduces our carbon emissions and creates Irish jobs. Today’s study shows that we have a massive potential for renewable energy off our shores. Wind, wave and tidal off the Irish coast can produce 10 times our own electricity needs without adversely affecting the environment.

My Department is working to maximise this potential. Our recovery will be based on exports. Our capacity to produce this green electricity gives us major export potential. We are working with Scotland and Northern Ireland on the ISLES project to develop interconnection with these close neighbours. Working is advancing with 9 countries across Europe on the North Seas initiative to develop a ‘supergrid’ to trade this renewable power. At the end of this month I will travel to London to meet Secretary Huhne to work out a trading agreement with the United Kingdom on renewable energy.

We can create more power than we require if we go off our coasts. This is Ireland’s great export opportunity and we will work to realise it”.

The plan goes to public consultation around the country for 2 months where developers, investors and local communities can give their views.

Source: Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

EU funding for renewable energy technologies

05/11/2010

The European Commission has adopted a proposal to give funding of €4 billion towards renewable energy technologies, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), under the New Entrant Reserve 300 (NER300). The funding for NER300, which was initially agreed by the Commission in 2008, will be provided through the sale of 300 million carbon credits. A spokeswoman for the Commission said:

"The NER300 proposal was adopted on Wednesday, providing financial support for projects involving CCS and renewable technologies."

Positive changes under Ireland’s 2nd National Action Plan (NAP)

05/11/2010

An agreement has been reached between the Government and the EU Commission on the content of Ireland’s second National Action Programme (NAP) under the Nitrates Directive. The new programme will run to the end of 2013, and the changes included are positive both for the agricultural sector and the environment.

"The new Action Programme will support the environmentally progressive outcomes achieved under NAP1 and will continue to secure consistency with the EU Nitrates Directive" said Minister of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr John Gormley TD. "The overall package will, in this economically challenging climate, assist Ireland's agri-food sector meet its targets under the Food Harvest 2020 strategy on the basis of sustainable farming practices", said Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr Brendan Smith TD.

Science for Environment Policy: Issue #216

05/11/2010

The latest issue of Science for Environment Policy is now available. Articles include:

• Synthetic biology: key policy issues and options
• One fifth of world’s plants at risk of extinction
• Identifying the potrntial for reducing food waste
• Climate change impacts on future air quality over Europe
• Environmental conditions should be included in toxicity tests
• National lists of endangered species need better global coverage

New Resources: Solar Thermal Benefits Calculator / Best Practice Guide PV

04/11/2010

Decision making around solar energy for home owners can be extremely complicated with many seemingly complex and inter-related factors to consider before deciding whether or not to invest in a solar thermal system.

The solar thermal calculator is designed to aid consumers assess the economic and environmental benefits of installing a solar thermal system. It is a highly graphical and intelligent web-based resource that guides the home owner through seven easy steps. Location, orientation, flat plate or tube (or both as a cost comparison) are some of the factors which need to be considered when choosing a solar system. The calculator will provide results on indicative installation costs, size of system together with annual savings and CO2 offset.

Consumers are reminded that the size, performance and costs of solar thermal systems vary from system to system. For the calculator all calculations and assumptions are based on average values, thus the calculator should not be used as a technical tool for sizing solar thermal systems.

The calculator complements a number of existing online solar resources including consumer and buyers guides for solar heating systems.

For further information, download the Best Practice Guide for PV.

Source: Envirocentre

Energy system that turns FOG into energy scoops award

03/11/2010

A new sustainable energy system that turns fat and oils in to energy has been awarded top prize at the Sustainable Energy Awards.

The Precision Group was awarded first prize at the awards for their conversion project which deals with waste water treatment.

The group has developed the waste to fuel service using genome technology, which deals with blockages caused by fat, oils and greases (FOG).

The research, carried out by Ulster’s Nanotechnology & Integrated BioEngineering Centre (NIBEC), scooped first prize in the ‘Energy & Environment Innovation’ category for its achievements in separating, collecting and processing waste water into a range of sustainable commercial products.

FOG can cause environmental issues concerning drainage and sewage systems and its removal can be quite costly, according to NIBEC's Dr Patrick Dunlop.

“The problem is that when FOG waste cools it congeals and sticks to the inner lining of pipes resulting in blockages. Clearing the blockages has a significant environmental and financial cost. Our research is focusing on more effective ways to remove FOG from drainage systems and the use of innovative clean technologies to convert FOG to biofuel,” said Dunlop.

The Precision Group research explored mechanisms for the conversion of FOG to biofuel using environmentally friendly and sustainable processes.

The technology is due for release in the European market in 2012.

Source: Silicon Republic

UNEP launches '30 Ways in 30 Days' to inspire action on climate change

03/11/2010

What do solar loans, sustainable tourism, tea plantations, forests in Panama and African financiers have in common?

The answer is quite simple: all are part of the global solution to climate change, and part of the United Nation's Environment Programme's "30 ways in 30 Days" initiative, launched today.

From today, a month out from the start of the UN Climate Convention meeting in Cancun, Mexico, UNEP will release online case studies to show that solutions to climate change are available and can be copied and scaled up around the world. The examples are just the tip of the iceberg and highlights in terms of existing successful climate initiatives and programmes.

UNEP's aim is to show that across the world, in myriad ways, from community-based programmes to entrepreneurial endeavours, solutions are available to help confront the challenges of climate change and to help countries, communities and businesses move towards low-emission climate-resilient growth.

More could be done if governments, corporations and communities scaled up this work. Every country and many institutions have their own 30 success stories to demonstrate that action is being taken across the globe, initiatives that with funding and technology support can be scaled up dramatically.

One of the case studies featured is "Solar Loans for Solar Homes" in India where more than 60 per cent of Indian households have no access to reliable electricity supplies and depend on kerosene for light and on burning dung and wood for heat.

UNEP's Solar Loan Programme, a partnership involving the UN Foundation, Shell Foundation and two of India's largest banking groups, helped turn on lights in homes that had previously not had them, accelerated market penetration of solar lights in the Indian countryside, and inspired several similar initiatives in India and elsewhere.

Other stories coming up are the "Green Passports" for sustainable tourism projects showing how you can be a "green traveler", the "greening" of tea plantations in East Africa, carbon financing in Africa and its massive potential for sustainable development and successful reforestation in Panama giving new evidence of the many opportunities and benefits from sustainable forests.

To find out more about these innovative programmes, go to www.unep.org/unite/30ways today. Come back to the site once a day until into December to discover all 30 ways in which UNEP is working with governments and communities around the world on projects, big and small, that put together could save our climate.

Source: UNEP

Launch of new water education pack for students

02/11/2010

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council launches a water education pack to be distributed to all primary schools in the county

Launching the programme alongside a group of primary schools students at St. Joseph’s Primary School in Dún Laoghaire Councillor Lettie McCarthy discussed the programme, stating the positive nature of the Council’s “focus on water conservation as part of its schools education programme”.  The “new water education pack hits the perfect balance by teaching young people about this valuable resource - but in a fun and interactive way”.  The programme will see the new education pack distributed to all primary schools, free of charge.

The pack teaches primary age children about water, including where their water comes from and the importance of water conservation. The programme will be promoted across the county by the Council’s Environmental Awareness team.

Other awareness-raising activities for schools will include a chance for students to Christmas decorations out of recycled materials.

European Week for Waste Reduction

02/11/2010

The European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) will take place from 20^th-28^th November. To mark the event in Ireland, Repak’s Prevent and Save programme will run the seminar Total Waste Prevention: How to reduce costs and optimise resources for your business on Tuesday 23^rd November at the Red Cow Moran Hotel, Dublin, and again on Thrusday 25^th November in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cork. This seminar will be run in association with greenbusiness.ie and SEAI. Further information and registration details are available at http://www.preventandsave.ie/.

New Protocol to CBD approved on the last day of COP10

01/11/2010

On the last day of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) in Nagoya, Japan on Friday (29^th October), the establishment of an International Regime on Access and Benefit Sharing of Genetic Resources (ABS) was approved by governments from across the globe. This new Protocol to the main convention sets down the ground rules on how nations cooperate on obtaining genetic resources from animals and plants in a fairer way.

Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) which administers the CBD, said: "This is a day to celebrate in terms of a new and innovative response to the alarming loss of biodiversity and ecosystems. And a day to celebrate in terms of opportunities for lives and livelihoods in terms of overcoming poverty and delivering sustainable development".

More details on the outcome of the CBD meeting in Nagoya are available at http://www.cbd.int/cop10/.

Europe Direct Soapbox Competition on Wind Energy

Enter Europe Direct's national soapbox competition and Win Fantastic Prizes! To highlight the importance the European Union place on Climate Change we are holding a soapbox competition on “Wind energy – the future or a blot on the landscape?”

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You will have a chance to share your views and be in with a chance to win some fantastic prizes! Regional finalists will win an iPad and a trip to Brussels and will be entered for the national final with a prize of €1,000!  Soapbox events will be held in 7 regional locations followed by a national final in Farmleigh, Dublin on 19th November 2010.

Your 3 minute speech will be less impromptu – you will get to research it and prepare it in advance. The topic is wind energy – like it or loathe it, agree or disagree, wind farms generate a lot of controversy as well as potential energy. We want to hear your views! You will deliver your speech at your local Europe Direct Centre at an event in November in front of a local audience and a panel of judges who will include someone with an expertise on the subject – so do your research! The winner of each local soapbox will win an iPad! And each local winner has the chance to compete against the other local winners for an overall prize of €1,000!

For further details and information on registration, please see www.europedirect.ie.