July

Green Enterprise Guide Launched

29/07/2011

A Green Enterprise Guide, developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland has been launched by Mr Phil Hogan, Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government. ‘Developing a Green Enterprise’ provides directional information on where different businesses can go for assistance in relation to water conservation, waste prevention, energy efficiency and clean technology. The guide also provides an overview of the key state agencies involved and the programmes and assistance they offer.

Speaking at the launch of the guide Minister Hogan said,

“The State offers a wide range of supports to manufacturing, service and institutional enterprises in implementing green enterprise initiatives. I am pleased to see that the four principal agencies providing services and support have developed this useful guide for businesses. The coming together of the four agencies to deliver this guidance is a solid example of the benefits that can flow from joined-up government action.”

Source: EPA

New record for dublinbikes

29/07/2011

A new daily rental record has been reached by the hugely successful dublinbikes scheme. On Wednesday 13^th July 6,280 dublinbikes journeys were made. The bike share rental scheme was first launched in September 2009, and today has over 58,000 subscribers.

Subscribers can choose either a Long Term Hire Card or a 3 Day Ticket. The first half hour of use is free for both options. Full details are available on the dublinbikes website.

Conference: Catchment Science 2011

29/07/2011

Catchment Science is an International Conference aimed at scientists, policy makers, farmers and land managers. It is jointly hosted by the Irish Agricultural Catchments Programme (Teagasc / DAFF) and the UK Demonstration Test Catchment Projects (Defra / EA).

This conference will bring together international experts to address the questions:

• Can we manage agricultural catchments for economic and environmental objectives?
• Where are we seeing successes and why?

These questions will be explored in four themes:

Scale issues - networks, observatories and farms. What works best for which stakeholders?

Catchment uncertainty - empirical and modelling experiences; uncertainties in science & policy

Counting the cost - socio-economic implications of catchment-scale agri environmental measures

Case Studies - examples of environmental mitigation policies and evaluation science; future challenges

Details on registration and absract submissions are available on the Teagasc website.

Source: Teagasc

Water quality and wastewater treatment — WISE interactive maps updated

28/07/2011

The updated maps are useful for water professionals who require a European overview of water issues, or anyone with an interest in the environmental issues affecting their local river, lake or sea.

The new design is more compact and user friendly, easily switching between different pollutants for a given area. Four data viewers have been updated:

• transitional, coastal and marine waters (TCM), which includes several maps showing various parameters.
• rivers and lakes, with a new function for quickly shifting between maps for different pollutants.
• groundwater, with a new function allowing users to get national-level overviews for different years
• urban waste water, including more detailed designation criteria for sensitive areas.

As part of the package, there is also an updated and improved Geographic Information System (GIS) reference layer for river basin districts reporting under the Water Framework Directive. This can be downloaded by other organisations working in this area.

The maps are based on data reported by the EU Member States and EEA member countries. Since this latest update, all interactive maps in the Water Information System for Europe (WISE) have now been updated to the improved format.

Source: European Environmental Agency

Irish Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference: 24th-25th September

28/07/2011

The Irish Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference will take place on Saturday 24^th and Sunday 25^th September at the Boyne Valley Hotel, Drogheda, Co Louth. The conference will examine the moral issues surrounding wildlife treatment and rehabilitation, post release monitoring and wildlife crime. Saturday 24^th is an open day and anyone with an interest in wildlife conservation is welcome to attend. Sunday 24^th is a continuing professional development day for vets and veterinary nurses, which is registered for 5.5 CVE credits.

Full details of the events are available on the Irish Wildlife Matters website.

Free Trade Ireland: free online reuse service launched

27/07/2011

An Taoiseach, Mr. Enda Kenny, T.D. has recently launched www.FreeTradeIreland.ie - a free national service where householders and businesses can pick up and pass on quality items such as home and office furniture, baby goods, electronics, DIY/construction materials and tools, sports equipment, musical instruments, toys, gardening accessories and motoring items.

The website aims to help prevent usable items going to landfill and increase the lifespan of items for reuse.

The online service is free to use and people can view ads for items as well as post items of their own, once they are a member of the site. Arrangements to collect items are made directly with the person advertising the item and no cost applies to either party. Items posted up on the website are generally in good condition, full working order and ideal for reuse.

The service has been designed to be as user friendly as possible with an innovative search engine the centre-piece of the website. The website also features interactive mapping, search alerts and records reuse data.

Visit the FreeTradeIreland.ie website.

Source: Green Business

EU Integrated Electricity Market seminar

27/07/2011

The EU Integrated Electricity Market seminar will take place on Thursday 1^st September at Chartered Accountants House, Dublin.

The target date to achieve a single European electricity market is just three years away in 2014. This seminar will examine the current proposals for the EU integrated electricity market and the implications for the SEM.  It will look to inform the key players in the Irish energy sector on the proposals for the new market including progress to date and the timeline for implementation.

Featured speakers include:

• Martin Finucane, Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources
• Tadhg O’Briain, DG Energy, European Commission
• Sheenagh Rooney, Commission for Energy Regulation
• Mark Copley, European Network of Transmissino System Operators for Electricity (ENTSOE)
• Olaf Islei, Senior Manager, Electricity, OFGEM
• Javier Ojea, Market Advisor, Red Eléctrica de España

A full programme and registration for the seminar are available from the Energy Ireland website.

Source: Energy Ireland

Ireland Receives International Stars of Energy Efficiency Award for Government’s Better Energy programme

26/07/2011

The Government’s grant scheme for home energy efficiency has received the prestigious Stars of Energy Efficiency award from the US-based energy coalition Alliance to Save Energy for its success in improving the energy efficiency of Irish homes. The programme, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), has supported the upgrade of over 100,000 homes since March 2009 and will generate lifetime energy savings of €700 million.

The Alliance to Save Energy is an international coalition of prominent business, government, environmental and consumer leaders who promote the efficient and clean use of energy worldwide to benefit consumers, the environment, economy and national security.

The Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards have been presented annually since 1973 by the Alliance to individuals and organisations who have strived to advance energy efficiency. The Government’s Better Energy Homes (formerly Home Energy Saving) scheme is the only non-US initiative to receive an award this year, which will be presented at an event in Washington this October.

Government funding for energy efficiency upgrades in homes and business in 2011 is over €90M which, when combined with private investment will see close to a quarter of a billion euro spent on energy efficiency, supporting nearly 7000 jobs.

Further information on the awards is available on www.ase.org and Better Energy Homes information is available from www.seai.ie/betterenergyhomes

Source: SEAI

The Organic Centre: courses for August and September

26/07/2011

The Organic Centre in Co. Leitrim is running a number of courses throughout August and September for the enthusiastic gardener. Upcoming courses include:

• Dry Stone Wall construction - 6th and 7th August
• Polytunnel Autumn Workshop - 3rd September
• Organic Gardening in Schools - 10th September
• Discover Wild Herbs and Wild Food - 10th September
• FLOWER DAY - 11th September
• Store and preserve vegetables, herbs and fruit - 17th September
• Mushroom Hunting - 17th September
• Homemade Remedies for the Winter month - 24th September
• Plan your garden now - 24th September

A full programme of events is available from the Organic Centre website.

Carluccio's finds green home for old cooking oil

26/07/2011

The restaurant groups Carluccio's has announced that it has inked a deal with biofuel firm Convert2Green, which will see waste cooking oil from its restaurants collected and converted into biofuel.  The waste oil will be collected from Carluccio's 54 cafès in the UK and turned into biofuel, reducing carbon emissions by up to 90 per cent compared to conventional fuels, according to Convert2Green.
 
"Our aim in the first 12 months is to save 92.7 tonnes of carbon through recycling our waste oil – a big step in our overall aim to recycle in the region of 78 per cent of all our waste," said Steve Kaddish, development manager at Carluccio's, in a statement.

"Carluccio's is a founding member of the Sustainable Restaurant Association, so we take our recycling, waste management and carbon savings very seriously."
 
Speaking to BusinessGreen, a spokeswoman for Convert2Green said that the process would be "entirely carbon neutral", detailing how the company's collection and distribution vehicles run on the biofuel it produces, while its refinery uses renewable energy.
 
Restaurants produce thousands of litres of used cooking oil each year, much of which is suitable for biofuel production.

Advocates of the technology argue that the waste oil would otherwise be sent to landfill or poured down the drain where it blocks the sewers.

Source: BusinessGreen

Launch of GIY Sandyford: 18th August

25/07/2011

Grow It Yourself – Sandymount will be officially launched on Thursday 18^th August at Christchurch Hall, 9 Sandymount Green in Dublin from 8-10pm. A speaker from GIY will be there and everyone is welcome to attend and find more about this Ireland-wide organisation. The aim is to inspire people to grow their own food and give them the skills to be successful.

There are hundreds of GIY groups around the country, each organising activities such as monthly meetings, talks, garden visits, produce bartering, mentor panels and more. The GIY monthly meetings are free and open to anyone who is interested in growing food, from a few pots of herbs to complete self-sufficiency.  

To find out more, visit the GIY website.

Minister Rabbitte names international expert Commission on the North South Electricity Interconnector

The Minister for Energy Pat Rabbitte, today announced the membership of an international expert commission to review and report, within six months, on a case for, and cost of, undergrounding (all or part of) Meath-Tyrone 400KV power lines.
 
The Minister has appointed Mr. Bo Normark of Sweden as Chair of the Commission. Mr. Normark is currently President of Power Circle AB in Sweden and has a long history in key roles as a recognised expert in the cable industry, primarily with the cable company ABB.
 
The Minister has appointed Mr. Odd-Håkon Hoelsæter (Norway) and Mr. Ronnie Belmans (Belgium) as members of the Commission. Mr. Hoelsæter was for many years the CEO if the Norwegian electricity Grid company, Statnett. He was President and a founding member of the European Transmission System Operators group and was Chairman of the Board of NordPool, the Scandinavian regional wholesale electricity exchange.
 
Mr. Belmans is currently a full professor with the Belgian University K.U.Leuven, teaching electric power and energy systems, and a guest professor at Imperial College of Science, Medicine and Technology, London-UK. He is chairman of the board of directors of ELIA, the Belgian transmission grid operator.

Source: Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Fewer risks from hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment

25/07/2011

The EU ban on heavy metals and other dangerous chemicals in electrical and electronic equipment has now been extended to a much wider range of products. The new law will improve the safety of electronic products such as thermostats, medical devices and control panels, and will prevent the release of hazardous substances into the environment. Member States have 18 months to transpose the new rules.

The new law is a revision of the RoHS Directive on the restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.

The key elements of the new Directive are as follows:

• A gradual extension of the rules to all electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), cables and spare parts, with a view to full compliance by 2019;
• A review of the list of banned substances by July 2014, and periodically thereafter;
• Clearer and more transparent rules for granting exemptions from the substance ban;
• Improved coherence with the REACH Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals;
• Clarification of important definitions; and
• CE marking denoting compliance with European norms reserved for electronic products that also respect RoHS requirements.

In view of the significant extension of the scope, the new Directive introduces transition periods of up to 8 years for the new products affected by the rules.

Photovoltaic panels are exempted from the new Directive in an effort to help the EU reach its objectives for renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Source: EU Press

Plastic bag levy planned for Northern Ireland

22/07/2011

The Environment Minister for Northern Ireland, Alex Attwood, has announced plans to introduce a new plastic bag levy by 2013. Over 200 million carrier bags are used in Northern Ireland every year and this levy aims to reduce the environmental damage of plastic bags as well as raise revenue for environmental projects and other priority areas.

A levy of 22 cents applies to plastic bags in the Republic of Ireland. The levy was first introduced at 15 cents in 2002. England and Scotland do not currently charge a plastic bag levy, but Wales will introduce a 5p levy from October 2011.

StopFoodWaste Summer 2011 Newsletter

22/07/2011

The summer newsletter of the StopFoodWaste campaign is now available online. Articles in this issue include:

• How to prevent salad waste
• Save time and money and prevent waste in your garden by grasscycling
• How to use up all your vegetables on the BBQ
• The latest news on Ireland’s new Master Composter Sites

Presentations from IBEC/Greenbusiness.ie Green Supply Chain Workshop available online

22/07/2011

The IBEC/Greenbusiness.ie Green Supply Chain Workshop took place on the 13th of July in IBEC Confederation House in Dublin 2.
 
The aim of the half-day workshop was to promote awareness of environmentally sustainable business practices leading to increased efficiencies and reduced business costs. Experts spoke about the range of government funded initiatives to help businesses reduce their costs and become more resource efficient. Business best practice case studies from Microsoft Ireland and Vodafone Ireland demonstrated initiatives which companies are undertaking to develop a sustainable supply chain. Green supply chain solutions were also explained outlining how to integrate environment thinking into supply chain management including areas such as product design, the sourcing of materials, manufacturing processes, product delivery, and life-cycle thinking.

Presentations from the workshop are available on the Green Business website and include:

• Waste Prevention and Resource Efficiency in Supply Chain Management
  Neil Walker, Head of Energy and Environmental Policy, IBEC
   
• Building Company Competitiveness through Best Practice
  Declan White, Green Tech Programme Manager, Enterprise Ireland
   
• Vodafone Ireland – Green Agenda
  Tracy Godfrey, Green Agenda Programme Manager, Vodafone Ireland
   
• Microsoft Ireland - Sustainable Supply Chain
  Brian O’Kennedy, Managing Director, Clearstream Solutions
   
• Greening the Supply Chain – A Powerful Route to Sustainability
  Mark Hilton, Technical Director, SKM Enviros

Source: Greenbusiness.ie

Oireachtas Committee to Consider Proposed €540m Offaly Eco Park and Reservoir Project

Science for Environment Policy: issue 249 available online

21/07/2011

Issue 249 of Science for Environment Policy is now available online. Articles include:

• Indicators for evaluating responsible chemicals management developed
• Water safety: adding phosphate reduces both lead and copper
• Plastic components of WEEE contain hazardous substances
• Simple re-seeding projects can triple grassland biodiversity
• Antarctica needs global and local responses to protect ecosystems

2010 National Litter Pollution Monitoring System Report published

21/07/2011

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D. has announced the provision of €1 million to local authorities under the Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme, and a further €0.5 million to assist local authorities in dealing with litter at key tourist locations during the peak summer season under the Tourist Season Anti-Litter Grant Scheme. 

The announcement was made at the launch of the 2010 National Litter Pollution Monitoring System report on 17^th July. The report shows that over 72% of areas surveyed have a high level of cleanliness, compared to only 48% of areas surveyed when the survey began in 2002.

Local authorities are responsible for selecting local projects for funding under the Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme, such as those run in schools, voluntary schemes and other community-led groups. The aim is to raise public awareness and promote anti-litter and anti-graffitti activity at local level.

Green-Door Leitrim: 9th-11th September

20/07/2011

Green-Door Leitrim is a unique opportunity to visit and be inspired by over forty sustainable buildings in Leitrim. Architects, builders and home-owners will give tours and be available to answer questions and a number of exhibitions will also be on display. Many of the buildings use new sustainable technologies, designs and materials.

The buildings that will be open for the Green-Door weekend are featured on the website inspirationalhomes.ie, which aims to act as a networking point for builders, architects, designers and home-owners who have an interest in the future of sustainable building.

Car-pooling website launched by National Transport Authority

20/07/2011

A new car-pooling website has been launched by the National Transport Authority to promote ‘smarter travel’ across the country. The website carsharing.ie is free to use and commuters can make contact to share lifts. This will reduce the number of cars on the road as well as transport costs for commuters.

"Our pockets and environment will benefit - this will make it easier, cheaper and more sustainable to get people from A to B. it will be especially useful for games, concerts and other events," said Minister of State for Transport Alan Kelly.  

LIFE+ 2010: Commission approves €244 million for 183 new environmental projects

20/07/2011

The European Commission has (yesterday, 19^th July) approved funding for 183 new projects under the LIFE+ programme, the European Union's environment fund. The projects involve all EU Member States and cover actions in the fields of nature conservation, climate change, clean technology, environmental policy and information and communication on environmental issues. Overall, they represent a total investment of some €530 million, of which the EU will provide €244 million.

Under LIFE+ 2010 programme, Ireland will receive funding for the Environment Policy and Governance project DEPOTEC (Erneside Engineering Ltd). The DEPOTEC project proposes a depolymerisation process that will add value to waste tyres by producing products that can be used as substitute carbon filler materials in the rubber manufacturing process. This will lead to a reduction in stockpiling of tyres as they will now become valuable raw materials for the production of these products and will also offer an alternative to burning end-of-life tyres to produce tyre-derived fuel.

Source: Europa Press

Biodiversity Around the World: New Exhibit at Galway Atlantaquarium

19/07/2011

A new exhibit has just opened at Galway Atlantaquaria. Galway Atlantaquaria is the largest aquarium in Ireland and focuses mainly on the display of native aquatic animals and habitats. Biodiversity in Ireland and indeed around the world is a growing issue. In Ireland invasive plants and animals pose a major threat to some of our indigenous species and habitats and the same is the case internationally.

This new exhibit at Galway Atlantaquaria, labelled “Biodiversity around the World” combines information on invasive species in Ireland with the loss of biodiversity internationally. It highlights the amazing diversity of life in the Great Lakes in Africa, with a tank based on Lake Malawi. The Amazon basin and the tropical rainforests is another area of amazing biodiversity and the fish of the Amazon River are represented here too with shoals of piranhas and other fish.

The new exhibit is a celebration of the amazing variety of fish that exist around the world and compliments the aquarium’s underlying theme of the wonder of the aquatic world and the importance of appreciating and protecting it.

For more information see Galway Atlantaquarium website.

Source: Irish Press Releases

Tyndall Conference 2011

19/07/2011

The John Tyndall Conference will take place from 28^th September to 30^th September 2011 in Dublin Castle. The conference will celebrate Tyndall’s achievements and examine developments in key areas of climate science, current scientific issues and their implications.

John Tyndall was born in Leighlinbridge, County Carlow in 1820. He was one of the first people to adopt the term ‘physicist’ rather than the term ‘natural philosopher’. Many scientific phenomena are called after him including the Tyndall effect, Tyndallisation and Tyndall scattering. He was one of the founders of the journal ‘Nature’ in 1869.

Full details of the conference are available on the event website.

Anaerobic Digestion in Ireland

19/07/2011

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is hosting two events that combine a professional seminar with a demonstration site visit to Ireland's most recently commissioned anaerobic digestion plant.

The events will take place at the Dunraven Arms Hotel, Adare, Co Limerick on 7 - 8 September 2011.

Places are strictly limited to 25 delegates for each session.

For further information and to register your interest, please contact Tom Knitter (SEAI) - Email tom.knitter@seai.ie or Telephone 023 8863237.

Source: SEAI

Free Green Business Clinic: 19th July

18/07/2011

Do you have 30 minutes to spare on 19 July?

Do you want to find out how to reduce your business costs while making environmental improvements?

If you have answered yes to these questions, then join us at Laois County Council's free Green Business 1-2-1 Waste Management Clinic.

Booking are now being taken for 30 minute appointments with representatives from Econcertive and Free Trade Ireland.

Please Contact Ann-Marie Kelly, Environment Awareness Officer on 057 867 4331 or email amkelly@laoiscoco.ie to reserve your free place.

Please note individual appointments last for 30 minutes and the first available appointment is at 8.30am and the last appointment is at 3.30pm on Tuesday 19th July.

Source: Laois Chamber

Unplug your Talent with ERP at Electric Picnic

18/07/2011

The European Recycling Platform (ERP) have announced that, for the second year running, they have joined forces with Electric Picnic, to highlight the importance of electronic recycling in an interactive environment. ERP, Ireland’s only pan-European compliance scheme for electrical and electronic waste and waste battery recycling, is calling on artists and designers to recreate a cultural iconic structure from old electrical items and batteries, with the winning entries showcased at Electric Picnic in September.

The three winning designs, one from each category, local, national and international, will be brought to life by the winner under the guidance of acclaimed artist, Christy Collard and will then be showcased on the Arts Trail at Electric Picnic. The winners will not only be honoured with their structure going on display at Irelands top music and arts festival, but they will also receive two VIP tickets for the festival.

The competition is open to people aged 18 and over and all entries must be submitted by midnight on Wednesday 27th July. A shortlist of entries will be announced on 2nd August 2011 and a panel of esteemed judges will select the winning entries for the three categories which will be announced on 9th August. For further information on Electric Picnic and the ERP competition please visit the Electric Picnic website.

Source: European Recycling Platform

Science for Environment Policy: issue 248 available online

18/07/2011

Issue 248 of Science for Environment Policy is now available online. Articles include:

• Hidden carbon emissions from trade offsets impacts of reforestation
• Shale gas extraction linked to water contamination
• Does ISO 14001 certification reduce industry polluction?
• How will biodiversity loss compromise Earth’s life support systems?
• Extreme weather warning system improves water management
• Climate change impacts not yet detectable in river flow data

Upgrade to the Mutton Island Wastewater Treatment Plant in Galway

15/07/2011

Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D. Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, yesterday announced that, he has given Galway City Council approval to prepare contract documents for the Design Build Operate contract to upgrade the Mutton Island Treatment Plant and the 20 year Operation and Maintenance contract.

The Minister said that “This vitally important project which is being funded under my Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2012,  as a contract to commence construction during the period of that programme, has an estimated cost of some €3.64 million.” 

“The financial support from my Department for this project reflects the commitment for continuing investment in our wastewater schemes to ensure that discharges into our rivers, lakes and coastal water meet the highest international standards” the Minister added."

Source: Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

Hazardous substances in Europe’s fresh and marine waters

15/07/2011

Hazardous substances in fresh and marine water can harm aquatic life and pose a risk to human health, according to a new report published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The report notes that while European legislation to address the issue is relatively strong, new challenges exist including ‘emerging pollutants’ where potential effects are not yet fully understood. More effort is also needed to ensure that chemicals are produced and used more sustainably.

Read more on the EEA website.

UK’s Largest Solar Installation Comes on Stream

14/07/2011

Built on the site of a disused tin mine in Cornwall, the UK’s biggest solar farm to date and the first in the South West of England has been connected to the grid by solar developer energy Lightsource Renewable Energy. Covering a 7.2 acre plot at Wheal Jane, Truro, the 1.4 MW farm is the first of many renewable energy projects planned at the reclaimed mine.

The farm’s 5,680 solar panels will generate 1,437 MWh of electricity a year, enough to power the equivalent of 430 homes in the area and save over 737 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year. Lightsource Renewable Energy has a number of additional sites being built across the UK.

Lightsource Renewable Energy worked with Solarcentury, the UK’s most experienced solar energy company, to deliver the solar farm. The project is funded by Octopus Investments.

Source: Environment and Energy Management

1,000MW of Wind Power Projects Planned for Ireland Over the Next Five Years

14/07/2011

Mainstream Renewable Power, an Irish company, has signed a deal with Chinese wind turbine manufacturers Sinovel Wind Group which will see the beginning of wind turbine construction projects in Ireland later this year. Over 1,000MW of wind energy projects are planned for the next five years.

The technology will be provided by Sinovel while Mainstream will develop and construct the projects. Lecheng Li, Senior Vice-President of Sinovel commented on the project:

“We plan to supply Mainstream with a steady flow of turbines through 2012 and 2013, reaching an average of 250MW per annum from 2014 onwards. As we gain certainty on project execution schedules we will review our plans for localising operation and maintenance activities, as well as possible component manufacturing.”

Internal Environmental Auditor: 2 day course

13/07/2011

This two-day training course will take place on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th September. It is designed for personnel who wish to gain an understanding of Environmental Management Systems and to develop the skills necessary to become an Internal Environmental Auditor. This course addresses the requirements of ISO 14001:2004.

Course objectives

On completing this course the participant will:

• Understand the requirements of an Environmental Management System
• Understand the standard ISO 14001:2004
• Be competent to conduct an internal environmental audit

Who should attend

• Personnel who wish to gain an understanding of the requirements of an Environmental Management System
• Personnel who require training as Internal Environmental Auditors
• Departmental Managers & supervisory staff (eg Facilities, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality etc)
• Engineers & Technicians
• Laboratory Personnel
• Internal Quality Auditors who wish to be trained as Internal Environmental Auditors

Full details are available on the course website.

Source: SQT Training

Dorset dairy will run on energy distilled from food waste

13/07/2011

Food waste from the production of cream, milk and fermented dairy products such as soft cheese and yogurt will be recycled to create enough energy to power most of the production process at BV Dairy in Dorset.

The facility – which received £1.7m from the AD Demonstration Programme – was opened on 11th July by Mr Bob Walter, MP for North Dorset.

The plant is capable of processing 80,000 tonnes of waste each year, which in turn will provide the majority of the electricity used in the manufacturing process at the dairy, which churns out 15,000 tonnes of dairy products each year for the food service and food manufacturing sectors. This is achieved by sending the biogas to a Combined Heat and Power engine installed on site.

At times surplus electricity created will be exported to the national grid. Heat generated by the facility is used in the AD process, and excess will be used in heating and cleaning processes in the factory, and in the cheese making process. The solid digestate will be used on local grassland. This bio-fertiliser is high in valuable nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and other elements required for healthy plant growth and fertile soil.

Previously the unavoidable waste material – washwater from the factory, permeate/whey from cheese making and other dairy rich liquids - were treated at the local sewage works, but treating the waste onsite reduces the company’s sewer disposal costs and generates renewable energy for use in the dairy.

Source: WRAP

Advanced Environmental Management System Auditor Course

13/07/2011

A five day Environmental Auditors Training Course will take place from Monday 5^th September to Friday 9^th September at the NSAI Training Centre, Santry. This IEMA approved course has been designed specifically for members of company environmental teams, management consultancies and certification bodies who wish to develop their skills and knowledge of the Environmental Management System Audit process.

GIY Gathering 2011: 10th/11th September

12/07/2011

GIY (Grow It Yourself) is hosting its annual GIY Gathering on Saturday 10^th and Sunday 11^th September in Waterford. This gathering is an opportunity for all GIYers to celebrate the harvest, share experiences, have some fun, and recognise the achievements and excellence of individual   Giyers and GIY groups.

This year the GIY Gathering is part of the Waterford Harvest Festival which takes place in the city that weekend. GIY is a national organization, and this is a once-a-year opportunity to celebrate, be inspired by other GIYers across the country – meeting people who are united in the single goal of growing more food.

Bring with you your tales of GIYing triumphs and (and those occasional mishaps which made you cry), your recipes for chutneys, your prize vegetables to show off, your sunblock and your umbrella! The GIY Gathering is like a regular ole GIY meeting only supersized and with more to learn, see and do. Come and join us, whether you are an old hand or a raw novice, a city slicker or a rural settler, have achieved complete self sufficiency or just like growing herbs on the balcony - there will be an activity to suit you!

Full details of the event are available on the GIY Ireland website.

Source: GIY Ireland

Concise guide to compostable products and packaging

12/07/2011

The Association for Organics Recycling (AfOR) has produced a concise guide to compostable products and packaging for use by local authorities and any other party who intends to utilise these beneficial materials. The guide places particular emphasis on the checking of claims made by manufactures, while providing information on the European logos which depict certified compostable products.

Download the Concise Guide to Compostable Products and Packaging

Source: Envirocentre

Minister publishes Review of the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 - 2012

11/07/2011

Mr Phil Hogan T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has announced the publication of the first review of the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012. The €350m investment (EU co funded under the BMW Regional  OP 2007-13) in 2011 alone, will fund over 100 contracts currently under construction and will see the commencement of over 60 more. 

This investment will support over 4,000 jobs in the construction sector per annum and will support many additional jobs in manufacturing and in operating and maintaining new infrastructure post completion.

The Minister said; ‘This review of the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 has allowed the Department and Water Services Authorities to jointly take stock of progress, ensure that project milestones are being achieved and identify any actions required to increase programme momentum. Investing in water infrastructure supports both environmental objectives and boosts economic activity.’

Source: Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

Geological Surveys Launched in Border Counties

11/07/2011

The first phase of a groundbreaking geological project which will provide vitally important data to help sustain and manage Ireland’s natural resources now, and into the future, was launched (Mon 4 July) in Cavan by Minister for Natural Resources, Mr Pat Rabbitte.

Details of the survey phase of the €5m EU-funded Tellus Border Project were unveiled to over 100 cross-border delegates including those from the six border counties – Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth – by the project’s lead partners, the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland.

The Tellus Border surveys will include airborne data collection along with on-the-ground soil and water sampling. They will start this summer and will be phased throughout the next two years. The resulting data on the soils, rocks and waters of the region will bring widespread cross-border benefits to many sectors including those responsible for environmental and earth resource management, planning and mineral exploration.

Tellus Border also extends the analysis and application of existing data resulting from the original and highly successful Tellus Project, which ran from 2004-2007 throughout Northern Ireland. This will ensure the continued delivery of benefits to the region.

Launching the Tellus Border Surveys, Minister Rabbitte said: “Following the project’s official launch earlier this year, I’m delighted to now announce the commencement of the survey work across the border counties of Ireland. This is a highly significant project, conducted by world class experts in this field, which will provide crucial baseline information to ensure the sustainable use of Ireland’s natural resources.”

Source: Government News Service

Wind Industry Sets Out its Contribution to EU Energy up to 2050

08/07/2011

A new EWEA report shows how wind energy can contribute very substantially to achieving the EU’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95% by 2050. The EWEA report sets out targets for the amount of wind power the industry expects to be able to deliver in 2020, 2030 and 2050.

It aims to provide European policy makers with a clear understanding of the significant contribution wind energy can make in terms of energy security, CO2 reductions and employment, ahead of the publication of the European Commission’s 2050 Energy Roadmap, due in the autumn.

The report shows that by 2020 most EU countries will have at least tripled their wind power capacity reaching a total installed capacity of 230 GW – providing 15.7% of EU electricity depending on demand. 190 GW would be onshore and 40GW offshore. By the end of 2010, 84 GW of wind energy capacity was operating in Europe, meeting 5.3% of EU power demand.

By 2030 EWEA expects 400 GW of wind to be operating in the EU providing 28.5% of EU electricity depending on demand. 250 GW would be onshore and 150 GW offshore. The report also shows that wind power could provide 50% of the EU electricity supply by 2050.

Source: Environment & Energy Management

Science for Environment Policy: issue 247 available online

08/07/2011

Issue 247 of Science for Environment Policy is now available online. Articles include:

• Urban green space responds rapidly to policy change
• Possible impact of climate change and fish farming on Atlantic Salmon
• A new decision-making tool for conservation managers
• Five ethical principles to guide biofuels policy
• New approaches needed to evaluate active travel policies
• Lessons for integrating tourism into sustainable rural development

BirdWatch Ireland: Appeal for records of the Long-eared Owl

07/07/2011

As part of the Bird Atlas, BirdWatch Ireland are appealing to volunteers to help map Ireland's nocturnal species, in particular Long-eared Owls. So perhaps you could find a spare evening or two in the next few weeks to head out to your local woodland to have a listen for the fantastic sound of young owlets calling for food. Your help will ensure that this charismatic species won’t go unmapped in your area.

Long-eared Owls can occur in a range of habitats, however it is suggested that you focus on mixed woodland and mature conifer plantations within the 10-km square, where access is possible. The key period for hearing young calling is from June to mid-July, but they can be heard well into August.

For simple guidelines to locating Long-eared Owls, please see the BirdWatch Ireland website.

An Taisce Withdraws Objection to Mayo Renewable Power Project

Cork Cycling Festival

06/07/2011

Cork Cycling Festival is a 9-day celebration of bicycle culture that will take place from 16^th-24^th July in Cork City and County. The event has been organised by a group of enthusiasts who are eager to share the freedom and enjoyment of cycling in Cork. The aim is to encourage people to try cycling and realise how fast, eco-friendly, economic and healthy a hobby it is.

A Cycle Chic Fashion Show will also take place on Saturday 16^th July, featuring the eye-catching and effective Rain Skirts created by Belfast Rain artist Joanna Karolini. Full details of the Cork Cycling Festival are available on the event website.

Transition 2011: All Island Gathering

06/07/2011

The Transition All Island Gathering 2011 will take place at Gurteen Agricultural College, Tipperary from 30^th July to 1^st August. The theme of this years gathering is Expanding the Transition Concept.

A number of skills workshops, talks, networking opportunities, a youth camp and other activities will take place during the daytime, evening and night. Sunday 30^th July is open to visitors. A more detailed program will be updated and available closer to the event on the Transition Towns Ireland website.

Aviva Stadium achieves status as sustainable venue

05/07/2011

Aviva Stadium has achieved BS8901:2009 certification which confirms the Stadium’s status as a sustainable venue operating a sustainability management system for all its events. Achieving certification within the first year of operation is a major achievement as Aviva Stadium is now amongst the first in the world to be certified to the standard which will increasingly become a requirement in the events industry going forward.

Some of the initiatives that assist the team at Aviva Stadium in managing their impacts include:

Environmental – rain water harvesting, waterless urinals, waste reduction and segregation including composting and recycling, energy consumption management through smart lighting, heating and cooling control, biodiversity protection measures (bat considerate lighting, bird boxes), supply chain procurement management and promotion of public transport.

Social – Community fund of €100,000 for projects available annually, Membership of the European Healthy Stadia Network, close engagement with the local and business community through a Project Monitoring Committee, dedicate community liaison officer, local employment opportunities.

Economic – supply chain procurement sourcing nationally or locally where possible, attracting international showpiece sporting and conference events such as the Europa League Final 2011, The Heineken Cup Final 2013, Nokia global conference, global launch of BMW’s new hybrid car.

Source: Wilson Hartnell Public Relations

European Energy Efficiency Fund EEEF launched

05/07/2011

The European Commission, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) and Deutsche Bank announced the launch of the European Energy Efficiency Fund (EEEF) in Brussels on 1st July. The EEEF aims to provide market-based financing for commercially viable public energy efficiency and renewable energy projects within the European Union.

The fund is the centrepiece of a new sustainable energy facility that the European Parliament and Council of Ministers agreed to launch using unspent funds from the European Energy Programme for Recovery for a new sustainable energy facility. It will support EU member states in meeting their objective to, by 2020, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, increase renewable energy usage by 20%, and lower energy consumption through a 20% improvement in energy efficiency. It will target the substantial potential for energy efficiency and small scale renewable energy in the European public sector.

Source: EU Press

Public Consultation: EU Air Quality Policy

04/07/2011

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on improving EU air quality policy. This consultation is intended to help set new long-term objective for EU air quality policy beyond 2020. The strengths and weaknesses of the existing legislative framework and progress on its implementation are being sought.

This web-based public consultation will continue for the next twelve weeks. The closing date for submissions is 30^th September 2011. Details of the public consultation are available on the EU Commission website.

Science for Environment Policy: issue 246 available online

04/07/2011

The latest issue of Science for Envirnoment Policy, 246, is now available online. Articles include:

• Precautionary principle should be applied to shale gas
• Reinforced concrete more liable to damage under climate change
• Policy transfer must occur within, as well as between, countries
• Integrated assessment tracks fisheries' conservation success
• Improving REACH tests for estimating chemical toxic risks
• Applying the ecosystem approach to forest biodiversity

Comhar SDC Local Sustainability Newsletter: July 2011

04/07/2011

The Comhar SDC Local Sustainability Newsletter: July 2011is now available online. Articles include:

• Bike Week
• Sustainable Travel in Mullingar
• Fresh Project – Introducing the UK’s Code for Sustainable Homes
• Carbon Foot Printing for Primary and Secondary Schools
• Green Business Initiative
• WEEE Ireland
• National Waste Prevention Programme
• Partnership for Change
• Greening Irish Communities
• Financing the Resilient City
• Growing a Better Future
• Defra’s Green Claims Guidance
• Renewable Energy Study

€35 million for eco-innovation comes on stream

1/07/2011

EU funding worth €35 million for 42 eco-innovation projects selected under the 2010 Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP) is now coming on stream, as applications are ongoing for the 2011 call for proposals.

Last year's successful applicants include a non-invasive method to repair leaks in water pipes; acoustic panels to dampen noise from railways using rubber from old tyres; biodegradable interior panels that can reduce the weight of an aircraft by 15%; a fermentation process that allows CO 2 recovery in breweries; and a prefabricated housing system made of locally sourced renewable materials (wood and straw).

The CIP Eco-innovation funds are designed to support new products, services and processes that use fewer natural resources and produce less waste, emissions and pollutants. Applications for the funding available under the 2011 call for proposals are welcome in the field of water conservation as a priority area, in addition to material recycling, sustainable buildings, the food and drink industry and green business. The call is open until 8 September 2011.

Further information is available on the European Commission website.

Source: EU Europa.eu