May

Best Practice Guidance for Habitat Survey and Mapping

31/05/2011

The final version of Heritage Council's Best Practice Guidance for Habitat Survey and Mapping is now available to download. This publication presents current best practice guidance for survey and mapping of habitats in the Republic of Ireland, and is aimed primarily at those who conduct or commission habitat surveys. Its objective is to standardise and improve habitat survey and mapping methods in order to achieve compatability among surveys and surveyors, and to ensure the quality and consistency of the maps and data produced.

This publication is only available as a PDF that can be downloaded from the Heritage Council website. Also available to download are digital examples of a habitat mapping dataset (referred to in Section 7.2 of the publication). A version has also been prepared for easy reading and navigation onscreen.

Source: The Heritage Council

Enterprise Ireland Competitive Start Fund

31/05/2011

Following the success of the Internet & Games and the Software Competitive Start Funds, Enterprise Ireland is pleased to announce a call for a third Competitive Start Fund (CSF). This time the CSF is open to companies who are active in the following sectors: Lifesciences, Cleantech and Industrial. The competitive fund recognises the difficulties that early stage companies have in raising external funding to achieve the key commercial and technical milestones that will ensure delivery of their product or service and/or will get their project to a key funding milestone.

The fund size is €750k and applications will be considered on a competitive basis. The fifteen successful applicants will be those that achieve the highest scoring. Applications will be scored initially by an external panel of consultants and Enterprise Ireland. The shortlisted applicants will be invited to present a short investment pitch to an external panel of industry experts and EI. Successful business ideas will be supported through equity investment and a business mentor.

The selected companies will receive an investment of up to €50,000 for a 10% ordinary equity stake in the start-up company. The investment will be made in two equal tranches. The selected companies will be required to secure an additional investment of €5,000 prior to the release of EI’s first tranche. The EI investment will be subject to the Terms and Conditions set out in the Enterprise Ireland Term Sheet.

This funding mechanism has been designed to be fast and efficient and incorporates simplified equity agreements.

The closing date for applications is 14th June 2011 at 6pm.

Source: Enterprise Ireland

Minister Hogan seeks views on the operation of a possible packaging levy

30/05/2011

The Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., has initiated a consultation process with both industry stakeholders and the public on the operation of a possible packaging levy.

"In line with the Programme for Government commitment, my Department, as part of a waste reduction strategy, wishes to examine options regarding the introduction of a possible packaging levy. I have, therefore, initiated a consultation process with the aim of seeking the views of industry, interested stakeholders and the public on how this levy might be operated.

"No decisions have been taken on this matter yet and my Department looks forward to considering the responses received.” 

The notice of this consultation is available on the Department’s website. Comments should be submitted by 5pm on Friday 5th August 2011.

Source: Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

Science for Environment Policy; issue 241 available online

30/05/2011

Issue 241 of Science for Environment Policy is now available online. Articles include:

• Energy and construction: important drivers of resource use
• Waste management policy works, but waste prevention is key
• ‘Seascape’: a key influence on marine protected areas
• Little Bustard: case study for modelling conservation costs
• Graphene has potential for use in flexible batteries
• Resource productivity as sustainability indicator may need developing

2011 Sustainable Energy Awards

27/05/2011

The 2011 Sustainable Energy Awards are now open for applications. The annual Sustainable Energy Awards are intended to encourage, recognise and reward excellence in energy management in the industrial, commercial and public sectors. The awards will focus on individuals, groups and organisations who demonstrate a commitment to include energy management as part of their overall management structure and provide an opportunity for organisations, regardless of size, to gain public recognition for their achievements in reducing energy use and emissions. More information about this years competition is available on the SEAI website.
 

Kerdiffstown Landfill - The Remediation Project

27/05/2011

Remedial works continue at the Kerdiffstown landfill site in Co. Kildare. Following the installation of 24 gas abstraction wells, the next steps will see a plastic membrane installed in the area of the lined cell, and a clay cover in the North West region of the site.

Once the gas control layers are in place, gas will be pumped from the gas abstraction wells to two fully covered gas flare units on site (flames will not be visible). These units are used at landfills all over the world as the best means to control odour. They will burn off the landfill gas at a high temperature, thereby destroying the compounds responsible for the odour issues.

Source: EPA

Over 2,300 schools now flying the Green Flag!

26/05/2011

The An Taisce Green Schools Programme, now in its 14^th year, has awarded 627 schools from across the country with the Green Flag at a number of award ceremonies this week. Of these, 156 schools were awarded Green Flags for the first time for their efforts in tackling litter and waste. A further 471 school successfully renewed their flags for the themes of energy conservation, water conservation, sustainable travel, biodiversity, global citizenship and climate change.

There are currently over 3,500 primary and secondary schools taking part in the programme across Ireland, and over 2,300 schools have now been awarded the Green Flag. Each of these schools is working hard to improve their environmental performance and is having a positive impact on their local communities.

For more information on the Green School’s Programme and how you can get involved, please see http://www.greenschoolsireland.org/.

Renewable Energy Camp 2011: Friday 27th May

26/05/2011

Ireland’s first ever Renewable Energy Camp highlighting business opportunities and job creation potential in the renewable energy area will take place in Kilkenny, on Friday, May 27th.

This is a one day FREE event to promote business ideas, innovation and job creation. It is aimed at existing and start-up businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to share their experiences and gain knowledge.

The Renewable Energy Camp follows in the footsteps of similar events such as the Dublin Bizcamps. The Camp is being hosted by Kilkenny Leader Partnership and Carlow Kilkenny Energy Agency.

Nearly 20 speakers from a variety of backgrounds will offer advice and assistance.

The day finishes with a panel discussion on “Job Creation and Opportunities in the Green Energy Sector”. Panelists will include; Nick McGrath from Kilkenny based Hybrid Energy Solutions who recently closed a successful €800,000 funding for a innovative off-grid renewable energy system; Pat Blount from Meitheal na Gaoithe -The Irish Windfarmers Cooperative on future business & job opportunities in wind energy, and Colm Byrne from Glas Energy on re-inventing a business to meet market demand.

Please register to attend the event.

Source: SEAI

Draft National Action Plan on Green Public Procurement for Public Consultation Published

26/05/2011

GPP a key tool in the transition to a Green Economy

The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr Phil Hogan T.D., yesterday (25th May 2011) published a draft National Action Plan on Green Public Procurement for public consultation. The Minister said that the Action Plan, when it is finalised later this year, will apply to all personnel involved in procurement across the Public Sector. It will also be of major interest to their partners in the business community, as well as to other stakeholders in the academic community, NGOs, and other parts of civil society.

Minister Hogan said that in 2010, public procurement in Ireland amounted to €15 billion. “This highlights the key role that Government Departments, State Agencies and public authorities play in the procurement of infrastructure, goods and services. It clearly illustrates the leadership role that these bodies can play in promoting green procurement, as we put Ireland on the path to a low-carbon, competitive and successful economy. GPP will be a key element in driving this change and this Action Plan, once finalised, will provide the framework the development of GPP in a consistent, progressive and coherent fashion.”

It is intended that this Action Plan will:

(1) highlight existing best-practice procurement as an example to procurers of similar products and services across the public sector;
(2)  outline what further improvements could be made that would boost the percentage of GPP in Ireland to the most ambitious level possible.

The draft Action Plan proposes seven priority product groups for which the public sector should seek to “green” their tendering processes on a national basis. These seven product groups are:

1. Construction
2. Energy
3. Food and catering services
4. Transport
5. cleaning products and services
6. Paper
7. uniforms and other textiles
 
The draft Action Plan is now available for public consultation and may be downloaded on the webpages of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Source: Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

EPA Information re. ash cloud from Grimsvotn Volcano eruption in Iceland

25/05/2011

The EPA is aware of the ash cloud from the most recent volcanic eruption in Iceland, and continues to monitor air quality in Ireland at a network of locations throughout the country.

The situation is monitored hourly through the use of our automatic Sulphur Dioxide (SO²) and Dust monitors.

The most recent realtime data indicate that there has been no increase above background levels since the volcano erupted.

The EPA will continue to monitor the situation closely and is increasing its air quality monitoring for the duration of the ash-cloud event.

The results of this monitoring are fed back to the EPA website in real-time – hence the information is immediately available to the public.

This real-time air quality information is available on the EPA website.

The EPA has Particulate monitors (PM10/2.5) in Ringsend, Shannon and Longford which update automatically. In addition we receive data on an on-going basis from PM10 monitors in 14 other locations across the country. The EPA receives data from SO² monitors at stations in Cork City, Ennis, Tallaght, Shannon Estuary, Shannon Town Centre, Kilkitt (Monaghan), Ringsend, Rathmines and Winetavern St.

Source: EPA

Community Resilience Trainers Course

25/05/2011

A new ten module course called ‘Community Powerdown’ will be delivered by Cultivate, through the Green Works programme, from 8^th-10^th June at Cloughjordan, Co Limerick. This course is aimed at people who want to help and support their local community to make changes to a more sustainable way of life. The intension is for those involved to adapt and deliver this course in their own communities, and to act as a catalyst for change.

Full details are available on the Cultivate website.

Europe – Must Find Smarter Way to Boost Energy Efficiency

25/05/2011

That was the message told to those attending the EREC 2011 – European Renewable Energy Policy Conference, 23 – 24 May in Brussels. The conference on Monday was told that energy efficiency is the ‘most economic way’ of reducing emissions in the short term.

The EU wants a 20 per cent increase in energy saving by 2020 although the commission admits that, currently, it is well short of meeting that target. It is also seeking a 20 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the decade.

The conference heard that, in Europe, buildings are responsible for 40 per cent of energy consumption and 36 per cent of CO2 emissions and represent the most ‘cost-effective’ way for countries to meet the EU targets.

Source: Environment & Energy Management

Winners of the Green School's Energy Project Announced

24/05/2011

The winning schools of An Taisce Green Schools Energy Project sponsored by ESB Electric Ireland were announced at an event in Tailors Hall, Dublin on 20^th May attended by Minister of State for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Fergus O’Dowd. The overall winner was St. Catherine’s Senior Girls’ School in Cabra, who partnered with their catering company, Glanmore Foods to consider how the business could improve energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint.

Last Chance to Register for the National Water Event 2011

24/05/2011

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will host the National Water Event 2011 ‘Mobilising to Deliver Water Outcomes’ on 15^th and 16^th June in the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, Galway. The event will inform on a range of measures aimed at delivering improved water quality outcomes. A wide range of water topics will be covered at the event, including waste water regulation, drinking water regulation, delivering immediate outcomes for the environment, and diffuse pollution in addition to new developments in the area.

You can register for this event online at HOB Management before Wednesday 25^th May 2011. A programme for the event is available on the EPA website.

State of Knowledge: Inventory of Sources of Biodiversity Data in Ireland

24/05/2011

The National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) has recently launched a State of Knowledge document on Ireland’s biodiversity, the first full inventory of the principal sources of biodiversity data in Ireland.

As Sunday 22^nd of May was International Biodiversity Day, why not look through this invaluable resource and see how much you really know about Ireland’s biodiversity? The document is laid out following taxonomic groupings, each following the same format: Irish checklist, number of species, primary sources of distribution data, national conservation assessment, and monitoring or repeat surveys in place.

EU Public Consultation on Reducing Plastic Bag Use

23/05/2011

The European Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potocnik has opened a public consultation on how Europe can reduce its use of plastic bags. One option that is being considered is a Europe-wide ban on plastic carrier bags.

Each year, the average EU citizen consumes approximately 500 plastic carrier bags, most of which are only used once and often end up polluting the marine environment. In 2008, the total volume of plastic carrier bags produced was 3.4 million tonnes.

Mr Potocnik is urging the public to submit their views: “ We need the views of as many people as possible to complement our scientific analyses1 and help drive policy on this issue, which is suffocating our environment."

Full details are available on the EU Commission website:
Consultation on options to reduce the use of plastic carrier bags and improve requirements for biodegradability

Cosain launches Ireland’s first Carbon Trading Platform

23/05/2011

Dublin-based company Cosain has launched Ireland’s first Carbon Trading Platform by linking with the online platform for trading carbon credits, Carbon Trade Exchange. Wayne Sharpe, CEO of Carbon Trade Exchange said:

“Irish business and the Irish people who offset their carbon costs and trade locally generated carbon credits, will help the economy and foster growth of the ‘smart green economy’, consisting of multiple project and development companies and a new Green financial services sector.”

Generating Irish carbon credits would also lead to investment in Irish renewable energy projects and would reduce the need to purchase foreign market credits.

Final Opportunity to Take Part in 2011 Carbon Disclosure Project

23/05/2011

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the not-for-profit organisation that gathers data on how companies act to prevent dangerous climate change, is issuing a final call to Irish businesses to participate in this year’s project. The deadline for entries is Tuesday, 31st May 2011.

The Project, principally sponsored in Ireland by the NTR Foundation and supported by KPMG, acts on behalf of large international investors and invites Irish companies to measure and disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and climate change strategies, encouraging them to set reduction targets and make performance improvements.

Dick Budden, Ireland Director of CDP, has called on Irish businesses to participate: “Investors want smarter, more efficient, more sustainable organisations. Consumers are also looking for more sustainable suppliers. CDP has become the established and accepted global standard for examining the possible impacts on business of the many factors connected with climate change."

The CDP Questionnaire examines climate change practices; emissions reduction targets; climate change risks and opportunities; emissions data; zero or low carbon strategies.

The Questionnaire is circulated to 40 of the largest companies in Ireland listed on the Irish Stock Exchange; large organisations involved in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, including the major utility companies such as Bord na Mona and ESB; and other companies that volunteer to take part.

In Ireland, 33 Irish companies participated in 2010 and it is anticipated that this number will increase in 2011.

Questionnaires must be completed by Tuesday, 31st May 2011 and the Carbon Disclosure Project Ireland 2011 Report will be published later in the year.

Source: Environment and Energy Management

Bord na Móna on track to achieve co-firing target with biomass

20/05/2011

Last year represented a significant milestone on the road to Bord na Móna’s 2015 target to co-fire their Edenderry power plant to a 30% level with biomass. In 2010, 110,000 tonnes of biomass material passed through the plant, representing a 12% co-firing rate. This leaves Bord na Móna on track to hit a 15% level this year, which will be the fourth year of co-firing leaving them confident that the 30% target will be achieved by 2015.

This is critically important to Bord na Móna as the publication of the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) confirmed the key role that co-firing in the peat stations will play in the achievement of Ireland‘s mandatory renewable target by 2020.

Bord na Móna is now the biggest consumer of biomass in the State. More importantly, the 12% co-firing rate resulted in an equivalent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the plant, equating to almost 100,000t of CO2, and resulted in the production of 85,000 MWh of dispatchable green electricity. This is sufficient to power approximately 15,000 homes and is equivalent to the annual output from a typical 35MW wind farm.

Source: Bord na Móna

Science for Environmental Policy: Issue 240 available online

20/05/2011

The lateset issue of Science for Environment Policy, issue 240, is now available online. Articles include:

• Green Economy promotes economic and social development
• Citizens encouraged to help monitor wild bird species
• Comparing the purchase of eco-labelled products across Europe
• Careful guidance needed for farmers using biochar with pesticides
• Health impacts and costs of air pollution in European cities
• Dutch study shows policy effective in reducing packaging

Europe's steel packaging recycling rate reaches 72%

20/05/2011

European recycling rates for steel packaging reached a record-breaking 72% in 2009, making it the most successful recyclate.

The 72% figure placed steel far ahead of other packaging materials such as plastic, beverage cartons and glass, which had recycling rates of 30%, 34% and 67% respectively.

Belgium is also the champion of steel recycling for the 9th consecutive year, with a 98% recycling rate, according to figures from the Association of European Producers of Steel for Packaging.

Germany and the Netherlands follow closely behind, with figures of over 87%, while the UK comes in at 60%.

The past year has seen noticeable increases in recycling rates among countries such as Poland, which achieved an increase of 20% in its steel recycling rate.

Source: Edie Ireland

Irish Projects amongst winners of 2010 ‘Best of the Best’ LIFE Project Award

19/05/2011

The winners of the 2010 ‘Best of the Best’ LIFE Nature and LIFE Environment projects have been selected and will be presented at two separate awards’ ceremonies to be held in May in Brussels. LIFE Environment projects will be awarded at the conference ‘LIFE for our Environment: Success Stories and Future challenges’, and LIFE Nature projects will be awarded during this year’s EU Green Week.

Two Irish projects are among the winners. The LIFE Nature project ‘BurrenLIFE’ focuses on farming for conservation in the Burren, Co Clare. The second Irish winning project is Restoring Priority Woodland Habitats in Ireland (RPWHI), which is managed by Coillte in a number of locations across the country.

Seminar: Positioning your products for Green Building Standards

The purpose of the seminar is to update manufacturers and exporters of building related products and associated products. It will address the growing international use of LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method ) environmental impact rating systems by international commercial building project specifiers.

The seminar will take place on 2nd June at East Point Business Park, Dublin 3. Please contact 01-7272250 for details.

BioBlitz 2011

15/05/2011

BioBlitz 2011 is almost here! The event will commence at 17.00 hrs on 20 May and finish at 17.00 hrs on 21 May.

BioBlitz is a scientific race against time. The aim of this fun event is to find as many species as possible within a park over a 24 hour period. During last year’s event, the champions, Connemara National Park recorded a massive 542 species over a 24 hour period.

‘Base camps’ for the event will be located at 6 parks across the country: Connemara National Park, Galway; Ballycroy National Park, Mayo; Dromore Woods, Clare; Killarney National Park, Kerry; Raven Wood Nature Reserve, Wexford; and Liffey Valley Park, Dublin.

If you are interested in finding out more about Ireland’s natural heritage or would like to join one of the participating teams, please contact the National Biodiversity Data Centre for further details.

Email: info@biodiversityireland.ie

Phone: 051 306 240

Ocean Energy Focus of NUI Galway Public Lecture

18/05/2011

NUI Galway will hold a public lecture by Professor Tony Lewis, Director of the Hydraulics & Maritime Research Centre, UCC, on Ocean Energy later this month. The lecture entitled The Status of Ocean Energy Development in Ireland will take place on Monday, 23 May, 2011 in Room IT125, IT Building at 2pm.

Professor Lewis has been at the forefront of ocean research nationally and internationally for over 20 years. He has just returned from the most recent meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change in Abu Dhabi.

Despite the global recession, rising energy demand and limited fossil fuel energy supplies will ensure that focus is maintained on research in renewable energy. Ireland has enviable natural resources and has particularly ambitious targets regarding renewable energy, both wind and ocean.

In his lecture, Professor Lewis will summarise the latest national and international developments in ocean energy and government strategies to meet the challenges ahead.

“Energy supply and sustainability are key challenges for the future,” says Professor Gerry Lyons, Dean of College of Engineering & Informatics at NUI Galway. “While Ireland is very heavily dependent upon energy imports, we have unique advantages in terms of climate and location for the development of renewable energy sources. Professor Lewis is ideally positioned to help us all understand the challenges and opportunities.”

For further information on the lecture contact Tina Earls, College of Engineering & Informatics at NUI Galway, at tina.earls@nuigalway.ie  or 091 493143.

Source: NUI Galway

EPA Spring Newsletter

18/05/2011

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Spring Newsletter is now available online. Articles include:

• Director General’s Statement
• Focus on Landfilling in Ireland
• Water Quality in Ireland 2007-2009 Report
• Drinking Water Report 2008-2009
• STRIVE News
• Climate Change Lecture Series
• StopFoodWaste Website Launch
• EPA Awards
• Reductions in Emissions of transboundary air polluntants
• Environment in Focus
• Monitoring of Dioxins, PCBs and other micropollutants in cow’s milk
• National Waste Report 2009
• Air Quality Report 2009

Sewerage Schemes approved for Clifden, Claregalway and Miltown

17/05/2010

Phil Hogan TD, Minister for Environment, Community & Local Government yesterday announced that he has given Galway County Council approval to invite tenders for the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Collection Network contracts for the Clifden Sewerage Scheme.  He also gave the Council approval to invite tenders for the collection network for the Milltown and Claregalway Sewerage Scheme.

Minister Hogan said; “I am pleased to announce today that I am giving the green light for the €7 million Clifden Sewerage Scheme.  In addition I have given the go-ahead for the €2.87 million collection network for the Milltown and Claregalway Sewerage Scheme.  This is part of the €133 million included for water and sewerage contracts to start in Galway under my Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2012.  This will greatly improve the quality and scale of the wastewater infrastructure in the county and provide the capacity to support economic growth in Galway.

The Minister highlighted the following other Galway projects which have been included under the Department of Environment’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012:
• Galway City Water Rehabilitation (€10 million);
• Costello Water Supply Scheme (€15.3 milllion);
• Kinvara Sewerage Scheme (€4.8 million);
• Athenry Sewerage Scheme (€11.6 million);
• Oughterard Sewerage Scheme (€5.8 million).

Source: Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

25% cut in CO2 from buildings achievable

17/05/2010

According to a report released today by the International Energy Agency (IEA), heating and cooling technologies such as solar thermal, heat pumps and thermal energy storage could reduce global CO2 emissions from buildings by up to 25%.

The IEA Technology Roadmap Energy-efficient Buildings: Heating and Cooling Equipment shows how heating and cooling technologies that are energy-efficient and that emit little or no carbon dioxide have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 2 gigatonnes (Gt) by 2050 and save 710 million tonnes oil equivalent (Mtoe) of energy by 2050.

Source: IEA

'Tree To One' project wins SEAI One Good Idea Competition 2011

16/05/2010

Students from Loreto Balbriggan were announced as the overall winners of the 2011 SEAI search for One Good Idea with their project ‘Tree To One’. The 4^th year students showcased their project, together with over 20 other finalists, at the national final which took place on Friday 13^th May, at Dublin Castle.

The ‘Tree To One’ project focused on trees. The students worked hard to inform local primary school children about climate change, the importance of trees and to spread the message ‘Cut Back, Not Down’. The team also set up a website and blog, which can be viewed at http://www.loretobalbriggan.ie/ty/teamtreetoone/.

The One Good Idea competition aims to increase students’ understanding of energy efficiency and climate change by encouraging them to take individual responsibility. Students work in teams of up to six to research, design and implement an innovative campaign to a chosen target audience.

The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr Pat Rabbitte TD, attended the event to present the prizes and spoke with all of the finalist teams present.

UCD Earth Sciences Lecture on Climate Change

16/05/2011

UCD Earth Sciences Institute welcomes Jake Jacoby, until recently co-director of the MIT Joint Programme on the Science and Policy of Climate Change, to speak at the Urban Institute, UCD Richview, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14 on 20^th May from 12-13.30. The topic will be ‘Mobilizing Natural and Social Scientists in Integrated Analysis of the Climate Threat: Challenges and Opportunities – lessons from MIT’.

Space is limited, so those interested in attending should book a place by contacting maire.brophy@ucd.ie by 5pm on Wednesday 18^th May.

Comhar Sustainable Development Media Fund Projects are Showcased

13/05/2011

Projects that were awarded funding by Comhar Sustainable Development Council (SDC) Media Fund 2010 will be showcased at the Sustainable Environment Fair in the Botanic Gardens on Sunday the 15^th of May 2011.

The Comhar Sustainable Development Media Fund 2010 aims to secure more and better coverage of sustainability issues in the Irish media. 

The projects being showcased in the Botanic Gardens span a range of different media including national and local print media, online and broadcast. Some of the projects that will be on display include a documentary photographic exhibition examining the initiatives and developments in Ireland that are helping to build a more sustainable future; a radio documentary series that focuses on how to build sustainable communities; print articles focusing on passive buildings, in particular school buildings, in Austria; and a multimedia project that highlights carbon neutrality and sustainable development in Ireland, Sweden and Costa Rica.

The Comhar Sustainable Development Media Fund 2010 encourages the media – and, in turn, the general public – to understand and pay closer attention to sustainable development. It also aims to move the debate on sustainable development into the mainstream media and reach audiences who might not be aware of sustainable issues and their impact on society. 

Visit www.comharsdc.ie/mediafund to view the projects online.

For further information, please contact Niamh Kirwan at 01-888 2734.

Source: Comhar SDC

BirdWatch Ireland National Dawn Chorus Day: 15th May

12/05/2011

BirdWatch Ireland’s annual National Dawn Chorus Day will take place on Sunday 15^th May. Branches of the organisation throughout the country are planning a range of dawn chorus walks. Walks will start from as early as 4am onwards so listeners are sure to hear the first birdsongs that begin while it’s still dark.

All events are free of charge and open to both members and non-members. For details of branch events, please see BirdWatch Ireland.

Science for Environmental Policy: Issue 239 available online

The latest issue of Science for Environment Policy (issue 239) is now available online. Articles include:

• Global human well-being possible at low levels of energy and carbon
• Public priorities for conservation revealed in European survey
• Options for managing the variability of wind power explored
• Do climate change threats de-motivate us to protect the environment
• Fuel economy not the only influence on fuel consumption
• Sustainability assessment of different nuclear fuel cycle scenarios

Ireland among leading European countries for recycling

12/05/2011

Results from the European Recycling Platform (ERP) pan-European survey into Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and waste battery recycling habits shows Ireland outranks many other European countries surveyed.

Ireland is ranked 3^rd in the survey on WEEE recycling (8.86 kgs per head of population), which is twice as much as the European target of 4 kgs per head of population. Norway is ranked 1^st (19 kgs per head of population) and Denmark 2^nd (15 kgs per head of population). Ireland is also high on the list for battery recycling, coming 4^th after Austria, Germany and the UK.

Encouraging the Irish people to continue the strong recycling habits that are helping to protect our environment, Martin Tobin, CEO of ERP Ireland said: “ Irish people are very aware of the importance of diverting electrical waste from Ireland’s landfill sites and are taking action with responsible recycling. But we must also remember the smaller items like household batteries and it’s never been easier – any shop where you buy batteries MUST take your used ones back and any local authority recycling centre will take your used batteries.”

Minister Rabbitte launches Better Energy

12/05/2011

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte T.D, yesterday (11th May) launched Better Energy – The National Upgrade Programme which will streamline the existing residential programmes, support jobs and help consumers lower their energy bills. Welcoming the decision by the Minister for Finance to allocate an additional €30 million towards the new programme, Minister Rabbitte said, “Better Energy is a major step forward in this Government’s retrofitting programme. Given energy price trends and growing concerns over security of supply, the way we use energy is no longer simply a question of environmental responsibility but one of economic necessity. Every euro spent by homeowners and businesses on energy efficiency, not only brings about long term energy savings, but also helps support jobs and indigenous companies.”

The key elements of the announcement include:

• An additional €30M in Government funding in 2011
• The extra funding will support an additional 2,000 jobs in 2011
• The streamlining of programmes to make it easier for people to make an informed choice about the most suitable energy saving measure for them
• The involvement of the energy companies as partners in delivering energy savings.
• The start of the process of moving to new financial models such as pay as you save, which will foster sustained jobs and savings in this area.

Better Energy

Commenting at the launch, Minister Rabbitte added: “Ireland needs a strong green building sector, founded upon sustainable principles. Better Energy will help drive this agenda by building upon existing successful domestic grant programmes to take the scale of activity to a new level.”

Source: Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Science for Environmental Policy: Special Issue 26 on Resource Efficiency

Special Issue 26 of Science for Environment Policy is now available online. This issue focuses on resource efficiency. Articles include:

• Editorial: Think big for a resource efficient future
• Report outlines global patterns of resource consumption
• Choosing the path towards a sustainable future
• Socio-economic transformation needed to reduce resource extraction
• Seven steps to improving resource productivity and dematerialisation
• Resource scarcity threat and eco-innovation demand EU policy response
• International cooperation needed to prevent depletion of resources
• Material Productivity as consumption indicator needs careful interpretation

EPA Research Calls 2011: Water & Climate Change

11/05/2011

The EPA has called for research proposals in the areas of Water and Climate Change.

Water:

The Water Research Call includes three Doctoral Scholarships, two Research Fellowships and eight Project-based awards. The research areas include:

• Improve our knowledge on the State of our Water Resources and Pressures
• Impacts on Ecosystems & Human Health (including Drinking Water)
• Protecting our Water Resources
• Governance Framework and Socio-Economic Considerations in Water Management

Climate Change:

The Climate Change Research Call includes four Research Fellowships and ten Project-based awards. Areas for research include:

• Greenhouse Gases Emissions and Sinks
• Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation
• Socio-economic Analysis and Technologies
• Air Quality and Trans-boundary Air Pollution
• Cross-Cutting Assessment Modelling

Full details of the individual topics are available in the Technical Description Document on the EPA website. Proposals must be submitted before the 17^th June 2011 (5pm).

Technical Description Document: Water
Technicla Description Document: Climate Change

Survey reveals importance of green supply chain for businesses

11/05/2011

BearingPoint consultancy has released its survey Green Supply Chain 2010-2011: from awareness to action. The survey examines the green supply chain practices in Europe, and results highlight a growing interest of company managements in developing products with low environmental impact. The survey also shows that green supply chain initiatives are driven by improvements in the company brand image as well as economics. Over half of the companies surveyed indicated that they did not renew contracts with suppliers who did not respect their green priorities.

For Irish manufacturers, it is clear that the ability to measure and reduce their carbon footprint will be a key factor to succeed in the export market. Claudia Carr, supply chain lead for BearingPoint Ireland, explained:

“ The environmental impact of transportation and manufacturing from some low cost economies is leading to a review of purchasing policies by many organisations. There is a growing opportunity for Irish companies, with good green credentials, to compete for this business.”

In the current economic climate, it is a promising opportunity for Irish companies to reduce costs by implementing environmental initiatives in the workplace, while improving their green credentials on the export market.

REPAK Yearbook 2011

11/05/2011

REPAK, an industry which aims to facilitate and increase packaging recycling in Ireland, has published its yearbook for 2011. Articles include:

•  Repak – The Quick Guide 
•  Get on Board - Join Repak 
•  A Guide to Repak Fees and Statistical Returns 
•  A Guide to Waste Management Legislation 
•  Repak Results 2009 
•  Repak Activities 
•  Repak Awards Winners and Finalists 2010 
•  Best Practice and Prevention 
•  The Green Dot and Packaging 
•  Pro Europe (Packaging Recovery Organisation Europe) 
•  Business and Trade Associations 
•  City and County Councils
  

The full REPAK Yearbook 2011 is available for download from the REPAK website.

Botany Lecture, Trinity College Dublin: 19th May

10/05/2011

The Trinity College Department of Botany and the Tweedy Lecture Series are hosting a lecture celebtrating 300 years of Botany in TCD. The lecture Shoots and Leaves: Changes in the Plants, Vegetation and Natural Habitats of Ireland will be presented by Dr. Matthew Jebb, Director of the National Botanic Gardens. It will take places at the Synge Theatre, Arts Building, Trinity College on Thursday 19th May at 7pm.

Admission is free, but advanced booking is essential. Please contact clementb@tcd.ie to reserve a place.

Businesses asked to help green Carlow festivals

10/05/2011

Businesses in Co Carlow are invited to an information workshop on “Greening Carlow’s Festivals” at 9.30am on 18^th May 2011 in the Talbot Hotel.

The short workshop (due to finish at 11.30am) will highlight how businesses can save money by increasing efficiencies and how they can help to green the festivals. Carlow County Council, Éigse, Carlow Chamber of Commerce, the Pan-Celtic Festival and Carlow Tourism are working with the Green Hospitality Programme in asking businesses to become involved in this exciting project.

The benefits of this programme to you and your business are as follows;
• Identifying cost savings in energy, water and waste.
• Recognition on the different festival webpages
• Recognition as a Carlow Festival Green Aware member
• Subsidised Environmental Reviews
• Opportunity to achieve environmental certification with Green Hospitality
Programme or EcoCert, both of which are acknowledged both nationally and
internationally.
• Assist compliance with Environmental legal requirements

The programme is open to businesses of all sizes throughout County Carlow. The programme is sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and with their support we can offer a number of businesses a subsidised environmental review where improved efficiencies and potential cost savings will be identified.

To find out more come along to the Green Festival Workshop on 18th May 2011 at 9.30am in the Talbot Hotel, Carlow.
 
For more information please contact Fionnghuala Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer, Carlow County Council on (059) 9136240 or email: fryan@carlowcoco.ie
 

Source: Carlow County Council
 

Cré National Anaerobic Digestion & Composting Conference 2011

09/05/2011

The Cré National Anaerobic Digestion & Composting Conference 2011 will take place on Friday 27^th May at the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny. The focus of this year’s conference will be how Ireland can divert organic waste from landfills to more sustainable solutions to meet Ireland’s next Landfill Diversion target in 2013.

The keynote speaker at the Cré Conference will be Mr Phil Hogan TD, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. There will also be a panel of national and international experts, as well as a trade show.

Full details of the conference schedule are available on the event brochure.

Science for Environmental Policy: Issue 238 available online

09/05/2011

Issue 238 of Science for Environment Policy is now available online. Articles include:

• Climate change will alter the structure of Europe’s tree of life
• Global WEEE management needs to step up efforts
• Agricultural diversity boosts food security
• Feral GM oilseed rape a potential source of herbicide resistant genes
• Sustainable natural materials can be used for noise insulation
• Putting sustainability into practice in government departments

IBAL call for 'Adopt a Road' scheme at lauch of 2011 Anti Litter League

06/05/2011

The Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) group called on the Government to introduce a national ‘Adopt a Road’ scheme at the announcement of the 2011 Anti Litter League, which was launched by Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Mr Phil Hogan TD.

It is envisaged that companies would sponsor the national road network and finance the cleaning of stretches of road. The programme would benefit the companies through advertising it gains from signs on the roadside, while the county councils would benefit from virtually free maintenance of roadsides.

‘Adopt a Road’ is a widely used scheme in the USA and has already been implemented in Co Cavan. Please see the Greening Communities section for more information on the scheme.

Explorers complete scientific Arctic expedition

06/05/2011

The Catlin Arctic Survey has successfully extracted its team of explorers from the Arctic Ocean. A collaboration between scientists and explorers, the Catlin Arctic Survey undertakes field research in the Arctic and provides a unique platform to tell the story of its changing climate and how it relates to regions around the world.

The team of four explorers had been out on the frozen ocean for 47 days on a two-stage expedition undertaking scientific work across 308 miles (500 kilometres). The team, part of the Catlin Arctic Survey’s third scientific expedition, gathered crucial data along their route for scientists studying the fast-changing state of the ice.

Tim Cullingford, head of science for the Survey, said: “The work the explorers have been doing is about as tough as field science gets. After a whole day of trekking in the severe cold they have had to do several hours of science, drilling through the ice to create a sample hole and lowering a number of scientific instruments into the waters beneath.”

The results of their efforts will be analysed by Dr Simon Boxall from the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton (UK). The explorers’ work is part of a wider research programme completed by the Catlin Arctic Survey this year. The Survey also included a purpose-built field research station which hosted an international team of seven scientists. The expedition’s Catlin Ice Base was located on floating sea ice on the edge of the Arctic Ocean off Ellef Ringnes Island.

Initial scientific observations from the research expedition will be available soon. Full findings will be published after more detailed post expedition analysis is completed.

Source: Environment & Energy Management

European Commission adopts an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020

The European Commission has adopted an ambitious new strategy to halt the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services in the EU by 2020. There are six main targets, and 20 actions to help Europe reach its goal. Biodiversity loss is an enormous challenge in the EU, with around one in four species currently threatened with extinction and 88% of fish stocks over-exploited or significantly depleted.

The six targets cover:

• Full implementation of EU nature legislation to protect biodiversity
• Better protection for ecosystems, and more use of green infrastructure
• More sustainable agriculture and forestry
• Better management of fish stocks
• Tighter controls on invasive alien species
• A bigger EU contribution to averting global biodiversity loss

These measures are in line with global commitments made in Nagoya in October 2010, in the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity, where world leaders adopted of a package of measures to address global biodiversity loss over the coming decade.

For further information, please see the EU Biodiversity Policy Development website.

Source: European Commission

 

Science for Environmental Policy: Special Issue 25 on Global Green Economy

05/05/2011

Special Issue 25 of Science for Environment Policy is now available online. This issue focuses on the Global Green Economy, and articles include:

• New measures of sustainable progress needed to improve well-being
• Beyond GDP: new measures of progress for a green economy
• What are the impacts of zero growth?
• Policy support for green transition could create millions of jobs
• A global green economy can help meet Millenium Development Goals
• Green stimulus packages: a difficult balancing act
• Strong global governance essential to developing the green economy

Gorse fires destroy thousands of acres across the country

Wicklow landscape after a fire

Part of the mountain landscape between Bray and Greystones in County Wicklow, destroyed in a recent wild fire.

c. J. P. Anderson

Wicklow landscape after a fire
c. J. P. Anderson

Wicklow landscape after a fire

Part of the mountain landscape between Bray and Greystones in County Wicklow, destroyed in a recent wild fire.

c. J. P. Anderson

Enlarge image

04/05/2011

Firefighters are continuing to tackle extensive gorse fires which have broken out across the country in recent days. Thousands of acres of land have been destroyed, affecting plant and animal wildlife, livestock, air pollution as well as property. Affected counties include Donegal, Mayo, Down, Antrim, Offaly, Leitrim, Laois, Clare, Galway, Roscommon, Monaghan, Cavan, Longford, Westmeath, Meath, Sligo and Louth.

Many of the fires have been brought under control, although windy, dry conditions means there is still potential for further outbreak of fires. A number of people in the North have been arrested on suspicion of arson.

Management of gorse areas, which are susceptible to catching fire, helps to prevent uncontrolled fires. However, the recent warm dry weather is likely to have triggered a number of the fires elsewhere in the country. It is hoped that the rain forecast for the next 48 hours will significantly help the emergency services prevent further spreading of the fires.

Caring for Irish Wildlife: Seminar on protecting the future of Irish biodiversity

04/05/2011

Date:                     Saturday 14^th May 2011
Location:              The Palatine Room, National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7.
Time:                    10am to 4pm

Admission is free of charge. Our native species are continually under stress from environmental changes including pollution and habitat loss, therefore the assessing and safeguarding Irish wildlife is a difficult but important duty. This seminar will feature talks from experts working with Irish wildlife organisations and on conservation projects. For more information or to make a booking please phone: 01 648 6316 or email: educationnh@museum.ie.

Source: National Biodiversity Data Centre

Green Schools’ National Walk to School Week 2011

03/05/2011

Students from all over Ireland will take part in walking initiatives to show their support for a greener and healthier environment during this year’s National Walk to School Week, May 16^th – 20^th.

Green-Schools across the country will encourage pupils, parents and teachers to walk to school by holding events such as Walk to School days, Walk on Wednesday (WOW), Feet First Friday, sponsored walks and walking fancy dress competitions. Schools this year will also be taking part in the Green-Schools National WOW (Walk on Wednesday) Day on May 18^th, to help An Taisce Green-Schools reach the target of 20,000 students walking to school all over Ireland!

To help you promote the event in your school, download the ‘Walk to School Week’ poster and ‘Scores on the Door’ sheet from the Green Schools website.

Source: Green Schools

ESB ecars announce plans for fast charge points across Ireland this summer

03/05/2011

ESB ecars has announced plans for the rollout of fast charge points in service stations across the country from May this year. A number of fast charge points for ecars will be made available from May and throughout the summer along a number of inter-urban routes, following agreements with Topaz, The Maxol Group and Lidon Limited.

These charge points will be located in Monaghan, Cashel, Cork, Athlone , Cavan, Navan and Monasterevin. In order to promote ecars in Ireland, ESB ecars has set out a number of targets to be achieved by the end of 2011:

·          30 fast charge points installed

·          1500 public charge points available across Ireland

·          2000 home charge units installed (dependent on ecar sales)

For details of the location of the 1500 public charge points that will be available by the end of 2011, please see the ESB ecars map.

Green Building Forum 2011

03/05/2011

A forum on the future on green building in Ireland will take place on Friday 6^th May. Presentations will be made by a range of experts in the area in the morning and participants may take place in one of the following afternoon sessions: 

• Rating Tools for Sustainability in the Built Environmental
• Speakers and Café Seminar on Creating Sustainable Communities

The event will take place at Griffith College Dublin. Please see the event website for details of speakers and cost.