Circular Economy Opportunity

The circular economy opportunity often becomes shrouded in “higher level” benefits to address the triple planetary crisis of climate, biodiversity, and pollution, as well as pathways for inclusive development.  Throw in the holy grail “Net Zero” misconception that it is only possible only through heavy investments and sacrificing margins and enthusiasm wanes rapidly. Sustainable development...

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What is Waste Management

Waste is a Resource which is not being used to optimise its value. Products Process People Waste management is a fundamental part of most businesses.  Waste hierarchy is a tool which is made up of five steps: reducing waste at the source, reuse of materials, recycling, energy recovery, and landfilling.  In order to be sustainable, waste management...

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Water Management

Water management is the activity of planning, developing, distributing and managing the optimum use of water resources.  Water resources are natural resources of water that are potentially useful as a source of water supply.  Natural sources of fresh water include surface water, under river flow, groundwater and frozen water.  Artificial sources of fresh water can include treated...

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Lean/Green business principles increase performance and competitiveness

Lean/Green business principles increase performance and competitiveness

IDA Ireland, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland is providing a Lean/Green Business Offer to their client companies.  IDA is keen to support its client companies to develop their operations in Ireland and to introduce good environment management practices. This business offer is designed to encourage clients to adopt Lean/Green business principles to increase performance and...

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Supply Chain: Competitive Strategy & Sustainability

Supply chain strategy is now a bridge between competitive strategy and sustainability.  Establishing the correct strategy can start with social, economic and ecological factors such as energy and waste consumption, waste, human rights, labours, carbon output, all of which directly influence: Products Customers Competitors Regulations Suppliers Employees Investors An assessment of how social, economic and ecological factors...

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Resource Management Plans for Construction & Demolition Projects

Resource Management Plans for Construction & Demolition Projects

The EPA have published updated Best Practice Guidelines for the Preparation of Resource Management Plans for Construction & Demolition Projects  These guidelines supersede the ‘Best Practice Guidelines on the Preparation of Waste Management Plans for Construction and Demolition Waste Projects’ which were published in July 2006 https://www.epa.ie/pubs/consultation/C%20and%20D%20Guidelines%20.pdf

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Lean and Green: Interchangeable terms to describe business improvement

Lean and Green are terms which are interchangeable in terms of many aspects of business. Many manufacturers know the benefits of lean manufacturing: higher productivity, better quality, reduced cycle time, plus enhanced employee engagement. Lean is excellent at marshalling different groups and individuals into a high performing team focused on rooting out waste. Environmental waste...

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Lean is Green

It can be said that lean is green.  A lean organisation understands customer value and focuses its key processes to continuously increase it. The core idea is to maximise customer value while minimising waste.   Lean means creating more value for customers with fewer resources. The ultimate goal is to provide perfect value to the customer...

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Lean/Green Business Offer from IDA Ireland & Enterprise Ireland

IDA Ireland, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland is providing a Lean/Green Business Offer to their client companies which will commence with a diagnostic audit of current practice and performance including the first steps to green competitiveness.  This business offer is designed to encourage clients to adopt Lean/Green business principles to increase performance and competitiveness that...

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Water Charges Plan for business customers

Under the Water Services (No 2) Act 2013, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) approves Irish Water’s Water Charges Plan, which sets out water services charges with regard to new connections, special meter reads, meter testing, and charges for provision of water and wastewater services to domestic and non-domestic customers. In approving the Water Charges...

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