Europe can effectively replace oil with renewable energy in transport without resorting to harmful biofuels, according to a new report by Dutch research institute CE Delft, commissioned by environmental groups. The report, Sustainable Alternatives for Land-based Biofuels in the European Union, explores scenarios that recommend a major EU policy shift, prioritising energy efficiency and speeding...

The EU executive  organised a stakeholder meeting to determine which types of biodegradable waste can be designated as “products”. Such a definition would allow the waste to be used as fertiliser. Countries’ compliance with the forthcoming EU criteria will be voluntary, but if treated waste does not meet the EU criteria, it can only be...

The Green Hospitality Programme launched a new booklet for the hospitality sector – “Resource Efficiency in the Hospitality Sector”. This booklet contains numerous case studies, on how to reduce utility costs through resource efficiency. Being resource efficient reduces the impact of business emissions on the environment. Highlighting how protecting the environment, can go hand in...

The European Commission has confirmed it will limit the amount of crop-based biofuels used in transport in what amounts to a major U-turn on its previous policy. The EU’s target of producing 10 per cent of transport energy from renewable sources by the end of the decade was likely to be met primarily through biofuels...

Plastics Ireland 2012 was published recently and focuses on recent developments in Ireland’s polymer and plastics sector, including product recovery and reuse.  The publication includes a membership directory and a polymer suppliers guide.

A new certification and audit scheme for recycling post-consumer plastics will be officially launched Europe-wide in August. EuCertPlast was devised and launched by converters, recyclers and collectors of plastic in order to certify and audit post-consumer plastics recycling and aims to standardise transparency, waste traceability, and environmentally friendly best practices within the plastics recycling industry...

Harvesting rainwater and recycling greywater are well known and established practices. Blackwater reuse (from toilets) does not have as high a profile, but that may change after it has been used at the 2012 Olympic Games. Wastewater from London’s sewers will be treated and used to fill toilets, for landscape irrigation at the Olympic Park...

Water Shortages and Water Charges: in summary there is not enough water and we must pay for what we use. ECOS helps all types of businesses to address their requirements in a sustainable manner, both economically and environmentally, by providing Expert environmental knowledge Independent advice Proactive solutions Reduce – Reuse – Recyle Water – Rainwater – Greywater...

In the 20-year gap between the two Rio summits (1992 – 2012), the earth’s population has grown from 5.4 billion to more than 7 billion – a leap of almost 30 %.  This has had a knock-on effect on global use of natural resources, in tandem with increasing per capita consumption levels. Although greenhouse gas...

The EPA has published greenhouse gas emissions projections for the period 2011 to 2020.  The projected trends for greenhouse gases and give a picture of Ireland’s ability to meet EU and international targets with respect to greenhouse gas emissions: Ireland can comply with its Kyoto obligations (2008 – 2012) with regard to greenhouse gas emissions....