The following questions can test any business’ approach to becoming a sustainable organization: How can we increase use of recycled and bio-based materials? Evaluating material alternatives through compatibility and footprint analysis is one of the best ways to help answer this question. How can we prevent our products from ending up in landfill? Understand the...

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it is seeking the views of the public on how the Agency should prioritise activities over the next number of years to protect and improve Ireland’s environment. The public consultation process offers interested parties the opportunity to submit suggestions on the EPA’s fourth formal strategy before publication...

The European Commission has outlined its plans to change EU legislation on environmental impact assessments (EIAs) –  to replace Directive 2011/92/EU. EU figures show that there, on average, are up to 26,000 EIAs across the bloc each year, and that the duration of the process is generally more than 11 months. There is mounting concern among...

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Sustainability released Water for Business. Specifically designed for businesses Identifies the water tools and initiatives most suitable for the needs businesses. Outlines the benefits of the different tools available Illustrates how a combination of complementary tools can...

Options for modernising the funding of environmental protection and improvement in Scotland were outlined in a new consultation launched on 11 October 2012. The key reason presented for changing the way SEPA is funded is to help maximise the benefits of the better environmental regulation approach. The consultation from SEPA and the Scottish Government looks...

Sustainable options can assist businesses to become more economically viable and compliant with legal and Corporate requirements. ECOS enables all types of businesses to sustainably meet their targets and address their economic and environmental requirements. ✓         Reduce the input of materials and energy ✓         Reuse or sympathetically dispose/treat of wastes ✓         Employ the most...

The Deloitte Q2 2012 CFO Survey has stated that 9 out of 10 Irish CFOs identified sustainability as having the strongest impact on long term value creation, compliance, risk management and building trust (ahead off cost control, revenue generation and investor relations). The EU is currently progressing legislation that would require non-financial reporting by CFOs, including...

Businesses can save time and money and minimize potential environmental liability by ensuring that employees and contractors understand: Legal & corporate requirements Their duties & obligations What to recognize What actions to take What and How to report Who is responsible Why it is important ECOS Environmental Consultants applies over 20 years of professional experience...

The new Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (COSME) will run from 2014 to 2020, with a planned budget of €2.5bn (current prices). The Objectives are: Facilitating access to finance for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) Creating an environment favourable to business creation and growth Encouraging an entrepreneurial culture in...

The Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund promotes sustainable development by assisting small scale, non-profit environmental projects at a local level. Projects are recommended for funding by local authorities following an open call for applications. A total of 490 projects have been funded this year. These projects are co-funded by the Department and Local Authorities...