A European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy

The European Commission adopted the worlds first comprehensive Plastics Strategy In January 2018.  In May 2018 The European Commission proposed new laws to tackle the 10 most found plastic waste items on Europe’s beaches as well as fishing gear.  The Single Use Plastics Directive is an integral part of the wider approach announced in the Plastics...

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Actions are required to address the global plastic crisis

Ireland, Europe, US, Australia and others have for a long time been dependent on China to take the poor quality plastic that they collect and do not have the infrastructure or capacity to use themselves. As of January 2018 China has decided it does not want the low value plastics Until more recycling plants are...

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Climate-KIC Accelerator

Climate-KIC Accelerator is the cleantech accelerator with a focus on climate impact.  It offers a 18-month programme, divided in 3 stages, to grow your own cleantech idea into a great business. The Dublin Climate-KIC Accelerator supports promising start-ups by providing the tools, opportunities and network to transform break through innovations in climate innovation and finance. ...

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Trade Can Drive the Transition to a Green Economy

The Trade and Green Economy Handbook – produced by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), aims to boost the interaction between trade and the Green Economy, thus opening up new possibilities to drive sustainable development. In 2013, the financial volume of global trade amounted to US$23.4 trillion. At...

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10 Reasons why SMEs should consider sustainability

There are many reasons why Sustainability is good for business, including opportunities for SMEs to benefit. Potential to increase profits,  eg. reducing energy usage, waste, raw material and transport which all correlate directly to reducing costs. Fulfil the demand for greener products and services. There is a growing demand among consumers for greener and safer products and people are...

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Coca Cola – World Leader in Water Efficiency

Coca Cola recognised were one of the first companies to recognise water efficiency as adding significant value to their bottom line. For more than 40 years ago Coca Cola have lead the way to demonstrate how a global business can improve their business and add significant value to the countries and communities in which they...

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Sustainable innovation – 10 Key Lessons

Sustainable innovation needs to be anchored in the rethinking of current business models, and eco-innovators need to be prepared for a potentially “very bloody fight” with current market leaders, according to “10 key lessons” from the latest Sustainable Innovation conference organised by the Centre for Sustainable Design. According to the key lessons from the 2013 conference: Climate change,...

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ISO 14045:2012, Environmental management – Eco-efficiency assessment of product systems – Principles, requirements and guidelines

The ISO International Standard for applying eco-efficiency assessment to product systems, was published in 2012 and has a huge potential given ongoing economic and environmental challenges for businesses. ISO 14045:2012, Environmental management – Eco-efficiency assessment of product systems – Principles, requirements and guidelines describes the principles, requirements and guidelines for eco-efficiency assessment for product systems. Eco-efficiency...

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A guide, for business and institutions, on supports available in Ireland for developing resource efficient practices.

Supports for business and institutions in the development and implementation of Green Business strategies are available from a range of state agencies in Ireland. This guide provides a brief overview of services and supports available from the four principal agencies active in this area: the environmental Protection Agency, the Sustainable Energy Authrority of Ireland, Enterprise...

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Businesses can save time and money : Water, Waste and Wastewater

All businesses have legal and corporate requirements relating to water and wastewater. Businesses can save time and money and minimize potential environmental liability by ensuring that they understand: Legal & corporate requirements Their duties & obligations Why they is important Who is responsible What to recognize What actions to take What and How to report...

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