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...

Progress towards environmental sustainability can only be measured and monitored in a reliable way if robust data, indicators and tools are available.  Policy targets and associated indicators are also essential for constructive action to address the long-term challenge of sustainability in Europe. Sustainable development aims to improve quality of life without compromising the well-being of...

All businesses have legal and corporate requirements relating to water and wastewater. ECOS provides environmental advice to all types of businesses. We help our clients meet their business needs, be legally compliant and operate in line with best practice. Projects have included: Water, Waste and Wastewater – Treatment, Best Practice, Recovery & Reuse Environmental Management...

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) launched a new publication that demonstrates the business case for companies to engage in water valuation. Water Valuation: Building the business case paves the way towards the integration of true water values and true water costs into decision-making. Water availability is increasingly limited. Globally, water resources are...

Also known as MainsWater, Rainwater, Greywater and Wastewater. Sustainable options are available for business and commercial premises to minimize their Water Footprint (and cost) and comply with legal requirements  without compromising on their production or process requirements. Reduce – Recover – Recyle ECOS helps all types of businesses to address their requirements in a sustainable...

Possible plans for a harmonised approach to so-called ‘life cycle assessments‘ of a wide range of products have taken a step forward. It comes after the European Commission revealed that it will launch a pilot project early in the new year which is designed to pave the way for life cycle assessments (LCA). In a life...

Eco-innovation matters in two ways for small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). More than 99% of European Union companies are SMEs, covering all sectors, including crafts, manufacturers and retailers. SMEs are responsible for two-thirds of private sector employment, and about 60% of EU GDP. Spreading eco-innovative approaches throughout small and medium-sized companies could reap wide-ranging benefits....

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in conjunction with the BeGreen Programme, provide many supports, often free of charge, to business. Guidance on available supports is presented on the SEAI website and is summarized in a presentation made during the recent the BeGreen Roadshow. The BeGreen Programme is supported by the Small Firms Association and the Environmental...

The Energy Efficiency Directive will enter force on 4 December following its publication in the EU’s official journal on Wednesday. Member states will have until June 2014 to transpose it into national law. Annual reporting on progress towards meeting the efficiency targets of each member state will be required. National action plans must be issued every...

The obligations under Irish law in respect of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) are derived from obligations incurred as a result of membership of the European Community within the terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act and Regulations. An EIA is to be conducted before consent is given for projects likely...