Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the measurement of the anticipated effects of a proposed project or development on the environment. The purpose of the EIA process is to ensure that: All projects that are likely to have a significant impact on the environment are assessed.  People are fully aware of the likely effects of the...

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is a technique used to quantify the potential environmental impacts associated with a product or service throughout its life cycle.   Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are tools which enable transparent communication to stakeholders.  LCA and EPD present comparable information about the environmental impact of of products and...

An Appropriate Assessment involves a case by case examination of the implications of a development or activity for a Natura 2000 site and its conservation objectives. The EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) placed an obligation on Member States of the EU to establish the Natura 2000 Network.  The Natura 2000 Network is a network of important...

Whether your business is a small restaurant or a large multinational manufacturing industry, if it generates a wastewater which is discharged to a sewer, a discharge licence is required with very few exceptions. Irish Water are responsible for the issuing of discharge licences for effluents discharged to sewers under the provisions of Section 7 of...

The Article 11 process is the mechanism which can be used where there is uncertainty as to which type of waste authorisation may required  – i.e. waste licence, waste facility permit, certificate of registration or none of these. Clarification can be sought from the Environmental Protection Agency to determine the question for you in advance...

ECOS provide expert services relating to Waste Permits and Licence applications, facilitating businesses in liaising with local authorities and the EPA.  ECOS can assist you in ensuring that your business is operating within the standards set out in both Irish and European Law.  As set out in the Waste Management Regulations, any individual, (person, company...

An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald T.D., has announced that new EU regulations, which introduce new non-financial reporting requirements for some of Ireland’s largest companies, took effect from Monday, 21 August 2017. Under the European Union (Disclosure of non-financial and diversity Information by certain large undertakings and groups) Regulations 2017, large companies will...

Ireland is “ideally positioned” to become a global leader in wave and tidal energy production, according to the organiser of an international conference being held in Cork at the end of this month. More than 400 experts, entrepreneurs and researchers will attend the European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference (EWTEC 2017) in Cork this month....

The first National Mitigation Plan on climate change was published on the 19th July this year and represents a huge initial step to set Ireland on a pathway to achieve the level of decarbonisation required and transition to a low carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050. This is a very important first step by this Government...

Environmental management has a raft of legislation associated with it covering air emissions water, waste water, integrated pollution control now known as industrial emissions. Environmental management has significant implications for business in terms of legal compliance, cost and technical measures to be implemented. How you address environmental management can have a significant bearing on your business and profitability. There are...