The circular economy, industrial symbiosis, resource exchange and sustainable supply chain management all are slightly different takes on the same theme. As a core value, the circular economy aims to keep products, components and materials at their highest utility and value at all times, distinguishing between technical and biological cycles. As with all things, jargon,...

The commercial landscape has been changing over the last two decades.  Supply chain strategy is now a bridge between competitive strategy and sustainability.   Establishing the correct strategy can start with social, economic and ecological factors such as energy and waste consumption, waste, human rights, labours, carbon output, all of which directly influence: Products Customers Competitors Regulations...

The Remedial Action list is a public record for the supplies known to be at risk and where the EPA is requiring Irish Water to take corrective action. The EPA has instructed Irish Water to submit an action programme for the improvement of each of these supplies and has initiated enforcement action where action programmes...

The Environmental Liability Directive 2004/35/EC establishes a framework based on the “polluter pays” principle to prevent and remediate environmental damage. The economic operator bears the financial consequences from harm or damage  caused to the environment Where environmental damage has not yet occurred: The operator shall, without delay, take measures to inform the competent authority of all aspects...

Have you ever sat through a presentation or read a report where it was obvious that it was not prepared with you in mind. Any such presentation or report is destined to fail in the delivery of its message. In our experience it is essential that the presentation engages all stakeholders such that they understand the...

The re-use of raw materials that are now disposed of as waste is one of the key principles of the Circular Economy Package adopted in December 2015. The European Commission is proposing a Regulation which will significantly ease the access of organic and waste-based fertilisers to the EU single market, bringing them on a level playing...

ISO 16075 is a new standard relating to the treatment and reuse of wastewater in agricultural irrigation projects and aims to maximize the benefits and reduce any related risks for the agricultural irrigation systems associated with the use of recycled water. In regions where water is scarce, treated wastewater can provide a new and vital source of water.  It makes environmental...

In very simple terms, Lean is a particular way of structuring and managing a project that reduces waste while increasing quality and value for the customer. Lean encourages cost savings and allows for greater flexibility in the project development process and maximises co-operation with all stakeholders. Adapting lean principles and tools gives everyone involved in the project...

Most companies use chemicals in one way or another. They are essential for our way of life and our economy, but they have to be managed safely so as to protect human health and the environment. Equal standards for the manufacturing, supply and safe use of chemicals apply across the entire European Economic Area (EEA) to...

Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste arises from construction, renovation and demolition projects and includes all waste categories mentioned in chapter 17 of the European Waste catalogue (EWC). C&D material is normally perceived as a waste and a liability.  Traditionally C&D waste was disposed off in the nearest hole in the ground, sometimes a licensed landfill and sometimes not....