The EPA have published updated Best Practice Guidelines for the Preparation of Resource Management Plans for Construction & Demolition Projects  These guidelines supersede the ‘Best Practice Guidelines on the Preparation of Waste Management Plans for Construction and Demolition Waste Projects’ which were published in July 2006 https://www.epa.ie/pubs/consultation/C%20and%20D%20Guidelines%20.pdf

Waste is a Resource which is not be used to optimise its value. Products Process People Waste management is a fundamental part of most businesses. Where the creation of waste cannot be prevented, consideration must be given to the following in order of priority: Preparing for reuse Recycling Recovery Disposal Waste management refers to the...

Effluent is a wastewater which has been discharged from a process.  The process which generates an effluent can be industrial, commercial, municipal or from a treatment plant. Effluent and the Law It is a legal requirement that effluent is treated properly to comply with the emission limit values and other conditions of a discharge licence....

The Green for Micro programme is an initiative from the Local Enterprise Offices, with support from Enterprise Ireland, and is being being rolled-out nationwide to help prepare small businesses for the low carbon, more resource efficient economy of the future. Eligible companies can avail of technical and/or advisory supports from external experts across a broad...

The link between Lean practices and environmental performance has been well documented.  Lean practices can contribute to enhanced environmental and business performance. The most obvious benefits of Green and Lean are cost savings which are synergistically coupled with value creation opportunities. Cost savings may include energy savings, productivity savings, and savings from improved utilisation of...

European Communities ( Waste Directive) Regulations 2011 presents a number of options to manage waste – Article 27 (By Products) & Article 28 (end of waste). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are the competent authority in Ireland for classifying by-product and end of waste: Article 27 of the European Communities (Waste Directive) Regulations, 2011, allows...

IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are providing a GreenStart and GreenPlus Business supports to their client companies engaged in both manufacturing and services activities. Green Start –  Focus on Value A short in-company assignment of up to 7 days with an external business development consultant, to introduce Lean/Green principles, environmental best practices, systems and structures,...

Lean and Green are terms which are interchangeable in terms of many aspects of business. Many manufacturers know the benefits of lean manufacturing: higher productivity, better quality, reduced cycle time, plus enhanced employee engagement. Lean is excellent at marshalling different groups and individuals into a high performing team focused on rooting out waste. Environmental waste...

Waste disposal and recovery activities generally require a waste authorisation.  Which type of authorisation is required is dictated by the classes of waste activity listed in the Third Schedule of the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. No. 821 of 2007), as amended in 2008 (S.I. No. 86 of 2008).  Authorisation comes in three forms:-...

The EPA has published a Clarification Note on the Requirements for Underground Pipeline Testing at Industrial and Waste Licensed Sites. Integrity testing of stormwater pipelines from process areas is necessary in order to protect the quality of groundwater as required by the EU Groundwater Regulations (2010). ECOS assists our clients to manage compliance with the...