March

Entries sought for RTÉ science show

31/03/2011

RTÉ Young Peoples is looking for applications for the second series of its science adventure show The Mountain. You can watch episodes of The Mountain here: http://www.rte.ie/trte/themountain/.

The Mountain is looking for teams of three children aged 11 or 12 on April 30th 2011. Participating teams will be required for one day and the series will be filmed on location in Carlingford, Co Louth, in May.

The Application Form and Terms & Conditions can be downloaded from the website: http://www.rte.ie/trte/themountain/. The closing date is Monday April 11th 2011.

For more information contact The Mountain at themountain@rte.ie or at 01 208 3186.

Source: RTÉ

Master Composter Volunteer Training Programme

Do you want to become a Master Composter?

Local Authorities in Dublin are now recruiting volunteer Master Composters for two different training sites in the North and South of the city. In South Dublin contact Kate Hynes in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (01-2054344) or Sorcha OBrien in South Dublin County Council (01 4149000 ext 4288) for further information (starting the 14th of April). In North Dublin contact Caroline Clancy in Dublin City Council (01-2224562) or Edwina Dunford in Fingal County Council (01-8906768) (starting May 10th). 

The courses are great fun so if you are up for it, get in touch. More information is available in PDF downloads from StopFoodWaste.ie.

Source: StopFoodWaste

Compost Available at DCC Bring Centres This Weekend

31/03/2011

Dublin City Council (DCC) are pleased to announce that compost produced from biodegradable material including food and garden waste from Dublin City Council’s Brown Bin is available from Saturday 2nd April at the following Bring Centres:
 

• Gullistan Terrace Rathmines, Dublin 6
• Oscar Traynor Road, Coolock, Dublin 5

When you pay for the disposal of your garden waste at either Bring Centre, you can refill your green waste bag with compost. One bag per customer.

Available for a limited period only.

Source: DublinWaste.ie

New guidance on good practice for compost

30/03/2011

WRAP has published new guidance outlining good practice for the use of quality compost across a host of building, civil engineering, landscaping and regeneration projects. The Good Practice Guide for the use of BSI PAS 100 Compost in Landscape and Regeneration is available online and to download from the WRAP website. This document will be of interest to those involved in sectors such as landscaping, sports turf care, building, civil engineering, brownfield restoration and habitat establishment.

Source: WRAP

The Energy Show 2011: 30th-31st March

21/03/2011

The Energy Show 2011 will take place today and tomorrow, 30^th and 31^st March, at the RDS, Dublin. The latest sustainable energy technologies and practices will be showcased, and a comprehensive trade exhibition and professional seminar programme covering all aspects of renewable energy and energy efficiency relevant to Irish business.

The SEAI Sustainable Energy Wards will also be announced at the event. These awards recognise the innovative work of start-up businesses to develop sustainable products and services.

Please see the Energy Show website for details.

Green Building Forum 2011

30/03/2011

A two day forum on the future on green building in Ireland will take place on Friday 6^th and Saturday 7^th May. Presentations will be made by a range of experts in the area and workshops on a broad range of topics will also take place.

The venue for this event has yet to be confirmed. The cost is €125 for the two days, with some discounts available. Please see the event website for details.

Universities Ireland & ESB North/South Scholarships Available

29/03/2011

Universities Ireland, which promotes collaboration between universities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, in partnership with the Electricity Supply Board (ESB), are offering five scholarships to students undertaking a recognised Master’s Degree or the first year of a PHD programme in the other Irish jurisdiction. Three of the scholarships will be given for study in the areas of energy and engineering and two other will be given for study in the areas of arts, business, science and social sciences.

The scholarships are worth €15,000 (approximately Stg£12,750) each and must be taken up for the academic year 2011-2012. The closing date for applications is 16^th May, 2011. Guidance notes for applicants are available to download from the Universities Ireland website.

Green Hospitality Programme Spring Workshops

29/03/2011

The Green Hospitality Programme is running a series of workshops around Ireland during April and May for its members and all interested parties.

Workshops will be run in the morning in 2 sessions - one for interested and new members and one for certified members.

We urge all members to attend one of these workshops as this is an ideal opportunity to ask questions about the criteria/programme and find out about any changes to legislation, new suppliers and to network with other members.

Workshop Venues

• Kerry 6th April : Carlton Hotel Tralee
• Waterford 13th April : Revolution Bar & Gastropub, 19 Johns Street, Waterford
• Cork 20th April : International Airport Hotel, Cork
• Dublin 4th May :TBC
• North East 5th May : T.B.C Belfast
• Carlow 18th May : T.B.C

To register at one of these FREE workshops, email info@ghaward.ie  or Tel: 021-435 4688 and speak to Mary - please identify what workshop you wish to attend.

Source: Green Hospitality Programme

Scottish onshore and offshore opportunities seminar

On Thurs April 21st Enterprise Ireland will host a seminar in Dublin, with Leading Scottish Renewables firms presenting. The seminar is designed to help Irish companies to understand the opportunities in the Scottish renewables sector, understand Scottish renewables supply chains and the gaps within them, how procurement works in large renewables projects onshore and offshore, and how to practically access these opportunities and develop appropriate sales and marketing strategies.

Please contact Crhistine Esson at +44 (141) 3323015 or email christine.esson@enterprise-ireland.com.

Source: Enterprise Ireland

Earth Hour 2011

28/03/2011

Earth Hour 2011 took place on Saturday the 26th March at 8:30 pm. Thousands of individuals and businesses around the country switched off their lights for one hour to mark the global movement aimed at increasing awareness of climate change and reducing carbon emissions. Many public buildings and castles in Ireland turned off their lights to show their support for reducing energy consumption and increasing awareness of climate change. Government Buildings, including Leinster House, and Bank of Ireland on College Green, Áras an Uachtaráin and the Four Courts also went dark for Earth Hour 2011.

Around the world, lights were turned off in some of the best lit and most iconic places, including the Empire State Building and Times Square in  New York, the harbour bridge and the Opera House in Sydney, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Eiffel Tower and  Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in London.

Information on climate change and how you can make a difference in your everyday life can also be found on our Earth Hour section and at www.change.ie.

BirdWatch Ireland: volunteers needed for bird survey

28/03/2011

BirdWatch Ireland is calling for volunteers to take part in the annual Countryside Bird Survey, which begins on 1^st April and finishes on 30^th June. This survey has been helping to monitor the breeding bird populations since 1998 and has recorded some significant changes in that time.

Participants will be provided with record sheet and map and are asked to count the birds along two 1km routes between 6am and 9am. Please contact rcoombes@birdwatchireland.ie for more details.

Green Awards 2011: shortlist available online

28/03/2011

A shortlist of the finalists in the Green Awards 2011 is now available at www.greenawards.ie. There are 23 prize categories, incorporating all sectors of society from schools and communities to individuals, small and large organisations. All aim to recognise and encourage excellence in sustainability and best environmental practice.

The awards night will take place at the Burlington Hotel on Thursday, 14^th April. If interested in attending on the night, please reserve your seats in advance at http://www.greenawards.ie/table-bookings.php?cat=11

Climate Inspirations: a Challenge Europe event in Dublin

25/03/2011

Climate Inspirations, an international event which aims to energise the climate debate and inspire action towards a low carbon future, will take place today, Friday 25th March, from 9.30-14.00 at The European Commission Representation in Ireland, 18 Dawson St., Dublin. Speakers include:

• Professor John Mitchell, Chief Scientist, UK Met Office
• Dr Tara Shine, Head of Research and Development, Mary Robinson Foundation
• Dick Strawbridge, Television Presenter, Writer and Eco-Engineer

European champions from the British Council's climate project, Challenge Europe, will also share their experiences and present their final projects that aim to reduce CO2 emissions across Europe.

Further information is available at www.britishcouncil.org/ireland

Science for Environment Policy, issue 234 available online

25/03/2011

The latest issue of Science for Environment Policy, issue 234, is now available online. Articles include:

• Protecting wildlife from radioactivity – ERICA in a real-world situation
• Balancing bioenergy potential and carbon sink resources of forests
• Ecosystem Service valuation must use stakeholder knowledge
• Disposal options for biodegradable plastics
• Making sense of complexity in international forest governance
• The trade-offs of tradable permits to protect biodiversity

New initiative for resource-efficient waste management in Ireland

24/03/2011

A new Irish law allows for flexibility in plastic bag and landfill levies, introduces incineration tax and aims at driving waste up the waste hierarchy towards recycling and reuse. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a range of regulatory, technological and market-based instruments has been used to improve waste management. These include source-separated collection of biowaste, pretreatment and restriction of particular waste streams to landfill.The new law is expected to enter force once its full compliance with EU legislation has been ensured.

The new law is based on two fundamental components:

1. Greater flexibility is given in setting the levies for plastic bags and for landfill. For plastic bags, the levy which was increased to €0.22 in 2007 can now reach up to €0.70. Similarly, for landfills, the upper limit has been set to €120 per tonne of waste; and
2. A newly introduced element is that a similar levy can now be applied on waste that is incinerated. The goal is to ensure that incineration has no competitive advantage over other waste-management options that are higher up the waste hierarchy.

Source: Environmental Technologies Action Plan

European companies turn to eco-innovation to tackle rising input costs and scarcity of materials

24/03/2011

The competitiveness of European businesses is increasingly vulnerable to growing materials scarcity which causes price volatility. A Eurobarometer survey published this week and presented at the 10 th European Forum on Eco-innovation in Birmingham, UK, shows that 75% of European businesses have experienced an increase in material costs in the past five years, while 90% expect price increases in the future. To tackle this challenge, small and medium-sized businesses are looking to eco-innovation as their answer. However, many businesses are still not fully aware of the potential effects of natural resource scarcity on their future operations.

More than half of the SMEs surveyed said they had introduced technologies to improve materials efficiency in the past five years as a response to the challenge. Eco-innovations related to processes – as opposed to technologies, products, organisation or marketing – were the most popular in the agricultural, water and manufacturing sectors. Companies in the construction sector preferred to invest in green products or services, whereas food service companies tended to implement higher amounts of organisational innovation.

The Eurobarometer survey can be found at http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/flash/fl_315_en.pdf

Source: Europa.eu

Mary Robinson calls for action on water

23/03/2011

As part of the UN World Water Day yesterday, 22^nd March, Dr Mary Robinson, president of the MRFCJ delivered an address at the Trinity College Dublin (TCD) Science Gallery, where she launched a partnership between TCD and Harvard University on ‘The Future Water Project’. During the event, she spoke of the connection between water and climate, adding that food and water security will be key areas to address for the MRFCJ.

‘The Future Water Project’ will include the ‘Idea Translation Lab’, where students from different disciplines will be taught to develop and realise innovative ideas. The ‘StudioLab Initiative’ was also launched at the Science Gallery event yesterday. A European programme that brings together people from the fields of arts, science and engineering, it aims to develop new ideas on public awareness and engagement on the theme of the Future of Water.

An exhibition of the projects in the Science Gallery is anticipated for October 2011.

Teagasc National Bioenergy Conference 2011

23/03/2011

The Teagasc National Bioenergy Conference 2011 will take place in the Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore, Co. Offaly on Wednesday April 20^th. The main features of Ireland’s bioenergy policy direction will be presented, as well as the potential policy directions to stimulate the bioenergy industry in Ireland. Topics such as REFIT, liquid biofuels, anaerobic digestion, energy crop economics and much more will be discussed. After the main talks, there will be an opportunity for the audience to interact with an expert panel on bioenergy.

Full details on the conference and booking can be found at http://www.teagasc.ie/events/2011/20110316.asp.

Documentary Screening: Vanishing of the Bees

22/03/2011

A documentary about the alarming disappearance of honeybees in the world will be shown tonight, Tuesday 22^nd March, from 7.30-9.30pm at Scoil Mhuire, Gilford Road, Sandymount in Dublin. Vanishing of the Bees follows two commercial beekeepers as they struggle to keep their bees healthy. Filmed in the US Europe, Asia and Australia, this documentary examines the phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder. The event is organised by Transition Sandymount and free to attend, although voluntary donations to cover costs are welcomed.  

EU proposals for energy-smart Europe

22/03/2011

New EU proposals aim to improve the 2020 energy-saving efforts and create a genuine low-carbon economy by 2050. The Europe 2020 growth strategy focuses on three target areas: cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, drawing 20% of total energy use from renewable sources, and reducing overall energy use by 20%. As the EU is falling behind on achieving a reduction in energy use, a new energy efficiency plan and low-carbon roadmap have been proposed. Both of these plans are available to download from the EU Commission website.

New Energy Efficient Plan

Low-carbon Roadmap

Natural power company to establish new wind turbine plant in County Kildare

The Energy Show 2011: 30th-31st March

21/03/2011

The Energy Show 2011, Ireland’s leading showcase for the energy sector is fast approaching. The two day show will take place on 30^th and 31^st March at the RDS, Dublin, and will consist of a comprehensive trade exhibition and professional seminar programme covering all aspects of renewable energy and energy efficiency relevant to Irish business.

Registration and entry for the exhibition is free, but seminars must be booked and paid for in advance. As places are limited, it is strongly recommended that you pre-book your place. Please contact Emer O’Sullivan at 01-28742608, or email energyshow@sei.ie.

Smart Cities Summit 2011: 7th April

21/03/2011

The inaugural Smart Cities Summit: Creating Smart, Sustainable Cities to Drive Economic Growth will take place on 7^th April at the Croke Park Conference Centre, Dublin. This one day summit will focus on how we can transform Ireland’s cities to energy-efficient, consumer-focused and technology-driven Smart Cities in order to attract investment and create employment. Fourteen Smart Cities experts will speak at the event. A biography of each speaker and a full programme of the event are available on the Smart Cities website.

The event is aimed at senior management in local government, policy makers and advisors, the ICT industry, engineering and environmental consultancies, and financial institutions. Registration details are available on the event website.

PepsiCo Develops World’s First 100% Plant-Based Sustainable PET Bottle

21/03/2011

PepsiCo has developed the world’s first PET plastic bottle made entirely from plant-based, fully renewable resources, enabling the company to manufacture a beverage container with a significantly reduced carbon footprint. According to PepsiCo, its ‘green’ bottle is 100% recyclable and far surpasses existing industry technologies.

The bottle is made from bio-based raw materials, including switch grass, pine bark and corn husks. In the future, the company expects to broaden the renewable sources used to create the ‘green’ bottle to include orange peels, potato peels, oat hulls and other agricultural by-products from its foods business. This process further reinforces PepsiCo’s ‘Power of One’ advantage by driving a strategic beverage innovation via a food-based solution.

PepsiCo will pilot production of the new bottle in 2012. Upon successful completion of the pilot, the company intends to move directly to full-scale commercialisation.

Source: Environment & Energy Management

Science for Environment Policy, issue 233 available online

18/03/2011

The latest issue of Science for Environment Policy is now available online. Articles include:

• Synthetic biology ethics: managing risks without limiting benefits
• Organic farming can benefit birds in agricultural landscapes
• New indicator proposed for assessing treated wastewater quality
• Selecting non-hazardous materials in electronic products
• Banning night flights could produce large financial savings
• Little difference between organic and non-organic tomatoes

UNEP Green Economy Report

18/03/2011

The United Nations Environmental Programme has released its 'Green Econmy' report, which was presented by UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner on 9th March in Washington.

The report, entitled Towards a Green Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication, calls for an investment of two per cent of global GDP in 10 key sectors, including energy, agriculture and waste management. The Green Economy report assertively challenges the myth that investing in the environment comes at the expense of economic growth. In fact, the report shows how following a Green Economy model will trigger green growth and create more jobs than a 'business as usual' approach, while using the Earth's resources in a more sustainable way.

Mr. Steiner took the opportunity to emphasize the role governments can play to promote the Green Economy at next year's United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, also known as Rio+20. He explained that the agenda for the conference had not been fully developed, thus presenting governments with a unique opportunity to shape the direction of both international environmental governance and sustainable development: the two key themes of Rio+20.

Source: UNEP

Biodiversity Ireland 2011 Workshop Programme

16/03/2011

The Biodiversity Ireland 2011 Workshop Programme will commence on 9^th April. The first workshop in the series will be ‘Getting to Know Ants’ and will be presented by Prof. John Breen. Places are limited so advanced booking and payment is essential. For full details of the 2011 workshops, please see the Biodiversity Ireland website.

International blogging competition on WATER: TH!NK5

06/03/2011

The deadline for the international WATER: TH!NK5 competition is approaching. Final thoughts must be added to the blog by next Tuesday, 22^nd March 2011 – World Water Day. Journalists, students and bloggers are all encouraged to use the competition’s online platform to share their thoughts on water and everything surrounding it for the final week of the competition.

Launch of Earth Hour 2011 in Singapore

16/03/2011

Earth Hour 2011 was officially launched yesterday, 15^th March, in Singapore. Organised by WWF, Earth Hour is a global movement aimed at increasing awareness of climate change and reducing carbon emissions. At 8.30pm on Saturday 26^th March 2011, lights will be switched off around the globe in support of Earth Hour.

The message for this year’s event is to go beyond the hour by committing to a more sustainable lifestyle, and not just for one hour. The website www.earthhour.in provides individuals, organisations and governments with information and suggestions on what steps to take in order to reduce their carbon footprint. Information on climate change and how you can make a difference in your everyday life can also be found at www.change.ie.

Climate Change and Agriculture: ensuring food production is not threatened

15/03/2011

Mr. Alexandre Maybeck, Food & Agriculture Organisation, U.N. will present the fourth lecture of the EPA Climate Change lecture series tonight, Tuesday, 15th March 2011. The topic will be Climate Change & Agriculture: ensuring food production is not threatened. The event will take place from 6.30 pm - 8.00 pm at The Round Room, The Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2. A pdf of the brochure is available for download from the EPA website.

Attendance is free, but booking is essential. To reserve a place, please contact Clara Clark at: clara@claraclark.ie.

Last chance to register: Youth For Development Seminar 2011

15/03/2011

ECO-UNESCO will host the Youth For Sustainable Development Seminar 2011 at the Greenhouse, Andrew St., Dublin on Wednesday 30^th March from 10am to 4pm. This meeting will include young people, policy experts, youth leaders and those working with young people. The seminar is free of charge, but those interested in attending should register by this coming Friday, 18^th March. Please contact admin@ecounesco.ie to register. For further information, please contact Hedda on 01-662 5491/085-767 6089 or email ysd@ecounesco.ie.  

Workshop: Water and Solid Waste Management

15/03/2011

EU funded environmental projects worth €500 million are in planning with a deadline to award first contracts at the end of 2011. The main areas of opportunity are Water and waste water treatment, Sewage treatment, Solid waste management, and Professional services. Enterprise Ireland invites suitably qualified clients to join us and our hosts, The Turkish Ministry of the Environment and Forestry for a workshop and seminar to highlight Irish expertise in this sector.

The workshop will take place from 23^rd-24^th March in Ankara, Turkey. Please contact Kevin Buckley or phone +39 (02) 880099224 for details. Registration is also available on the Enterprise Ireland website.

Voyage Cape Farewell Exhibition at the European Union House, Dublin

14/03/2011

From today, Monday 14th, to Thursday 31st March, the European Commission Representation in Ireland will host the Voyage Cape Farewell Exhibition at European Union House, 18 Dawson Street, Dublin 2.

The exhibition features photographs from the British Council's Voyage Cape farewell project.  The project was an international climate change education initiative, managed by the British Council in 2008-2009 and involving young climate activists from the UK, Ireland, Germany, Canada, Brazil and India.

This exhibition documents the young climate activists exploring the impacts of climate change on the Arctic. It has already been displayed at the British Council's office in London, the Canadian High Commission in London and various other countries around the globe.

The photographs were taken by Canadian photographer Robert van Waarden and have as background Arctic landscapes from the various places the participants visited. 

The exhibition will be open to the public on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from 14 to 31 March.

Source: European Commission in Ireland

Burren in Bloom

14/03/2011

The annual ‘Burren in Bloom’ Festival in Co Clare will run from 29^th April to 29^th May. A series of illustrated talks and organised walks throughout this unusual karst region will take place during the festival. The aim is to give people an appreciation of the Burren and its immense botanical, geological and archaeological significance.

A full programme of events is available to download from www.burreninbloom.com. 

Science for Environment Policy, issue 232 available online

14/03/2011

The latest issue of Science for Environment Policy is now available online. Articles for issue 232 include:

• Reducing the environmental impact of building materials
• Fungus could help control bluetongue disease
• Urban biocide pollution rivals that of agricultural pesticides
• Pollutants linked to reduced height and body mass
• Analysis of greywater reuse considers pollutant management
• Fish farm pollution damages seabed ecosystems

Green Flag Award presented to 312 schools this week

11/03/2011

As part of the Green Schools programme, the Green Flag Award was presented to 312 schools from across the country at awards ceremonies in Kilkenny, Galway, Cork, Athlone and Dublin this week. 110 schools were awarded Green Flags for the first time and a further 202 schools successfully renewed their Flags. The programme, now in its fourteenth year, is operated by An Taisce, in partnership with Local Authorities.

Tree Planting with Conservation Volunteers

11/03/2011

The Dublin Branch of Conservation Volunteers will hold the final tree planting day of the season on Saturday 26th March. The outing will take place at Turvey Park, Donabate. All volunteers are welcome, and if you would like to attend please call/text Hans on 087 1214641 or email him at hans.visser@fingalcoco.ie. Lifts are available from O'Connell Street in the City Centre at 9.30am needed.

Plans to develop offshore renewable energy in Northern Ireland

11/03/2011

The Crown Estate, which owns most of the coastlines in the UK, has announced plans to develop the renewable energy potential from Northern Ireland’s coasts. From April there will be a Design Consultation for interested parties, with the aim of developing a gigawatt of offshore wind and tidal energy.

The announcement by the Crown Estate was welcomed by Energy Minister Arlene Foster and Junior Minister Robin Newton. Commenting on the opportunities that exist for Northern Ireland, Minister Foster said: “Over the next 20 years it is expected that 11,000 new offshore wind turbines will be built in the UK and the Republic of Ireland’s territorial waters. With almost a quarter of the planned turbines located within 150 nautical miles of Belfast, the Harbour area is well placed to become a major offshore logistics centre in the rapidly expanding offshore wind sector.”

Permaculture Design Certificate: bookings open

11/03/2011

Bookings are now been taken for a 10 day, full-time Permaculture Design Certificate course (PDC) will take place at The Village, Cloughjordan, Tipperary from 19^th-28^th August 2011. The ecovillage of Cloughjordan provides an ideal environment for learning about permaculture, or the design of environmentally friendly, sustainable human settlements. Permaculture includes all aspects of the developments, from using natural building materials to installing renewable energy systems, and ultimately creating completely self-sufficient communities. The total cost of the course is €550. A €100 deposit may be placed, with the balance paid by 19^th July.

Please see the new blog for the P DC webpage for further details.

Green Schools Travel Competition now open

10/03/2011

The Green Schools Travel Competition 2011 is now open to all schools that are working towards, or have already earned, the Green Schools Travel Flag.

The competition is to create a mascot and/or a slogan to promote Green Schools Travel. The winning mascot will be used on the Green Schools website and print materials. There is a total prize fund of €5,000. For further information and criteria for entry is available on the competition website.

Commission launches public consultation on revision of EU GHG monitoring and reporting rules

10/03/2011

The European Commission has launched a public consultation to prepare the ground for revising the legislation that governs the monitoring and reporting by member states of greenhouse gas emissions, the 2004 Monitoring Mechanism Decision.

The Commission intends to propose the revision later this year in order to include new monitoring and reporting needs arising from recent legislation (in particular the 2009 climate and energy package of measures), take account of decisions reached at international level and make improvements based on experience with the Decision.

The web-based consultation, which is open for eight weeks and takes the form of a questionnaire, seeks the views of the public - organisations, businesses, public authorities and private individuals - on how the Decision should be reformed. The responses will be taken into consideration when the Commission drafts the revised legislation and will also be published online.

Read more:

Consultation

Greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting

Source: European Commission Climate Action

Community Garden Creation and BBQ

10/03/2011

This coming Saturday, 12^th March, one of Dublin Community Growers first events of the year will take place at the Seven Oaks Apartment Complex, just off Sarsfield Road, Dublin 10. Residents of the apartment complex will begin to cultivate their own community garden to grow vegetables, encourage biodiversity, and create a relaxing space for all, an idea that has been growing over the past year. A community barbeque will help kick off this new venture. For further details, please contact Aideen O’Byrne, one of the projects organisers, at aideenoby@hotmail.com or call 087-1269614.

Celebrate National Tree Week

6th-12th March, 2011

National Tree Week is taking place this week, from 6^th-12^th March. This annual event celebrates the importance of trees in the environment and our everyday lives. It is organised by the Tree Council of Ireland and the theme this year is ‘The Year of the Forest – Celebrating Forests for People’, in keeping with the United Nations 2011 International Year of Forests.

The central aims of National Tree Week are to encourage people to plant more trees and to raise awareness of the importance of sustainably managed forests for present and future generations.

A programme of events by county is available on the Tree Council of Ireland website. If you are organising an event for National Tree Week, there are many posters and exhibitions on trees and woodlands available to download from Ask about Ireland that could be used to promote the event. Further information is also available on Sustainable Living.

Secondary School Bike Week Challenge, 7th-11th March

09/03/2011

The Secondary Schools cycle challenge is taking place this week, between 7^th and 11^th March as a lead up event to National Bike Week 2011 (18th - 26th June). The event, organised by An Taisce Green Schools Travel Programme in conjunction with Bike Week 2011, aims to encourage students, staff and parents to cycle to school on their chosen day.

There's still time to organised a cycle challenge in your secondary school! Please contact Ally Menary, An Taisce EEu Cycling Development Officer, at 01-400 2215 or email amenary@eeu.antaisce.org. A promotional poster for the school is also available to download fromthe Green Schools website.

Solar power could meet all of Ireland's energy says expert

09/03/2011

Dedicating just 1.8% of the total land area of Ireland to solar technology could satisfy all the country’s energy needs, according to Dr Mazhar Bari, CEO of Solar Print, who spoke at an Engineers Ireland seminar, “Ireland's future energy projects”, yesterday, Tuesday, March 8.

Dr Bari also said that use of just six strategically-selected areas on the Earth’s surface could produce 18 Terrawatts, enough to meet the energy needs of the whole of the world’s current population.

Dr Bari was joined at the Engineers Ireland seminar by Andy Kinsella, CEO Offshore, Mainstream Renewable Power, who explored the energy potential of offshore wind and the merits of a European renewables supergird. 

Engineers Ireland Director General John Power said: “Energy scarcity and climate change pose critical challenges, both in Ireland and internationally.  However these challenges also offer huge opportunities to be optimised by individuals and organisations alike.  The aim of this one-day CPD seminar is to identify the current and future engineering capacity and skills needed to deliver solutions to our energy and climate challenges. In attempting to do so, the seminar aims to provide existing and future engineers, engineering businesses and educators a roadmap to Irish and international opportunities and needs in these sectors.”

The Engineers Ireland event also saw contributions from Andrew Cooke, Eirgrid; Michael Mackey, ESBI; Dave Kirwan, Bord Gáis; Gary O’Callaghan, Siemens; John Reilly, Bord Na Móna; Mark Foley, Coillte Enterprise and Mark Coyne, Dalkia.

Source: Engineers Ireland

Public Consultation: Draft Transport Strategy For Greater Dublin Area 2011-2030

09/03/2011

The National Transport Authority has launched an extensive public consultation on its Draft Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. The Draft Strategy addresses the regions tansport needs for the next 20 years. It is linked to sustainable land us planning, and the people's social, economic, cultural and environmental needs. The Strategy is available for download at www.2030vision.ie. Public comments and feedback are welcomed until the closing date of April 11th.

This Draft Transport Strategy follows three years of consultation with members of the public and with business and community and public representatives. The Draft will be finalised for presentation to the Minister for Transport in May/June following this last round of public consultation.

Register for National Spring Clean 2011 today

08/03/2011

Sign up today for the National Spring Clean which will take place from 1st-30th April. Everyone is encouraged to get involved in this annual anti-litter programme by organising a clean up of your local area during the month of April.

You can register your event online at www.nationalspringclean.org. Once registered, you will receive a free clean-up kit from An Taisce. Included are tips on organising your spring cleaning event, posters to promote it, ideas on how to make your event fun and different, and plenty of materials such as recycling bags for use during your event.

There is also lots of information on Waste Management in Ireland and tips on Reducing Waste Going to Landfills on www.enfo.ie to encourage you and your team of 'spring cleaners' this April. 

GIY Launches 2011 Growing Season

07/03/2011

GIY (Grow It Yourself) is kicking off the new growing season with a re-launch of its popular social network (www.giyireland.com) which aims to bring GIYers together and provide them with the information they need to successfully grow their own food. The GIY website attracted over 85,000 unique visitors last year and there are now nearly 100 GIY community groups around Ireland.

Designed by GIY’s technology partner’s Emagine Media, the new site includes a comprehensive veg directory, daily tips, videos and articles, and weekly blogs from GIY founder Michael Kelly and organic grower Klaus Laitenberger. There is also Ireland’s first comprehensive national map of allotments and community gardens. The site also includes an online store where GIYers can buy seeds, raised beds, tools, books and merchandise – all profits from the store are reinvested in GIY to help the organisation expand its services.

Source: Environment & Energy Management

Climate Inspirations: a Challenge Europe event in Dublin

07/03/2011

Climate Inspirations, an international event which aims to energise the climate debate and inspire action towards a low carbon future, will take place on Friday 25th March from 9.30-14.00 at The European Commission Representation in Ireland, 18 Dawson St., Dublin. Speakers include:

• Professor John Mitchell, Chief Scientist, UK Met Office
•   Dr Tara Shine, Head of Research and Development, Mary Robinson Foundation
•   Dick Strawbridge, Television Presenter, Writer and Eco-Engineer

European champions from the British Council's climate project, Challenge Europe, will also share their experiences and present their final projects that aim to reduce CO2 emissions across Europe.

Those interested in attending this event must reserve a ticket in advance by contacting challengeeurope@britishcouncil.org. Further information is available at www.britishcouncil.org/ireland

Science for Environment Policy, issue 231 available online

07/03/2011

The latest issue of Science for Environment Policy is now available online. Articles for issue 231 include:

• Evidence of Montreal Protocol’s success in protecting ozone layer
• What are the health impacts of fish diets high in mercury?
• Carbon footprinting errors caused by differences in power supply
• Strong leadership essential to successful co-managed fisheries
• Calculating carbon budgets for agricultural crops
• New analysis of energy and environmental performance of biofuels

Registration open for Robert John Kane Energy Symposium

04/03/2011

Registration is now open for The Robert John Kane Energy Symposium, which will take place from Wednesday 27^th to Friday 29^th April 2011 at The Ramada Hotel, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim. The theme of this symposium is ‘A Greener Future and Job Creation for Drumshanbo’, focusing on Enrgy ICT, Planning for Energy, and Energy Tourism.

This symposium will be the first step in a three-stage programme. The ideas from the discussion panel will be implemented directly to the Drumshanbo and surrounding areas, creating environmental benefits as well as employment for the area.

Further details of the event and registration are available online at www.rjkenergy.com.

Call for entries to first Sustainable Energy Innovation Award

04/03/2011

Prof J. Owen Lewis, CEO of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has launched the first Sustainable Energy Innovation Award (2^nd March).

SEAI is calling for entries for the inaugural Innovation Award for pre- or early- commercialisation stage sustainable energy products or services. This includes innovation at research, development, testing or demonstration stages which are not yet available on the market. Short-listed companies will be given the opportunity to present before a panel of judges in a Dragons’ Den format at the annual SEAI Energy Show to take place at the RDS, Dublin on March 30^th and 31^st.

Entries will be judged according to levels of innovation, energy performance and environmental impact, and the business potential of each concept. The deadline for receipt of completed application entries for the Innovation Award is March 9^th and the shortlist of entries due to present at the Energy Show will be published during the week commencing March 14^th. All winners will be announced on the opening day of the Show on March 30^th. The winning entrant will receive financial support towards business costs depending on their stage of development which could take the form of incubation space fees, mentoring and management consultancy or marketing consultancy. For more information and a copy of the entry form, visit www.seai.ie.  Submissions are accepted by email only to innovationaward@seai.ie

Source: SEAI

Second version of the bioenergy GIS released

04/03/2011

The second version of the bioenergy GIS has been released. It has improved visualisation, usability and energy crop analysis tools (including a carbon dioxide calculator).

SEAI is now seeking feedback from users and potential users on how the system is being used, what needs to be improved, and what additional elements would improve the usefulness for the bioenergy GIS. This information will assist in deciding whether to continue support and development of the bioenergy GIS, and what direction future development will take.

All feedback should be sent to info@seai.ie  with Subject: Bioenergy GIS or by calling 01 808 2067.

EU grants €2 million to overseas biodiversity projects

03/03/2011

The European Commission is to give an additional €2 million to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services in its Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories. Known as BEST, the Voluntary scheme for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of European Overseas will fund pilot projects in these areas, which are home to exceptional biodiversity, and host more endemic species than the whole of continental Europe combined. The financial support was originally suggested by the European Parliament.

The European Commission plans to launch a call for proposals in May 2011 for projects that wish to apply for funding. The projects will showcase the scheme and will prepare the ground for a governance structure with a view to longer term support. The scheme will build on existing sites and networks and take on board previous projects.

Source: EU Press

Anaerobic Digestion to produce energy from organic waste

02/03/2011

Ireland is lagging behind the rest of Europe in using Anaerobic Digestion to produce energy from organic waste. This technology could help Ireland meet some of the challenges of combating climate change and improving energy security. The targets under the EU 2020 Climate Change and Energy package are challenging and require innovative approaches to develop renewable sources of energy domestically, particularly for heat and transport.

Delegates at a major international conformance, AD Europe 2011, held in Dublin, heard how one quarter of the potential biodegradable waste produced in Europe is used to produce biogas through Anaerobic Digestion. The conference was organised by the European Compost Network (ECN) and Cré, (The Composting and Anaerobic Digestion Association of Ireland) with the support of Teagasc.

Source: Teagasc

Fifth LIFE+ call for proposals

01/03/2011

The fifth LIFE+ call for proposals was published on 26 February 2011, with up to €267 million available for co-financing of projects under three headings: nature and biodiversity; environment policy and governance; and information and communication.

Project proposals should be sent to the relevant national authority no later than 18 July, 2011. National authorities will then send received proposals to the European Commission by 9 September, 2011. The Commission will check the outline projects against the LIFE+ eligibility criteria and will assess proposals on the basis of the LIFE+ selection and award criteria.

The earliest possible starting date for 2011 projects is 1 June, 2012. Project promoters are encouraged to make best use of the time available up to the deadline for submission of proposals to national authorities. Project proposals should be carefully checked to ensure that they are in line with all the criteria set out in the call documents. 

Source: LIFE
 

Science for Environment Policy, issue 230 available online

01/03/2011

The latest issue of Science for Environment Policy is now available online. Articles include:

• Current economic activity leaves an alien species ‘invasion debt’
• New proposals for simplifying REDD+ management
• Fatalities, hardship and environmental impacts caused by hazards
• Implementing the Noise Directive – lessons from Ireland
• What is the real role of national Forest Programmes?
• Abandoned mines can be used as geothermal energy source