EPA’s green scheme enjoys initial success

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that the second phase of its Cleaner Greener Production Programme demonstrated that the project, which was conceived as a way of encouraging Irish companies and other organisations to implement cleaner greener practices, had been highly successful.

In particular, the grant scheme had meant that businesses have been challenged to produce goods and services in more environmentally friendly ways. This has targeted the minimisation of emissions through cleaner production methods.

Larry Stapleton, Director, from the EPA’s office of environmental assessment, commented: “The objective was to demonstrate how economic activity can be achieved in harmony with the environment.

“There is a developing demand for environmentally sound products and services both in the EU and across international markets and indeed, environmental performance is fast becoming a marketing tool.”

The 22 projects which were funded through the scheme achieved a number of environmental improvements. These included reducing water usage and wastewater by 250,000 tonnes per annum and more than Euro 1.6 million cost savings annually.

What’s more, the EPA revealed that it was set to launch the next phase of the Cleaner Greener Production Programme, which will result in an additional Euro two million of grants being made available.

James Cooper