GreenTech Financial Support

GREENTECH SUPPORT

The GreenTech Support scheme has been introduced by Enterprise Ireland to offer a broader set of supports to its clients, particularly in the SME sector.  The scheme will cover a number of new categories to build on the existing environmentally superior products and environmental management systems supports.  GreenTech Support is designed to encourage companies to examine how they can integrate more sustainable practices into the everyday running of their business. With increasing pressure being brought to bear on businesses to improve their environmental image, the benefits in cost savings and market opportunities can be significant.

The scheme will not be limited to the categories listed below.  Process improvements or examining new technology options may be considered under feasibility or consultancy headings on a case by case basis.

IMPLEMENTING ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS

Enterprise Ireland clients can now seek financial support to implement a range of certifiable environmental standards.
These can include

• Environmental Management Systems
  • ISO 14001/EMAS accreditation – internationally recognised standards
  • BS 8555 and EMAS Easy (EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme)
• Energy Management Systems such as IS 393 - this standard is complimentary to ISO 14001
• Occupational Health and Safety Management, OHSAS 18001 which integrates well with IS0 140001

Attaining an environmental standard enables companies to become more sustainable by evaluating and improving the environmental aspects of their business on an ongoing basis.

Why should companies implement environmental standards?

• To gain competitive advantage by demonstrating the management of their environmental issues to an internationally recognised standard
• Facilitates the achievement of preferred supplier listing with major manufacturers and retailers
• Adds credibility to companies engaging in business-to-business e-commerce
• Positions companies to best meet increasing regulatory environmental obligations in a planned orderly and cost effective manner
• Improves company relationships with regulators and society in general
• Meets or exceeds the Environmental Management System conditions imposed by emission licences from licensing authorities including the Environmental Protection Agency

Grant Support
Grant payment is subject to the participant achieving a minimum Level 3 or equivalent for an Environmental Management System and a level acceptable to Enterprise Ireland for other standards. 

For more information on EMS, EnviroCentre users can access our EMS 4 SME's Portal – a one stop shop for information and supports on EMS for Irish industry.
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ENVIRONMENTALLY SUPERIOR PRODUCTS (ESP)

The Environmentally Superior Products (ESP) initiative is designed to support manufacturing companies experiencing legal or market pressures to reduce the environmental impact of their products.

ESP provides financial and other supports to assess ways to reduce the environmental impact of a product(s) without compromising product functionality, quality, ability to manufacture or cost. This is an "Environmentally Superior Product”.

For more information on the Environmentally Superior Products scheme download details here  and on the eligible costs and to apply 

CARBON MANAGEMENT/REDUCTION including CARBON FOOTPRINT MEASUREMENT

With the current attention focused on greenhouse gas emissions, companies are under increasing pressure to develop carbon management/ reduction policies. GreenTech Support can help companies develop these policies which can include measuring the carbon footprint of their business to reduce carbon emissions.  Carbon footprinting and carbon labelling are being incorporated into business sustainability programmes particularly in retail outlets in the food and consumer products sectors that are pursuing a green agenda.

As a result, Enterprise Ireland clients in the supply chain to these outlets are becoming aware of the future need to provide a carbon footprint or label as part of the procurement process.

Carbon emissions can be measured in line with published protocols or more detailed emissions can be measured for product manufacture or supply of a service.  Typically this includes a life cycle analysis to assess the carbon emissions from sources used in the process such as raw materials, energy, electricity, transport, use and disposal.

Why should companies measure the carbon footprint of their business?

• Helps companies to highlight greenhouse gas hotspots thus providing opportunities for reduction particularly in energy savings
• Provides market opportunities for preferred supplier listing
• Market pressure through the supply chain to improve the environmental performance of products
• Increased pressure from the green consumer market

• Technical investigations
• Cost assessments
• Consultancy

Clients wishing to measure their carbon footprint can apply for support towards the cost of a qualified consultant to assist in establishing the footprint.

APPLYING FOR ECO-LABELS

The flower Eco-label symbol has been available as a European mark of environmental quality for several years.  Specific product categories are covered under this scheme which is set to expand to further product groups in line with EU product and environmental policy.  Companies can apply through the appropriate competent authority, in Ireland this is the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), to have their products assessed to meet the criteria required to use the label.  Enhanced market opportunities can arise from the use of the label on products being sold in the EU.

Companies can apply to use the label for relevant products or services in order to display their environmental credentials.  There are 26 product groups covered under the Eco-label scheme.

The scheme is currently under review and is expected to gradually extend to further product groups.  It is also expected to be incorporated into future green public procurement throughout the EU.

For further details see http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/index_en.htm

Enterprise Ireland support for companies applying for Eco-labels
Financial support will be available towards the cost of application and use of the EU environmental Eco-label.

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Declan White  Tel. 01 727 2480/ 01 727 2358 | Tom Lowry   Tel. 061 777045