Construction has started on a new transport interchange at Rochdale in England that will become the first in Europe with integrated hydropower generation. The £11.5 million interchange, is next to the River Roch, the river that gave theLancashiretown its name. When it opens next year it will be the first building of its kind in Europe to have integrated hydropower generation, using the river to generate its electricity.

A hydroelectric turbine has been installed which converts energy from the river as it flows rapidly through a weir. The weight of the water turns the screw-shaped turbine, generating electricity. The turbine produces up to 86,000kWh of electricity every year, which will help to reduce the interchange’s carbon footprint by over a quarter.

The turbine is driven by an ‘Archimedean screw’, which was supplied by Spaans Babcock. There is also a fish pass, funded by the Environment Agency, which helps fish to swim upstream past the turbine to migrate and spawn.

For passengers, the new interchange will be a modern, striking landmark for the town centre, replacing the existing bus station and providing significantly improved passenger services.

It has been funded by Transport for Greater Manchester, the European Union’s INTERREG IVB Ticket toKyotoproject, the Northwest Development Agency, Rochdale Borough Council and the Environment Agency.

A new report, commissioned by SHV Energy, has found that European residential heating systems fuelled by Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) are 20 per cent lower in carbon emissions, compared to those fuelled by heating oil. The study, Carbon footprints of heating oil and LPG heating systems, also found that the carbon emissions from an LPG fuelled heating system are about 15 per cent lower than a heating system using a 20/80 blend of bio and conventional heating oil.

The report is the first detailed evaluation of its type. Comparisons were based on real-world efficiencies, as defined by the EcoBoiler model, a representation of EU heating systems developed for the European Commission in its ongoing work on energy efficiency.

Footprints were estimated in seven countries that are representative of the EU and constitute two-thirds of the EU-27 population: Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland and the UK. For each, the footprint was defined for a new boiler system in an average, existing dwelling, over the 17-year lifetime of the boiler.

In Ireland’s case it found that the country has the second highest annual space heating demand and energy input at 18,376 kWh per average existing dwelling, while the EU-27 average is about halfway between the two at 13,822 kWh.

The report found that when comparing the carbon footprints of new heating oil systems versus an LPG heating system in Ireland, the LPG system had an 18 per cent reduction in carbon footprint over the lifetime of the heating system. The carbon emissions saved by the LPG fuelled system is the equivalent on average of a new car being driven for 136,116 kilometres.

The report used the latest available data on emissions of greenhouse gases in crude oil and natural gas production, so-called ‘well-to-tank’ data. It offers a detailed comparison of carbon footprints for those homes and businesses deciding whether to use gas or heating oil for their energy needs.  As well as consumers, it will also be a useful resource for regulators and installers.

“It will come as no surprise that heating Irish homes and offices contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and that a key target of climate-change policy is to improve the associated carbon footprint,” says Michael Kossack, chief executive of Calor. “At Calor, our aim is to become the rural energy provider of choice by delivering innovative, clean, efficient energy solutions to rural Ireland. This report rightly identifies LPG as a fuel for the future, one that emits less greenhouse gases and a fuel source that has the potential to meet a significant portion of our future rural energy needs”.

Irish manufacturers must increasingly be able to measure and reduce their carbon footprint if they are to succeed on export markets, according to the latest BearingPoint Green Supply Chain Monitor 2010-11. The report finds that about two thirds of European companies surveyed consider green supply chain as a strategic priority now or in the short term.

“The environmental impact of goods is becoming an increasing important decision when it comes to purchasing,” explains Claudia Carr, supply chain lead for BearingPoint Ireland. “Over two thirds of companies surveyed indicated that they have implemented, or are implementing, a sustainable purchasing policy. Understanding and managing your carbon footprint is going to become key and Irish companies need to be prepared for this shift.”

Over half of respondents indicated that they did not renew contracts with suppliers who did not respect their green charter, and one third reported a shift from global sourcing towards near or local shore sourcing. “The environmental impact of transportation and manufacturing from some low cost economies is leading to a review of purchasing policies by many organisations. There is a growing opportunity for Irish companies, with good green credentials, to compete for this business,” she adds.

John Whelan, chief executive of the Irish Exporters Association, welcomes the report. “There is no question that Irish businesses which produce transparently environmentally positive products, delivered by carbon neutral logistics services will succeed on international markets,” he says. “At the IEA we fully endorse the reports findings and urge exporters to make the investment in proper carbon labelling based on an accurate supply chain foot print as well as a production process footprint, to gain a competitive edge in our main developed economy markets.”

Fred McDarby, manager, Environment Department, Enterprise Ireland, stresses the opportunity for Irish companies. “We are encouraging our companies to prepare for the impact of Green Procurement (both public and private) on their markets at home and overseas and have put in place a range of supports to help them make savings and enhance the green credentials of their products and services.”

The report highlights the importance of design with at least 80% of the environmental impact of a product being developed during the design process. This not only relates to the way in which the product is produced, but also how it is used and ultimately disposed of. Sectors traditionally active in R&D and innovation have become the leaders in eco-design.

Another finding of the 4th BearingPoint Supply Chain Monitor is that green supply chain initiatives are increasingly being driven by brand image and economics rather than regulation.

“Environmental regulations were the main driver when we last conducted the monitor two years ago. It is significant that boards are now actively promoting green supply chain to enhance their brand reputation and reduce costs,” comments James Govan of BearingPoint.

Indeed, the global economic downturn had accelerated rather than hampered green supply chain initiatives. The study finds that two thirds (66%) of the companies surveyed said that economic conditions had brought forward green initiatives rather than put a brake on them. Many Irish companies, like their European counterparts, have identified cost savings by implementing environmentally friendly initiatives.

The water and carbon footprint of wasted household food in the UK has been identified for the first time, highlighting the major environmental consequences of food waste, both domestically and globally.

The report, ‘The Water and Carbon Footprint of Household Food Waste in the UK’ – jointly published by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) and WWF found that water used to produce food that householders in the UK then waste represents 6% of the UK’s water requirements, (6.2 billion cubic metres per year), a quarter of which originates in the UK.

The 6.2 billion cubic metres of water used to produce the 5.3 million tonnes of food that householders waste every year is nearly twice the annual household water usage of the UK.

The same wasted food also represents 3% of the UK’s domestic greenhouse gas emissions (14 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent) with further emissions arising abroad (6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent). In total, these greenhouse gas emissions are the same as those created by 7 million cars each year.

The work follows reports in 2008 and 2009 by WWF and WRAP which identified that UK households throw away 8.3 million tonnes of food and drink waste every year, 60% of which (5.3 million tonnes) could have been eaten. By discarding that food, the water and energy that was used to grow and process those foods is not recovered, giving off greenhouse gas emissions that could have been avoided.

The report also goes on to identify the countries of origin for wasted food and looks at the context of water scarcity in those regions in the shape of case studies.

Liz Goodwin, chief executive of WRAP, says the new findings provide fresh context for the organisation’s work to prevent food waste: “These figures are quite staggering. The water footprint for wasted food – 280 litres per person, per day – is nearly twice the average daily household water use of the UK, 150 litres per person per day.”

She continues: “The greenhouse gas emissions associated with food waste are greater than those already saved by the total amount of household recycling that takes place in the UK. Although greenhouse gas emissions have been widely discussed, the water used to produce food and drink has been overlooked until recently. However, growing concern over the availability of water in the UK and abroad, and security of supply of food, means that it is vital we understand the connections between food waste, water and climate change.”

Some progress has already been made. Through WRAP’s work with retailers, food and drink manufacturers and local authorities, 670,000 tonnes of food waste were prevented between 2005 and 2009. That means the waste of 670 billion litres of water has been avoided, but clearly still more needs to be done.

Dr David Tickner, head of Freshwater Programmes at WWF-UK, comments: “Responsibility for improving the way in which water is managed lies primarily with governments and other stakeholders in affected river basins. But companies, policy-makers and consumers in the UK can help.  Put simply, wasting less food can, in a small but very significant way, help dry rivers to flow again.”

EasyJet, the UK’s largest airline, has become the first commercial airline to trial a revolutionary nano-technology coating on its aircraft aimed at reducing drag and increasing fuel efficiency.

The ultra thin coating, already used on US military aircraft, is a polymer that cross links and bonds to the paint surface and only adds an estimated 4oz to the weight of the aircraft. The coating reduces the build up of debris on the aircraft’s structure, leading edge and other surfaces; thus reducing drag on the surface of the aircraft. The manufacturers of the coating estimate that it could reduce easyJet’s fuel consumption by 1-2%. The airline has coated eight aircraft and will compare their fuel consumption with the rest of the fleet during a 12 month trial period.

Since its launch in 1995, easyJet has always strived to improve its efficiency to keep its costs down. Passengers benefit through low fares and a reduced carbon footprint.

This is achieved through a range of investments and innovations. easyJet’s fleet of 194 aircraft, many with Tech Insertion engines, is one of the youngest in Europe averaging less than four years old. It fills more of its seats than more than any scheduled European airline with a load factor of over 87%. easyJet planes taxi using one engine, use less ground equipment than legacy carriers and fly passengers to airports close to city centres, often with good public transport links. Weight onboard is reduced with light-weight carpets and the airline is currently looking at lighter seats in the cabin.

Dublin-based information technology outsourcing specialist IT Force has become the first IT services company in Ireland to be certified as a CarbonNeutral company. The initiative will see over 66 tonnes of CO2 neutralised in the first year.

IT Force’s CarbonNeutral programme was developed in consultation with The CarbonNeutral Company, the world leading provider of carbon reduction solutions. The CarbonNeutral Company measured IT Force’s carbon footprint and has advised IT Force how to reduce emissions across the business through internal operations and investment in offsetting projects.

The process involved an independent expert assessment of the company’s carbon emissions and a reduction plan through adopting greener business operations across the company and offsetting the remaining carbon emissions through a high quality, verified carbon offset project. Located in China, the Tieling Coal Mine Methane Capture project captures coal mine methane and uses it as an energy source to supply gas to homes and local industry.

The carbon reduction strategy ties in closely with IT Force’s wider sustainability initiatives including a relocation of offices to ensure closer proximity to clients and the city’s public transport network and less emissions through personal transportation.

With a clear understanding of where carbon is currently being generated, IT Force is now on target to further reduce its emissions by 20% by 2011. This will be achieved by implementing further internal policies in relation to printing, recycling, power usage and general wastage and by switching to greener suppliers for electricity and office supplies.

“The relationship with The CarbonNeutral Company will be on-going, to ensure we keep up to date with international environmental standards and best practice. For us, it is not just about ‘being green’ – it’s also about being ‘lean and mean’ as a company.  By being more waste conscious and hyper-efficient, we have lower overheads as a company, essential in today’s economic climate,” explains John Bergin, managing director of IT Force.

“We have cut down on paper usage, saved money on electricity and general office supplies. As part of our move to the hub of the city’s public transport network, we are actively promoting sustainable travel for employees such as adopting the government’s TaxSaver travel scheme, promoting the Dublin Bikes and investing in facilities to make cycling to work easy for staff.”

Rebecca Fay, marketing director of The CarbonNeutral Company, comments: “Companies such as IT Force are leading the way in actively tackling climate change by implementing a CSR strategy which combines both internal reductions and external reductions through carbon offsetting. In our experience, clients who reduce emissions to net zero to achieve CarbonNeutral certification demonstrate to stakeholders – clients, staff and the wider business community – that they are proactively acting to take responsibility for their impact on the climate.”

Volvic Natural Mineral Water has launched its new ‘Greener Bottle’ made partially from sugarcane waste. Volvic has developed brand new technology to create a 100% recyclable PET plastic using this renewable plant material, and is the first company to introduce it in the UK.

Existing PET bottles are made from non-renewable petroleum. However, the new Volvic 50cl Greener Bottle – available from December this year – will contain 20% plant material, reducing the amount of non-renewable material needed to create the bottle.

The new Greener Bottle will have a 38% lower packaging carbon footprint and a 16% lower total lifecycle footprint than the previous 50cl Volvic bottle. This reduction is achieved through incorporating 25% recycled plastic from previously used bottles and using the new plant-based plastic, BioPET. BioPET is created by combining PET with fermented and dehydrated sugarcane waste, a natural and renewable waste product from the production of sugar from sugarcane.

Additionally, Volvic will reduce the weight of the Greener Bottle from 17g to 15g, which will halve the carbon footprint of the current Volvic bottle.

“The Greener Bottle is a real breakthrough for us and a genuinely cutting edge innovation,” says Stephane Couste, director, nature committee, Evian Volvic Worldwide. “What we’re announcing is just the first step to integrating renewable materials into our bottles and is a key milestone in our journey to reduce the global carbon footprint of the Volvic brand by 40% from 2008 to 2012.”

Four healthcare companies, based at Ringskiddy penisula, County Cork, have combined to develop a Eur30 million wind energy project to cut their electricity costs while also reducing their environmental impact.

Centocor, DePuy, GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis have formed the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group, which plans to build a total of seven 118m wind turbines on the companies’ four sites along the entrance to Cork Harbour. If successful in gaining planning approval, the new energy generation scheme will reduce the carbon footprint of each of the four factory sites by up to 30% or up to 22,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum.

“Each of the companies involved in this project has a strong commitment to improving environmental performance. This project will reduce each site’s use of electricity generated through carbon generating means by up to 30%, reducing the impact of our operations on the environment,” says Gerry Collins, vice president of Centocor Biologics Ireland.

According to Novartis general manager John Alexander, the project would be one of the first of its type in the world. “The creation of the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group has taken advantage of the expertise and innovative spirit that exists in Ireland,” he says. “By bringing the four sites together, this project has shown that Ireland remains a centre for excellence in manufacturing, efficiency and innovation.”

Northern Ireland construction company the Graham Group has selected wood pellet ‘brites’, produced by Fermanagh-based Balcas, as the preferred fuel for its new 3,000 sq m eco-friendly headquarters outside Hilsborough in County Down.

The new state-of-the-art sustainable building, which was recently awarded the highest BREEAM rating, includes a Hoval stand alone wood pellet heat source installed by MacFarlane Environmental, which will result in substantial predicted savings of approximately £11,000 per year in energy costs and will also help reduce the company’s carbon footprint even further. By burning 130 tonnes of brites instead of 65,000 litres of oil they will be offsetting 156 tonnes of CO2 and 43 tonnes of carbon.

Brites are produced at the two Balcas wood pellet mills in Enniskillen (55,000 tonnes/year) and Invergordon, Scotland (100,000 tonnes/year).

Brites have also been used to fuel and heat two recently constructed schools – Pond Park Primary School in Lisburn and Victoria Primary School in Ballyhalbert, both designed and constructed by Graham Construction – successfully helping to decrease the buildings’ carbon footprint and educate future generations on the environmental benefits of utilising sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels.

“Wood pellets are a tremendously efficient and cost-effective alternative to oil or gas and brites are now used in over 4,000 boilers, heating and providing hot water to a wide range of commercial customers – including hospitals, hotels and leisure centres. These clients enjoy many advantages from using brites – particularly the cost savings which comes with its usage,” comments Tim Finlay, brites development officer.

“As a leader in our industry we recognise that we have a corporate and social responsibility to ensure we conduct business in a manner which is respectful of the environment so our new flagship headquarters were designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind. An efficient building is only as good as its fuel source and we feel that brites are by far the best option for our heating and energy needs. We hope that the green design elements we have incorporated demonstrate that The Graham Group practices what it preaches in terms of sustainability,” says Jacqueline Gibson, sustainability coordinator at Graham.

CAPTION:

Tim Finlay, brites development officer (left), Jacqueline Gibson, sustainability coordinator, Graham (centre), and James Hughes, Graham facilities manager (right).