The European Commission has completed the launch of the EU tool that supports early large-scale demonstration of CO2 capture and storage (CCS) technologies. The CCS Project Network is the world’s first network of CCS demonstration projects to foster knowledge sharing and raise public understanding of the role of CCS in cutting CO2 emissions. This will … Read more
EU researchers will have sustainable and continuous access to the combined processing power of over 200,000 desktop computers in more than 30 European countries thanks to the European Commission funded European Grid Infrastructure (EGI) project, which was launched recently. The Commission is contributing Eur25 million over four years to the EGI-InSPIRE project to link the … Read more
The European Commission has launched a web-based consultation to gather input from a wide range of stakeholders on policy options for the European Union’s post-2010 EU biodiversity strategy. Opinions are sought from citizens, stakeholders, public administrations, business and civil society on issues including the shortcomings of the existing biodiversity policy, the new approach that the … Read more
Forests have a key role to play in combating climate change, both as a carbon sink and as a source of renewable energy, but initiatives to boost forestry for this purpose need to be subject to proper economic assessment, according to the findings of an inquiry by the British House of Lords Sub-Committee on Agriculture, … Read more
The European Commission today approved grants to restore raised bogs in County Westmeath and to improve water quality in the Special Conservation Area river, the Upper Blackwater in County Cork. The grants will be paid to Coillte in Westmeath and ‘Integrated Resource Development’ in Cork. Ireland’s raised bogs represent some of the finest examples of … Read more
The European Union should agree that forest carbon sinks can be used to offset Ireland’s non-Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) emissions, a new report from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security and the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Food has recommended. In a report on the European Commission’s Green Paper … Read more
IBEC, the group that represents Irish business, has announced the Irish winners of the 2009/10 European Business Awards for the Environment. The group said that the number and quality of Irish entries this year reflects the growing importance of environmental issues for businesses of all sizes in all sectors. The Irish winners are: Abbott Ireland … Read more
A new report funded by the European Commission makes a strong case for integrating biodiversity into private sector business plans and core activities around the globe. The report reveals considerable recent growth in eco-certified products and services, growing consumer concerns for sustainable production, and shows how biodiversity can provide a substantial business opportunity in a … Read more
The European Commission has adopted a Regulation approving the use of a tool to estimate fuel consumption by small aircraft operators as part of their compliance with the EU Emissions Trading System. The tool was developed by the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol). The tool enables aircraft operators with few flights … Read more
The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation of the EU. EIAs are carried out to make sure that the environmental impact of projects is taken into account before final decisions are made. Plans for roads, waste installations, power stations and a range of other projects must go … Read more