Environmental Sustainability refers to the responsible management of natural resources and ecosystems to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This is crucial for maintaining the planet's health, preserving natural resources, and ensuring a liveable environment for present and future generations. Ireland aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and be climate neutral by 2050.
1. Conservation of Resources: Efficiently using and managing finite resources like water, energy, forests, and minerals to avoid overexploitation and depletion.
2. Biodiversity Preservation: Protecting plant and animal species and their habitats to maintain the natural balance of ecosystems and ensure the stability of ecological processes.
3. Pollution Reduction: Minimising the release of harmful pollutants into the air, water, and soil, as well as managing waste responsibly through recycling and proper disposal.
4. Climate Change Mitigation: Taking actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources and adopting sustainable transportation methods.
5. Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting farming practices prioritising soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation while reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals.
6. Renewable Energy: Investing in and utilising clean and renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power to decrease dependence on fossil fuels.
7. Responsible Consumption: Encouraging conscious consumer choices, including the purchase of eco-friendly products, reduced waste generation, and support for sustainable industries.
8. Circular Economy: Implementing a system that focuses on reducing, reusing, and recycling materials to minimise waste and promote a closed-loop approach to resource utilisation.
9. Green Infrastructure: Incorporating nature-based solutions into urban planning and development to enhance resilience, such as green spaces, permeable pavements, and sustainable drainage systems.
10. Community Engagement: Involving and educating communities about environmental issues and encouraging active participation in sustainable practices.
The fund is divided into two:
Aim: To help companies develop an initial sustainability, decarbonisation, circular economy strategy and action plan.
Grant Available: €1,800 grant for independent technical or advisory services.
Who is eligible? Enterprise Ireland clients & Údarás na Gaeltachta clients.
Aim: To help companies introduce environmental best practice systems and structures, achieve cost and resource reduction targets and lay a foundation for future environmental improvement projects.
Grant Available: 80% grant, up to a maximum of €5,000, towards the cost of hiring a Green Service Provider for seven days to undertake a short in-company assignment.
Who is eligible?
Aim: To hire an external environmental expert to develop a high level of environmental management capabilities, drive environmental efficiencies and achieve improved sustainability.
Grant Available: Grant aid of up to 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum of €50,000.
Who is eligible?: Enterprise Ireland clients & Údarás na Gaeltachta clients.
Aim: To help develop and implement strategic initiatives and company plans in the areas of sustainability and decarbonisation.
Grant Available:
Medium programme: Up to 50% of the eligible costs paid to hire a consultant, with a maximum grant amount of €35,000.
Short programme: Up to 80% of the eligible costs.
Who is eligible?:
• Enterprise Ireland clients
• Údarás na Gaeltachta clients
Find out more about the Climate Planning Fund for Business at Enterprise Ireland.
Eligibility: Manufacturing business and a client of Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, or Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Aim: Supporting companies to put monitoring and targeting systems in place to begin accounting for their activities' carbon footprint.
Grant available: Up to 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum support of €50,000
Aim: Supporting investment in carbon-reducing technologies in manufacturing combustion processes.
Grant available: Maximum grant of 30% to 50%, up to a maximum support of €1m
Aim: To help SMEs explore a business opportunity or problem with a registered knowledge provider in sustainability and decarbonisation.
Grant available: €5,000 per company
Aim: To support planning research, development, or innovation projects in sustainability and decarbonisation.
Grant available: Up to 50% of eligible costs. Typical maximum support of €35k
Aim: To develop new or substantially improved products, services, or processes in sustainability and decarbonisation.
Grant available: The grant depends on project type and company size.
Aim: To develop new or substantially improved products, services, or processes in sustainability and decarbonisation.
Grant available: Up to 50% of eligible costs. Typical maximum support of €150k
Find out more about the Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund at Enterprise Ireland.
KRA Renewables' team of experienced sustainability and ESG Consultants with great networks are on hand to provide sustainability consultancy services.
See the "Sustainability and ESG" page for more information.
Need someone to guide you through the complexities of ESG and environmental sustainability? Get in touch with our in-house Sustainability Consultant, Wangechi Cynthia Wanjau, at cynthia@kra.ie with any queries.
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