Greener Living 2021

The Southern Star |

2021

GREENER LIVING

How to live and work more sustainably in West Cork

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Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21 | The Southern Star

Greenify your life Make your home a greener one •

Up to €50,000 over 10 years

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Unsecured lending

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No need to be an existing credit union member

Contact

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Greenify

(027) 50535 www.bantrycu.ie WARNING: Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating which may limit your ability to access credit in the future. Bantry Credit Union is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

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The Southern Star | Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21

HELLO! WELCOME to Greener Living – The Southern Star’s newest supplement – in which we focus on ways to live and work more sustainably and so help conserve our environment, tackle climate change and generally make the world a better, healthier place to live.

The mantra ‘small actions, big changes’ has never been more relevant, highlighting the idea that even the smallest adjustments in our individual, daily lives can lead to massive results due to the collective effort by many.

In this first issue of Greener Living, we look at simple ways to reduce our carbon footprints at home, at work and for those of us running a business. We look at the newly set-up Centre for Climate Action and Sustainability in Myross Wood near Leap, and there’s a look at what’s currently on the market from the leading car brands in terms of environmentally friendly motoring.

We also have lots of information on what’s new in the region regarding sustainable energy and we even have some ‘green’ gadgets for you to consider.

In keeping with the ethos of Greener Living, this supplement is printed on paper made exclusively from recycled materials, and don’t forget that you can continue to recycle it once you’re finished reading!

GREENE

Enjoy!

The Southern Star team

Southern Star Media, West Cork’s locally owned news, sport, information and entertainment business, connecting local people, communities and businesses everyday

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Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21 | The Southern Star

How to improve energy efficiency in the home

By Paula Burns WINTER is coming and with it comes the budget busting energy bills. With news from energy providers that prices are on the increase, being more energy efficient has never been so prudent. This is the ideal time to invest in making your home energy work for you. As they say, sometimes you have to spend money to make money.

SOLAR POWER

roof area. On a positive note, prices have dropped considerably over the past decade.

There are also add-ons available such as a hot water diverter that uses the excess energy to produce some of your hot water, again reducing your utility bills.

With installation costs down combined with the chance to generate around 40 percent of your annual electricity output, solar energy is proving to be a more popular choice when it comes to creating a greener and cosier home.

hotspots, under-floor heating creates a warm flow throughout the house. Due to the use of radiant heat, which is, similar to that provided by the sun there is no need to turn up the thermostat during the colder months. For anybody embarking on a new build or renovation under-floor heating is the smarter choice.

For those looking for a less invasive solution to heating your home more efficiently consider replacing your boiler.

An electric boiler comes top of the list for decreasing your carbon footprint while keeping more euros in your pocket.

Our love of technology can also improve our energy efficiency in the form of a smart thermostat. The smart technology learns your usage behaviour, meaning it automatically adjusts to when you come and go and your preferred temperature settings.

HEATING

Renewable energy is the buzzword of the moment when it comes to creating energy efficient homes and helping the environment.

But does it work in Ireland where the sun doesn’t always break through the clouds? The good news is yes. Solar PV systems allow the generation of electricity even on overcast days.

When it comes to the cost of installing solar panels it will vary from the size of the system and

INSULATION

On cold stormy nights have you ever imagined wrapping your house in the cosiest of blankets?

It’s not a blanket per se but an External Wrap Insulation (EWI) or External Thermal Insulating Composite Systems (ETICS) are almost the equivalent. While expensive – though grants through the SEAI Better Homes scheme are available for a percentage of the price – over the years it does pay back in terms of cost and energy

Recent years have seen the rise in popularity of under-floor heating. Often chosen for it’s clutterfree aesthetics, the real power lies in its energy saving abilities.

As we all know heat rises and with no localised 4

efficiency. Not only will it keep you warmer, in older houses it will eliminate damp and mould issues.

If the cost of house wrap is out of reach there are other cost efficient ways to insulating your home.

Draught proofing and insulating your home can reduce your energy bills if carried out correctly.

Draught excluders such as rubber strips or self-adhesive strips can help eliminate pesky draughts from windows and doors. As heat rises keeping it inside the house is paramount. A well-insulated attic will prevent heat getting out.

Insulate and seal any air holes around chimneys etc. However ventilation is a must to avoid damp and condensation.

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The Southern Star | Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21

TOP TIPS FOR HOME ENERGY SAVING

Brought to you by Martin McCarthy of Insulex

Energy efficiency is changing the way we build, renovate and heat our homes. While every home requires an individual approach to ensure an effective solution, here are some of my top tips.

1. Insulation - is usually the first point of consideration. Something as simple as a poorly insulated attic can result in up to 30% heat loss in your home. Attic Insulation is one of the most cost-effective and energy efficient upgrades you can make.

2. Draught-Proof - areas such as around windows, under window sills, keyholes, around doors and if you have an unused fireplace, install a chimney balloon.

3. Quick-Fixes - Replace traditional light

WOOD-BURNING STOVE

bulbs with energy saving LEDs. Install thermostats and identify energy vampires and put them on timers or plug them out.

If you love an open fire but are tired of watching your money literally go up in flames there is a solution. A wood-burning stove can be up to three times more efficient then a traditional open fire. Not only that, they also continue to retain heat even after the fire has gone out. By burning less fuel CO2 levels are reduced making it more sustainable then an open fire.

The wood-burning stove isn’t just a pretty face. It can be used in conjunction with a gas or oil fired central heating system. While it is lighting it can heat your radiators and water without having to turn on the central heating, saving you money in the long term.

4. Utilise Natural light - when designing, renovating or retrofitting.

5. Consider Air to Water Heating pumps - they are innovative low-energy, central heating systems offering maximum savings, maximum efficiency with minimum CO2 emissions.

6. Consider PV - Solar Photovoltaic panels.

These are designed to extract light from the sun, convert it into energy to generate electricity. So you are basically turning daylight into free electricity to power your home and all your essentials. Keep in mind Air to

LIGHTING

When it comes to improving the energy efficiency of our homes we immediately think of heating, leaving lighting to the side. However creating a greener home doesn’t mean leaving the lights on.

The traditional bulbs of yesteryear not only cost a fortune in electricity bills but the short lifespan of a bulb could often leave you in the dark. Over the years energy efficient bulbs have progressed producing lower carbon dioxide emissions. These days, LED bulbs have replaced halogen and traditional bulbs. They can be used in general, outdoor and spot-lighting. Look at the lumen values for wattage output. LEDs come in different colours with ‘soft white’ or ‘warm white’ the preferred choice for home lighting. And with a life expectancy of 50,000 hours an LED bulb can be left on for 12 hours a day for 11 years.

Water Heat Pumps can provide even greater savings when installed in conjunction with PV panels to offset some of the electricity used to run the heat pump.

7. Underfloor Heating - the latest underfloor heating systems have low energy requirements making them an efficient method of heating, especially when combined with an Air to Water Heat Pump.

8. When considering any ‘energy upgrade’, get professional advice and think 'future-proof'.

9. Make sure the professional you choose works closely with you to formulate a plan to combine an optimised solution with your requirements and your budget. Factors such as Heating Systems, Insulation types, Proper Ventilation, Doors, Windows, Space Design, as well as your future requirements and budget have to be considered to develop you the most cost effective and optimised solution.

10. In summary, the key to home energy efficiency is to have the right systems to achieve a constant temperature and retain the heat that is generated. This reduces the cost of heating your home as well as your carbon footprint.

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Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21 | The Southern Star SPONSORED CONTENT

Warm and Sustainable choices this winter with Bandon co-op MORE and more people are choosing sustainable options when lighting fires this winter. We have all become more aware of carbon emissions, air pollution and renewable sources.

However, we still want products that perform well and produce the maximum amount of heat in our homes.Bandon Co-op is responding to changing customer demands and this winter sees the addition to the fuel range of more sustainable fuel options. Maintaining its reputation for value, the pricing at Bandon Co-op is unbeatable and the famous fuel sale is now running over three weeks (Oct 11th – 30th), giving customers more opportunities to visit their local stores and place their orders for the winter ahead.

Some of the new products include:

KILN DRIED WOOD • Ideal for wood burning stoves, open fires or fire pits.

• Firewood needs to be low in moisture to burn well and to produce maximum heat.

From when the drying process is complete, kiln dried firewood is never exposed to any dampness during packaging, transport or delivery. This results in a consistently reliable product. With a quality product such as this, there will be no smouldering in the fire causing blackening of the glass, since the wood has been dried right through to the centre.

With properly dried firewood, you’ll get logs that light easily and burn for longer with higher heat.

FUEL SALE

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The Southern Star | Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21

Simple ways to make your business more eco-friendly

BY BRIAN MOORE TAKING a ‘greener’ stance when it comes to running your business is not only better for the planet but can also improve your company’s financial future.

However, becoming a truly sustainable company can be a big step, taking in every facet of the business in some way or another, and putting together a greener strategy can seem daunting with the cost benefits for the company not immediately evident. So where is the best place to start?

EVEN SMALL CHANGES MATTER

Don’t print anything unless you really need to, and even then you could print double-sided on sheets rather than single-sided and effectively halve the amount of paper you’re using. Remember you can recycle your printer toner and cartridges as well, saving your company money, and the environment simultaneously.

A GREENER CULTURE MAKES FOR FUTURE FINANCIAL RETURNS

Becoming a sustainable company might require investment of money, but it will also require commitment and time. While, in the long run, a sustainability strategy should actively work to save your company money and have a positive impact on the environment, you should be prepared to invest both financially and physically from the outset. It’s a cultural change, so it won’t always be easy, but it is do-able.

REDUCE YOUR ENERGY BILLS WHEREVER POSSIBLE

Turn off the lights, computers and other electrical equipment when they are not in use. Shop around for the best value energy providers – there are often better deals out there.

USE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

THERE ARE GREENER TRANSPORT OPTIONS

Recycled paper and cardboard, eco-friendly cleaning products, and don’t forget recycled toilet paper – every purchase for your company could make a difference to the environment. Making the switch to online billing and paperwork is a win-win for everyone. Not only does it drastically cut down on paper waste, but it also vastly increases your physical storage space. Instead of paper receipts, opt for email receipts sent to customers.

Delivering your products, meeting customers and collecting or taking delivery of your raw materials all costs money and it costs a lot in energy too. Could your company upgrade to some electric or hybrid vehicles? Or getting together with your suppliers and customers to work out a more efficient environmentally friendly transport option is also a lot easier than you think and will involved others in your more sustainable business model too – spread the word!

A GREEN MISSION STATEMENT

REMOTE WORKING CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

Write it down and stick to a plan, get everybody involved and invested in the company’s move to a more green approach to making the business more profitable.

Also, consider nominating a member of your company as a ‘green advocate’. Going fully sustainable is about cultural change. To that end, assigning someone (or a team of people) within your company to spearhead your green drive is a great way to embed sustainable thinking in your business. This person, or group of people, will take charge of your sustainability strategy, setting goals and communicating progress with employees.

If the global pandemic has highlighted anything, it is the fact that remote working is not a bad idea. Fewer vehicles on the road and idling in traffic jams, equates to less carbon dioxide (CO2) being emitted into the air. This small change can help reduce traffic and a business’s overall carbon footprint. Furthermore, with fewer people in the office, companies can save money usually spent stocking, lighting and heating the workplace. They can also save on not-insignificant travel costs.

THERE ARE ALWAYS OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE

RECYCLE AND THEN RECYCLE AGAIN

Going sustainable doesn’t just mean setting a few goals and doing your best to achieve them.

That’s just the start. Always try to look for opportunities to review your progress, see what’s working and what isn’t, and then put more plans in place for the future.

Every company has a different level of impact on the environment, but as a whole every company adds to climate change, pollution and the waste crisis. Each company’s journey to becoming environmentally sustainable will be unique but it’s more critical than ever to start now and to get it right.

Waste collection costs money and with studies showing that over 60% of refuse from businesses that currently goes to landfill, could be recycled.

Recycling makes real financial sense and is the key for a more sustainable business. Reuse items whenever possible. In the warehouse, instead of throwing out structurally intact boxes, they can go another round. In the office, employees should be encouraged to use less paper and to think about separating waste into landfill, recyclable and compost categories.

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Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21 | The Southern Star

Electricity prices are soaring with no end in sight.

You can reduce your costs and do something for the environment right now. Install Solar PV panels and generate your own electricity. Why wait any longer?

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The Southern Star | Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21

Retrofitting your property? Help is at hand WHILE we all want to do our part when it comes to ensuring that we have the smallest carbon footprint possible, sometimes the cost of retrofitting our homes and businesses can be a major stumbling block.

There are, however, a number of government-aided grant schemes and incentives available

HOME

BUSINESS

FREE HOME ENERGY UPGRADE SERVICE

UNDERSTAND YOUR ENERGY USE

Now is the time to ensure that your home is fit for purpose when it comes to energy efficiency for the future. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has several fully funded and partially funded grants available at the moment that are designed to ensure that homes are not only energy efficient but financially efficient as well:

More and more business people are viewing the need to be more energy efficient and environmentally aware as a top priority. Today, customers expect to see that your business is taking steps towards sustainability but where do you begin to ensure that the business combines growth for the future and efficient cost-effective sustainability?

This covers the full cost, for qualifying homes that were built prior to 2006 of upgrading insulation and heating controls including, attic insulation, cavity wall insulation, external wall insulation.

Internal wall insulation, secondary work such as lagging jackets, draught proofing and energy efficient lighting as well as new heating systems and windows are also covered by this grant.

SEAI’s Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) offers small to medium businesses a €2,000 voucher towards the cost of a high quality energy audit. An energy audit is an important step for businesses that want to save money, save energy, and enhance their brand. An energy audit may be carried out on buildings, processes, or systems and it is a three-step process which involves preparation, a site visit and reporting.

COMPLETE HOME ENERGY UPGRADE SOLUTION

SUPPORT SCHEME FOR RENEWABLE HEAT

This is the one-stop-shop for everything you need and is a part-funded SEAI grant where approximately a third of the cost for a typical family home is available. This grant works for all the services required for a complete home energy upgrade and with approved suppliers provides fully managed solutions, a wider range of grants and the grants available are deducted from the cost of works upfront.

This government funded scheme supports businesses who wish to install renewable heating systems and covers commercial, industrial, agricultural and other non-domestic heat users who are not covered by the emissions trading system. The scheme provides for an installation grant as well as on-going operational support. This grant supports heating systems that use the following technologies: Air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps and water source heat pumps. The installation grant provides funding of up to 30% of eligible costs, to successful applicants.

INDIVIDUAL ENERGY UPGRADE GRANTS

These are a selection of individual grants for home energy upgrades with up to one third of the cost for a family home available from SEAI. Some homeowners choose to manage their own home energy upgrades. This option is suitable for homeowners and landlords who want to manage their own energy upgrades.

TAX INCENTIVES

The Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) is a tax incentive encouraging investment in energy saving technology. The ACA scheme allows a sole trader, farmer or company that pays corporation tax to deduct the full cost of the equipment from their profits in the year of purchase. As a result, the reduction in tax paid by the organisation in that year is currently 12.5% of the value of capital expenditure.

For cars coming under the category ‘Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles’ the accelerated allowance is based on the lower of the actual cost of the vehicle or €24,000.

• These grants are designed to allow homeowners to fully retrofit their homes or just tackle one option such as attic or wall insulation for example. For more details and a complete breakdown of the grants available to homeowners log on to seai.ie.

• As with the grants available for homeowners businesses can log onto seai.ie for more information and application details.

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Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21 | The Southern Star

Sustainable motoring needs thought

BY BRIAN BYRNE WITH around 8,000 new electric cars registered in Ireland so far this year, representing some 8pc of all cars sold, electric car sales have more than doubled since the same period last year. Add to that sales of hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars which represent more than 31pc of powertrains. Meanwhile diesel power has slipped to just a third of all sales.

All that indicates motorists are shifting towards more environmentally friendly motoring, reflecting also an emphasis on sustainability across our life needs and lifestyle choices.

But sustainability in motoring is not all about moving wholesale to electric vehicles.

It’s about making choices that, bluntly, will eventually decrease reliance on cars for personal transport, and eventually reduce cars ownership

quite drastically. It costs at least as much in resources to produce an electric car as it does any other kind. Every time one is driven off an assembly line, for the privilege of a single private or corporate owner, it represents consumption of a chunk of the planet’s resources.

And every kilometre we subsequently drive represents even further depletion of everything we need to survive as a species. Even

to power the electric motor alone, producing electricity for the batteries in large part depends still on fossil fuels of coal, gas, and oil.

That said, motoring sustainability is geared towards electrified vehicles, whether hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or full electric (EV).

Further out, the hydrogen fuel cell will likely become an accessible option, but we’ll leave that discussion for another time.

SEAI GRANT LIMITS

A maximum grant of €5,000 is available for qualifying electric vehicles when purchased privately. Approved EVs with a List Price of less than €14,000 will not receive a grant.

The grant level applies to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). The grant amount will depend on the list price of the vehicle. This is the full non-discounted price in the absence of VRT relief or grant support.

As of 1st July 2021 there is a cap of €60,000 on the full price of all vehicles to the customer, including all optional extras, paint and delivery for excludes any incentives such as grants or rebates.

From the 1st of July 2021, the value of the purchase grant for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) changed from €5,000 to €2,500.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

Brian Byrne looks the more than 20 car brands offering electric, hybrid or PHEV models in Ireland, excluding the so-called ‘mild hybrid’ as they don’t allow for any level of electric-only driving

AUDI

BMW

CITROEN

DS

FORD

HONDA

HYUNDAI

JAGUAR

Audi, the premium brand of Volkswagen Group, has been an early adopter of electrification. The first was the e-tron SUV, which has been followed by the e-tron GT and the recently arrived Q4 e-tron. PHEV versions are also available in the A3, A6, A7 and A8 saloons, and in the Q3, Q5, Q7 and Q8 SUVs.

Ford’s Kuga crossover comes in PHEV form, and the Mondeo is available as a hybrid. The company’s first dedicated electric car has just arrived in Ireland, the SUV-styled Mustang Mach-E.

KIA

Kia has been building up an impressive catalogue of electrifieds, with the Xceed and Ceed Sportswagon both in PHEV, the Niro as PHEV and fully EV, the all-electric E-Soul, the Sorento PHEV, and the latest EV6 electric leading what will be a stable of dedicated electric-only cars.

LEXUS

BMW has two electric models, the new iX3 SUV and the i3 hatchback which was their original electric car. There are PHEV versions of the 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, 2 Series Active Tourer, X1, X2, X5 and X3.

Citroen is offering an electric version of its new generation C4, and there’s a PHEV variant of the C5 Aircross.

Honda was an early innovator in the hybrid scene, and currently offers full HEV versions of the Jazz and the C-RV. The brand’s fully electric Honda-E is designed as a small urban car.

Lexus has completely electrified its range with full hybrids and is also the first in the Toyota group to bring a pure electric model, the UX.

Hyundai offers a Kona in HEV and full-electric variants, along with Ioniq in PHEV and fully electric and the new Ioniq 5 all electric. The Tucson SUV is now available in HEV and PHEV, and the large SUV Santa Fe in PHEV.

MAZDA

Mazda has the MX-30 electric car, designed as a small urban vehicle.

There are as yet no hybrids or PHEVs in the range.

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MERCEDES-BENZ

DS, the premium brand from Stellantis, has an all-electric DS 3 and a PHEV DS 7. A new DS 9 will also be a PHEV.

Jaguar was early into electrification with the I-Pace SUV. The F-Pace and E-Pace are both available in PHEV.

Mercedes-Benz in the luxury arena has been powering into the fully electric market with its EQA, EQC, EQE, EQS, and EQV people-carrier. The company offers PHEV options across its saloon and SUV models, including diesel PHEVs in the latter.

MG

MG has returned to the market after a long absence, leading with the allelectric ZS. A longer range option is the MG5 EV LR. There’s also a PHEV model, the HS.

The Southern Star | Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21

MINI

NISSAN

OPEL

SKODA

TESLA

TOYOTA

Mini has an all-electric hatchback, driven by a high-voltage, 96-cell, 32.6 kWh (gross capacity) battery pack that’s mounted under the floor. Mini also offers a PHEV version of its popular Countryman model.

Skoda is the second mass-market brand in the Volkswagen Group to produce an all-electric car, the Enyaq.

The other electrified models are PHEV versions of the Octavia and Superb.

Nissan’s Leaf, the original mass-market EV, continues to get loyal customer attention. There’s now also a small people-carrier based on the NV200 van, the Evalia. A new electric crossover, the Ariya, is coming next year. A hybrid version of the new Qashqai is imminent.

Tesla, which began some years ago with an expensive electric sports car, has become one of the major players in the pure electric field since the arrival of the Model 3. The more affordable car has pretty well wiped out the expensive Models S and X here.

Opel is also gathering speed in electrification, with all-electric Corsa and Mokka cars and a Vivaro passenger van. There’s a PHEV version of the Grandland X with 300hp.

Toyota is the clear leader in petrolelectric hybrids registering almost two-thirds of hybrids sold. Their Corolla is the biggest seller, followed

by RAV 4, the C-HR and the Yaris.

They also have the Camry and the new 7-seat Highlander in small numbers. The Prius, which started the whole hybrid revolution, languishes last in Toyota’s list now that most of the brand’s models have been given its original unique powertrain. Toyota as yet has no battery-electric car.

PEUGEOT

RENAULT

VOLKSWAGEN

VOLVO

Peugeot has been strongly building its electrified vehicles programme.

The e-208 and e-2008 are popular pure electric versions of their standard fossil fuel models. There are PHEV versions of the 3008 SUV, of the 508 wagon and coupe, and of the upcoming 308.

Volkswagen has stormed into the electric car space with its ID.3 hatchback and larger SUV ID.4, both of which are enjoying growing popularity. An ID.5 crossover coupe is almost ready to launch and there will be further EV models in short order. The Golf GTE is a PHEV with a pumping 245hp, and there’s also a PHEV version of the Tiguan SUV.

Think confident Drive confident

Audi Cork

Renault has also been one of the leaders in electric cars, with its Zoe small car. Hybrid offerings include the brand new Arkana and Clio, while the popular Captur and Megane both come with PHEV options.

Volvo has pushed strongly into electrification, with its new XC40 Recharge the first of what will be a range of all-electric cars. There are PHEV versions of the XC90, XC60, XC40, and V60 estate.

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*Typical Finance Example: Q4 e-tron SUV ADVANCE 35 e-tron 125kw €41,538 including grants & VRT relief. Deposit/ Part Exchange €12,876. 36 monthly payments of €397. Indicative 5.9% APR. Optional Final Payment €18,403. Total hire purchase price €45,724.30 including acceptance fee (€75) and completion fee (€75). Minimum deposit is 10%. Subject to lending criteria. This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Audi Finance is a trading style of Volkswagen Bank GmbH Branch Ireland, authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Offer price applies to the Audi Q4 e-tron SUV, and is subject to availability. For full pricing details contact Audi Cork. Audi Cork has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information but does not accept liability for any errors. Images shown for illustrative purposes only.

volkswagen.ie

Model shown for illustrative purposes. ID.4 Range Battery Consumption kW/100km (max. – min.): combined 19.2 – 17.4. CO2 emissions g/km: 0. The specific battery consumption and emission values are the official figures obtained from tests under standardized EU test conditions in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). Information correct at time of print. See www.volkswagen.ie for details. *Typical Finance Example: ID.4 Tech 77kWh . OTRP €61,180. Deposit/Part Exchange €18,935.33. APR 1.9%. 36 monthly payments of €509. Optional Final Payment €25,748.40. Total Cost of Credit €1,977.73 including acceptance fee (€75) and completion fee (€75). No minimum deposit requirement. Finance is provided by way of Hire Purchase Agreement from Volkswagen Financial Services Ireland and subject to lending criteria. 1.9%APR available on selected models. Offers available on new retail orders before December 31st 2021. Offers subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. These offers do not apply to fleet sales. Visit volkswagen.ie for more information.

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Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21 | The Southern Star

Simple steps to REDUC

E

WHETHER at home, work, school, or while you travel, small changes can really add up when it comes to minimising your carbon footprint. At a top-line level you’ll want to think about things like reducing the amount of energy you use, eating fewer animal products, shopping locally, travelling smart, and reducing your waste.

What is a carbon footprint?

Carbon footprint is a term used to describe the measure of the total quantity of greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere as a result of the actions of an individual, organisation, or nation. It is usually measured in tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent).

GLOBAL CO2 emissions declined The biggest causes of a carbon footprint by 5.8% in 2020, or almost 2 Gt So, what is it that’s driving these emissions? And how does that impact your carbon footprint? There are a few main CO2 (Gt – Gigatonnes) – the largest ever industries that create the majority of the greenhouse decline and almost five times greater than the gasses we produce.

2009 decline that followed the global financial These are: crisis. CO2 emissions fell further than energy demand • Energy (the burning of fossil fuels). in 2020 owing to the pandemic hitting demand for • Agriculture (e.g. methane production, fertilisers, oil and coal harder than other energy sources while alteration of eco-systems) • Land-use change and forestry (altering or conrenewables increased. Despite the decline in 2020, global verting land) energy-related CO2 emissions remained at 31.5 Gt, which • Industrial processes (pollutants, greenhouse contributed to CO2 reaching its highest ever average gases etc) annual concentration in the atmosphere of 412.5 parts • Waste (domestic, industrial, agricultural etc) per million in 2020 – around 50% higher than when the industrial revolution began.

As we emerge from the pandemic, global energyrelated CO2 emissions are rebounding and expected to continue to grow as demand for coal, oil and gas rebounds with It’s While much of the global carbon footprint will give you not just is as a result of a comparatively small num- a good sense the economy.

How do I measure my carbon footprint? ber of companies and specific activities, it doesn’t mean that individuals don’t also have a carbon footprint and that we can’t play our part to minimise it. Collectively, small actions amount to large results after all.

A good place to start if you want to get an idea of what your carbon footprint is would be by using an online carbon footprint calculator. These vary somewhat in terms of the amount of detail that they go into, but most 12

of where you’re at nonetheless.

Once you have an understanding of what your footprint is, and some of the aspects of your lifestyle that may be contributing to it, you can then start to take actions to reduce it. By lowering your carbon footprint, you can help contribute to the overall reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

about the environment either.

Reducing your carbon footprint can help you live a healthier lifestyle, as well as save you money.

Whether it’s cleaner air, a healthier diet, or reduced energy bills, these benefits of reducing your carbon footprint also mean you’re doing your bit to combat climate change.

The Southern Star | Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21

your carbon footprint CYCLING AND WALKING

Here are some simple, easy-to-implement steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint:

Cycling and walking are two of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel. And, not only are they good for the planet, but they’re also good for your health. If you can, choose to cycle or walk to your destination where possible. Why not avail of the government’s Bike-To-Work scheme?

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

Households and companies of all sizes use a host of different products in their day-to-day running. Whether it’s things like paper, electronic devices, packaging, or water, it all has a carbon footprint. By reducing the amount of waste you generate, reusing items and avoiding single-use plastics for example, or by doing your bit to recycle waste, you can make a real difference.

INSULATE

Heating your living/work space can be an expensive and energyintensive process. By insulating places like your loft and walls, you can make sure your space retains heat during the winter and stays cool in summer. It means you’ll use less energy, reducing your carbon footprint and your bills.

SINGLE-USE PLASTICS & PACKAGING

Single-use plastics may be convenient, yet they’re detrimental for the environment. Not only do they pollute, but they also require energy to produce and recycle, with a very limited payback in terms of their use. The amount and type of packaging used by companies on their products is also something worthy of serious consideration. How many times have you stood slack-jawed at the amount of plastic/cardboard encasing an item that you’ve purchased, and mostly only to make it look good on the shop shelf. Many producers are going down the route of downloadable instructions for appliances/gadgets, thus reducing the need for big, multi-language manuals within the packaging. This reduces excessive paper usage, and weight during transport…win win!

SWITCH TO RENEWABLES

Energy providers around the world are now offering greener tariffs. By switching to a company that provides electricity from solar, wind, or hydroelectric energy, you can reduce your emissions and save money on your energy bills. You could also consider installing ecofriendly energy solutions like solar panels, a domestic windmill or geo-thermal heating.

BUY ENERGY EFFICIENT

Electrical appliances are becoming more efficient by the year. Whether it’s buying energy-saving light bulbs or choosing appliances with a high energy star rating, you can make your home or business more eco-friendly. Additionally, make sure to turn off and unplug anything you’re not using.

REUSABLE CONTAINERS

Having a reusable bottle for your water or reusable containers for storing food means you can cut down on one-use plastics quite significantly. This can cut your carbon footprint for the manufacture and transport of each plastic bottle, bag or piece of unnecessary packaging.

USE LESS WATER

RAISE AWARENESS

It takes energy and resources to process and deliver water to our homes and businesses. What’s more, it’s also quite energy-intensive to heat it once it’s there. So, by using less, you can help the environment and lower your carbon footprint.

At school, at home or in the office, spread the word about things like greenhouse gases, carbon footprints, or climate change. Endeavour to make these topics normal and part of the everyday conversation. Things like school projects and fundraising events can help to educate children and their families about the importance of protecting the environment.

CHANGE YOUR DIET

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The food we eat can have a significant impact on the environment. For example, meat and dairy products require a lot of land, water and energy to produce. They also create a lot of methane, a greenhouse gas. What’s more, food shipped from overseas uses a lot more resources than local produce. By eating fewer animal products, especially red meat, (or choosing a plant-based diet) and shopping for locally sourced food, you can make a big difference and support local business. Think of the shortest distance from farm to fork!

COMPOST

Composting is surprisingly good for the environment, particularly when food waste is such a big issue. By setting up a composting scheme at home, work or school, you can help to reduce landfill methane emissions. What’s more, this type of compost is free, doesn’t use energy to produce, and is good for plant life – whether it’s your garden at home or school, or the shrubbery around the office car park!

TURN OFF THE LIGHTS

●

●

USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Powering empty rooms at home or office space is a huge energy drain. By making sure you turn off lights and appliances when they’re not in use, you can make sure you’re not wasting power. Also, consider installing automatic, movement-sensing lights (where appropriate) and energy-saving LED bulbs.

Petrol and diesel vehicles tend to emit a lot of carbon dioxide per kilometre of travel. These greenhouse gas emissions are often only split between a few people, making it quite an energy-intense way to get around. Public transport such as trains, busses, and coaches carry many people and are often more sustainable forms of travel.

GO DIGITAL

FLYING

It’s never been easier to collaborate with others online.

Many of us had to learn the hard way during the pandemic but now video conferencing and cloud-based workflows are second nature. Video conferencing in particular has had a huge effect on our thinking around travel for business meetings etc with the result that many companies are saving massively on expenses while also taking a significant slice out of their carbon footprints.

The carbon footprint of flying is larger than any other mode of transport. Firstly, try to reduce the number of unnecessary trips you take (think video conferencing!) and when you do fly, you should aim to reduce the number of stops on your route, ideally by flying directly to your destination. Many airlines and travel companies now offer you the chance to offset your carbon emissions. Essentially, this is where you pay money on top of the cost of your ticket to fund projects aimed at reducing your carbon footprint. These carbon offsets cover all kinds of incentives, such as restoring forests and making energy and transportation more efficient.

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Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21 | The Southern Star

ACCESS GREEN LOANS

To support the green economy and encourage everyone to strive to be more energy-efficient, we have a range of loans products to help you. From home improvements to energy-efficient car loans, Access Credit Union is Here to Help.

CALL US TODAY TO DISCUSS HOW WE CAN HELP YOU TO ACHIEVE YOUR ENERGY GOALS.

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Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating which may limit your ability to access credit in the future. Access Credit Union Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland 14

The Southern Star | Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21

Green Gadgets

by Paula Burns

HOME ENERGY MONITOR

Have you ever wondered how much energy your home is actually using and what appliances cost the most?

An energy monitor will unveil the inner workings of your energy use, allowing you to be more mindful in the energy you use.

There are two types of home energy monitors. The first is a Household Monitor. This will provide you with an overall picture of your energy use. The household monitor plugs into your energy meter and will detect the energy use of the entire household.

Since many of us are now working from home, you will have noticed a rise in your energy bills. This may not just be a result of having the heating on for longer. Between laptop chargers and the extra cups of tea being made we are inevitably using more

SMART PLUGS

The theory behind a smart plug isn’t exactly groundbreaking – it’s essentially an upgrade to the ‘80s style timer plugs. For the 21st century the technology has progressed from pushing down tiny plastic pegs. The smart plug allows you to control your electronic devices remotely, so you no longer have to worry if you left the hair straightener on.

The smart plug is also useful in terms of security now that the evenings are closing in. If you decide to stay for after-work drinks, one click and a sitting room light can be put on. For energy efficiency you can also put your appliances on a usage schedule where they are used during off-peak times helping you save on electricity costs.

GARDEN LIGHTING

energy. For a more in-depth look, an energy monitor with an appliance recognition feature is the best option. This will detect what appliances cost more to run and what time of day is more expensive.

As the days get shorter, garden lights are shining for longer. Living in the countryside where the moonlight doesn’t always suffice as a guiding light, garden lights are a must.

Low energy outdoor lights are a sustainable and cost efficient way to keeping the lights on. For pathway and patio lights choose low energy LED bulbs to create a sophisticated and stylish look. Smart path lights can be conveniently controlled from your phone, allowing you to light up the path to your door before you arrive.

Sensor lights are also a must when it comes to energy efficiency. The smart technology uses motion sensor and can register movement from as far as 12 meters. The motion sensor technology is not only a win in energy efficiency but is an added asset in terms of security.

SOLAR CHARGERS

In a world where we are constantly connected, our personal energy use has increased hugely since pre-internet days. From phones to laptops to ipads, we are never too far away from a charger or electricity outlet.

Just as solar energy panels provide sustainable energy for the home, a solar charger can do so on a smaller more personal scale.

The Solar Charger is a combination of a solar panel and a battery pack in a single device. Using the same method as solar panels, the solar charger is a device that uses sunlight to generate electricity. The inner battery bank is charged up through direct sunlight. The inner battery then stores the generated electricity until it is ready to use. A solar charger can be used for a variety of handheld devices meaning even if you’re off grid you can still be connected.

SMART THERMOSTATS

There’s nothing more inviting than a cosy warm house in the middle of winter. During the colder months it’s inevitable that our heating bills will rise. With smart technology heating bills can be reduced.

A smart thermostat allows you to control the temperature of your home from your phone. Not only that, the advanced technology means that it can learn your schedule from your usage meaning it will automatically turn the temperature down when you’re not at home.

Those with a geofencing feature will automatically switch to away mode as you move further from the house and back to home mode when you return. As a result less energy is used leaving more money in your pocket.

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Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21 | The Southern Star

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The Southern Star | Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21

Reduce pollution and traffic congestion IN a environmentally conscious era, commuters are being urged more and more to use public transport such as the bus. The reasons are very clear as public transportation is one of the most effective ways to reduce passengers’ impact on the environment. In fact using public transport exceeds the benefits of other energy saving activities including using energy efficient light bulbs or energy efficient kitchen appliances.

Using public transport instead of driving reduces greenhouse gases, and in particular carbon dioxide emissions. The maths is simple - one full coach removes anywhere from 25 to 40 cars with single occupancy travelling the same journey. Public transport produces far fewer air pollutants per passenger mile.

Using an established bus network such as West Cork Connect not only provides an economic saving for households, it reduces congestion on major roads into the towns and cities while also helping passengers to contribute to reducing the effects of air pollutants, which when they enter the atmosphere they contribute to global warming, smog, acid deposition and health problems.

By implementing a reliable and user-friendly transport system in West Cork, people can leave their car at home and thus have an incredible impact on air quality while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and benefiting the environment for the future.

Remote working could cut CO2 emissions by up to 670kg per driver DRIVERS could save an average of 2.5 hours of commuting time every day by using a remote working location, according to new research conducted

by NoCo, Ireland’s largest hybrid workspace network, and Trinity College Dublin. The research, which reveals interesting insights into how remote working hubs are impacting our commuting patterns and our carbon footprint, also shows that 70% of people would consider changing their home location as a result of the ability to work remotely.

A key focus of the research was to measure the potential carbon emissions savings as well as travel time savings. The results indicate that a switch to working from a remote working hub for just three days a week could save a driver up to 14 days of travel time a year, saving approx. 670kg of CO2. Public transport users would save almost 11 days of commuting time, saving the equivalent of 2.19kg CO2 from these public transport trips.

When travelling to their place of work, 59% of people left home before 7.30am however nearly 80% of people left after 7.30am when travelling to a remote location.

49% said they would consider buying an e-bike for their new trip to their local remote working hub and 14% said they would consider buying a push bicycle. 15% said they are now considering selling a car as a result of this new work dynamic.

38% of people said the ability to spend more time in their local community would be a major benefit if they could switch over to working from a remote hub. NoCo’s service has the potential to boost local economies and encourage more community engagement in towns across Ireland, as well as providing the more rural areas with the opportunity to prosper and grow, both economically and socially.

NoCo, who recently unveiled an expansion partnership with The National Association of Community Enterprise Centres’ (NACEC) and Enterprise Ireland, is now Ireland’s largest workspace network provider with remote working hubs in over 350 locations nationwide. The service enables companies to connect their team to a network of ‘close to home’ workspaces across Ireland via one membership, one monthly invoice and one point of contact.

While the study indicates a clear desire to have the option of remote working (80% of people believe it’s possible for their employer to implement a hybrid work scheme post-Covid 19), and highlights the potential environmental benefits that could come from it (on average those using a remote hub are travelling 60km less per day), it also revealed some issues that need to be addressed: • 78% of people said they experienced feelings of isolation as a result of working from home • 85% of people experienced Wi-Fi and general connectivity issues while working from home • 84% of people experienced problems with inadequate home office space or equipment Brian Moran, co-founder of NoCo, said: ‘We are delighted to have worked alongside Trinity College Dublin to carry out this research. The slowdown of economic activities during the pandemic resulted in significant improvements to air quality and GHG emissions. At NoCo, we are preparing for the future which means addressing climate change. None of us can afford to ignore our carbon footprints anymore and we believe that the shift to remote working will help to meet Ireland’s national carbon targets, as well as provide people with reduced commuting time and a better work/life balance.’

Prof Brian Caulfield, Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, said: ‘Our research clearly shows that remote working hubs may play an even more substantial role than we thought in reducing carbon emissions in the transport field from commuting. From a personal-time perspective, the findings of the survey demonstrate that remote workers are able to spend significantly more time at home and substantially less time commuting.’

New Savour Food programme designed to tackle food waste AN undertaking to reduce food waste is on the menu for Irish food service businesses this year. As part of the Savour Food programme, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, a new e-tool for food service businesses has been launched.

Five facts about food waste in Ireland • It is estimated that every year the Irish food sector wastes 150,000 tonnes of food.

• The main sources of food waste in the Irish food service sector are plate waste (38%), preparation waste (35%) and unserved food waste (27%).

• A proportion of ‘unavoidable’ food waste comes from peelings and off-cuts. On average, this waste accounts for just 25% of food waste thrown away.

• Food waste has been calculated to cost €2.73 - €3.50 per kilogram.

• If food waste cannot be prevented, donating or distributing to people is the next best option. More information is available from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

(Information from the Less Food Waste More Profit publication from the Clean Technology Centre at Munster Technological University).

Savour Food is a food waste reduction programme for businesses and it aims to bring about sustained change in Irish businesses in terms of food waste prevention. Savour Food is now offering a free online facility where food service businesses can assess how much food waste might be costing and what they can do across the business to reduce it. The e-tool is free to use and can be found at savourfood.ie. Key areas covered under this new initiative include: The Cost of Food Waste The user can (a) identify the true cost of food waste generated by their business (b) obtain a food waste benchmark which can be compared against national standards for good practice and (c) identify the cost saving that could be achieved by reducing food waste to good practice standards.

Bins: The basics This section focuses on waste segregation, awareness and training, and waste management.

The quick fixes This section outlines simple and low-cost food waste prevention actions that the user will apply and these will then be provided in a downloadable action plan for the kitchen team.

Advice from the kitchen Find out what some of Ireland’s most respected industry professionals have to say about food waste, including: JB Dubois of Grow HQ, Victor Murphy of O’Mahony’s Watergrasshill, Michael Lennon of Westport Woods Hotel, Pat Ferriter of Ferrit & Lee Restaurant and Eunice Power of Eunice Power Catering.

The Savour Food programme provides a free service to food businesses that includes direct consultancy, food waste prevention training and advice on legal obligations in relation to food waste management. The Savour Food Programme is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine. The programme is managed by the by the Clean Technology Centre, MTU Cork, and supported by stakeholders. See savourfood. ie for more information.

President of Munster Technological University, Prof Maggie Cusack (left) with Savour Food programme manager Keelin Tobin, MTU and Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine at the launch of the new e-tool for food service businesses by the Savour Food Programme.

(Photo: Darragh Kane)

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Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21 | The Southern Star

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The Southern Star | Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21 SPONSORED CONTENT

SEAI is helping SMEs cut costs and grow In recent years, uncertainty around energy supply, rising prices, and the pressing issue of climate change have meant that Irish businesses have grown increasingly concerned about their energy use. Opportunities to make changes which can save money and support growth are more important than ever before for businesses to survive and thrive.

to grants and financial supports for energy saving and renewable technologies. A full list of supports is available on the business page of SEAI’s website: https://www. seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/ small-and-medium-business/supports/financial-supports/

SEAI BUSINESS SUPPORTS

SEAI is further encouraging Irish small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to take control of their energy use with the launch of the new Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA). The scheme provides eligible businesses with a €2,000 voucher to cover the cost of an energy audit. An energy audit identifies tailored energy saving opportunities that can save businesses up to 30 percent

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) works to support businesses in their efforts to better understand and manage their energy use. This is achieved through a program of supports including educational resources such as the online learning platform the Energy Academy, Energy Management Workshops, all the way up

A SUPPORT SCHEME FOR ENERGY AUDITS

on their energy bills and help to reduce their climate impact.

The audit also assesses whether renewable energy technologies are a viable option for their business.

Audits are delivered by SEAI Registered Energy Auditors, who adhere to a specified audit template that has been developed for the scheme. You are guaranteed to receive a high-quality audit from a well-qualified and experienced auditor. Find out more about the scheme, and apply, here: https:// www.seai.ie/sme/energyaudits WHY ENERGY AUDITS? An energy audit should be one of the very first steps you take if you want your business to be more energy efficient. SEAI recommends starting with an energy audit so you can prioritise actions that are

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going to be of most benefit to your business: those that save the most money and the most emissions.

Without an audit, you won’t have the information you need to make informed decisions about energy use and investment.

THE AUDIT REPORT The SSEA audit report is easy to understand and outlines clearly what your business’s current and potential energy performance is.

The report will list recommended measures that will improve your energy performance, from no-cost and low-cost options right through to major upgrades.

ELIGIBILITY The scheme is open to SMEs that spend at least €10,000 per year on

energy. The company must be registered and located in Ireland and be able to provide a valid Companies Registration Office (CRO) number and proof of tax compliance. Please note that to qualify as an SME, companies must employ fewer than 250 employees and have either a turnover of less than €50 million or a balance sheet of less than €43 million.

APPLICATION Application to the SSEA is quick and easy, and approval is given immediately to eligible companies.

You can apply through the website and you will receive your voucher via email.

Find out more and apply here: https://www.seai.ie/sme/energyaudits or email business@seai.ie

Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21 | The Southern Star

Centre of excellence

A former religious retreat in Leap is now a hub for environmental action and education

CECAS is West Cork’s new Centre for Climate Action and Sustainability, located at Myross Wood House, in Leap.

Set within 100 acres of grounds, including mature woodland, fields, formal gardens and coastal habitat, the new centre plans to offer practical solutions to the challenges of climate change in the form of information, training and environmentally-themed events.

This ambitious project is the main focus of local environmental non-profit group, Green Skibbereen, formed in 2019. The project at Myross House arose out of an earlier European-funded Northern Periphery and Arctic project, entitled Energy Pathfinder.

Green Skibbereen Co-Director José Ospina first came across the building whilst managing the project on behalf of Cork Centre for Architectural Education (CCAE) and recognised its massive potential.

Energy Pathfinder produced a detailed plan for retrofitting the historic building to the highest standards of energy efficiency (Near Zero Energy Building).

Retreat centre The building and grounds were used as a retreat centre for many years by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, who recognised the challenge in finding a new use for the property which had been such an asset for the local community.

The idea of creating a centre for sustainability was mooted during early board meetings, and Myross Wood House seemed like an obvious, if challenging, opportunity. Green Skibbereen took possession of the property under a 5-year licence in August of this year.

Green Skibbereen secured funding from West Cork Leader for a feasibility study in 2020 and this study on the business plan, architectural and retrofit options, jointly undertaken by Brady Mallalieu and Exodea consulting has now been published.

The directors continue to dedicate themselves to making the venture a success, led by acting chair, project manager and educator, Trish Lavelle.

The rest of the team includes Noel Casserly, Brendan McCormack and Ana Ospina. They are assisted by a team of part-time household staff and volunteers whose help is invaluable in the up-keep of the house and grounds.

September 26th last saw the official launch of CECAS, which was well-attended by members of the local community and professionals from various environmental sectors. The Board presented its LEADER-funded feasibility studies and invited the public to contribute ideas for future projects at the centre. The launch included a talk and workshop on biodiversity, presenting the work that has

been carried out so far as a direct result of the Woodland Development grant that Green Skibbereen received earlier this year to begin the restoration of Myross Woods.

Green Skibbereen has already commenced some initial activities at the centre to generate some revenue for CECAS as it finds its feet and develops a long-term strategy. Currently there is a strong community use element, with space provided for local groups for meetings, such as the Union Hall Women & Active Retired groups as well as weekly classes from local teachers such as music, yoga and mindfulness. The board is inviting volunteers to join in most Sundays for a regular garden tidy-up from 2.30-4.30pm, where tea and cake are served afterwards to participants.

Plans are also being developed to start growing food in the walled garden from 2022.

Main image: The former Missionaries of the Sacred Heart retreat house in Myross Wood, which is now the focus point for the CECAS initiative. Project manager Trish Lavelle speaking at the CECAS launch last September.

(Photos: Red Door photography and Caitríona Courtney)

Upcoming events The successful monthly Wednesday Eco-Market will take place next on October 27th, this time with a Hallowe’en theme.

The Energy Pathfinder project will be hosting some co-design workshops with the public at CECAS on October 30th.

A ‘mushroom hunt’ with an experienced forager will take place on November 2nd. There will also be a Christmas Market on the 5th of December.

Wedding CECAS recently hosted its first sustainable wedding, a small spiritual ceremony with around 30 guests, which took place in the former chapel, and plans to host more in future.

In addition to regular and one-off events, CECAS has sublicensed a small number of rooms for work space, mostly to local artists. In addition to this, the Green Skibbereen Board 20

continues to explore new opportunities for funding the redevelopment of the building.

Calls for proposals have recently been posted on E-tenders for some refurbishment works, including a new renewable energy hot water system, fit-out of new conference and meeting facilities and an upgrade of IT Hub systems. CECAS is also exploring possible funding options including EU

programmes such as LIFE and Horizon Europe.

If you would like to support the development of CECAS, you can join the Supporters scheme for as little as €15 per year. Donations of any size are also very welcome.

Visit the CECAS website www.cecas.ie for more information and to book events and activities. Alternatively email info@cecas.ie.

The Southern Star | Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21

Clockwise from far left: Climate scientist Lisa Johnson with her daughter Deirdre making suggestions at the CECAS launch; volunteers Rob Jarret, Liz Wakefield, Phumie Casserly, Noel Casserly, Ian McNinch, Ana Ospina and Trish Lavelle. pitching in during the regular Sunday garden tidy-up; CECAS host a regular ecomarket – next one takes place on October 27th.

(Photos: Ana Ospina and Red Door Photography)

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Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21 | The Southern Star

BOLD INITIATIVE ON WASTE PAINT MAKES A SPLASH CORK COUNCILS AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISES RETHINK WASTE “Revive Paint is such a great initiative and an example of how we should be looking more at the values of the past to solve today’s problems. Our parents and grandparents had a very practical approach to waste. They constantly looked at reusing things rather than throwing them away.” Cllr. Gillian Coughlan, Mayor of the County of Cork.

A LOCAL SOLUTION TO A LOCAL ISSUE Across Cork County, including the city, up to 190 tonnes of paint are collected at civic amenity sites annually and are mostly exported for treatment – at a cost to the local authority and more importantly to the environment.

Approximately 60% of this waste paint is water based, much of which could be

Mayor of Cork County Cllr Gillian Coughlan with Ambassador for Revive Paint Lilly Higgins at the launch of Revive Paint. PIC Darragh Kane.

New Cork initiative sees waste paint reused and upcycled October is National Reuse Month, and to help us play our part, Cork County Council and Cork City Council have launched an innovative circular economy initiative called Revive Paint, which involves the production of good quality, affordable paint by two Cork based social enterprises using paint which they collect from local authority civic amenity sites.

reused and upcycled.

Fay Callow and Ruth Bullough, Cycle Sense and Lilly Higgins, Ambassador for Revive Paint. PIC Darragh Kane

BIKE REUSE INITIATIVE Cycle Sense are also operating a bike reuse initiative in their workshop. Since August 2020 they have collected over 100 unwanted bikes, weighing approximately 1600kg, from Cork County Council civic amenity sites or donations from the public to their workshop.

Cycle Sense in Skibbereen is a wonderful role model as we rethink

A great example of the circular economy in action, they divert the

our attitude towards waste to protect our environment for future

bikes from landfill, reconditioning and rebuilding them before selling

generations. Through the Revive Paint initiative, Cycle Sense and NCE

them back into the community. If the bike frames are damaged they

are taking a waste product and restoring it into something beautiful

still break them down and reuse their parts. Unwanted bikes can be

that can be used in our homes and businesses. They are saving

donated at their workshop in Skibbereen and as a community project

people money and helping the environment. I hope that this October,

they welcome volunteers to get involved.

we all play our part in National Reuse Month by considering how we can make reuse part of our daily lives.”

SUPPORTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY By purchasing Revive Paint you will be supporting both the circular economy and the local economy as well as the creation of jobs locally at both social enterprises, Cycle Sense and NCE.

The social enterprises involved are Cycle Sense based in Skibbereen and Northside Community Enterprise (NCE) in Farranferris.

The Revive Paint initiative, is supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and tackles a significant problem waste

Karl Watkins, Katie Mann and Ruth Bullough of Cycle Sense at their workshop in Skibbereen.

stream in Ireland. EPA funding has allowed the set-up of a paint reuse and upcycling system in Cycle Sense and NCE including the training of staff. Mentored by the Rediscovery Centre Dublin, who have been running a similar paint reuse scheme over many years,

The water based paint is available in a variety of colours and can be purchased at Cycle Sense in West Cork and NCE in Cork City.

More information at www.nce.ie or www.cyclesense.ie

each of the social enterprises are now fully trained in filtering, remixing, recolouring and repackaging the paint and are producing a high quality paint to sell within their local communities. Since production began in June, the two social enterprises have diverted over 2.5 tonnes of paint from the wastestream to produce a quality paint.

Mayor of Cork County, Cllr. Gillian Coughlan is encouraging members of the public to embrace National Reuse Month throughout October and to consider buying more sustainable products such as Revive Paint. Mayor Coughlan praised the Social Enterprises involved.

“Revive Paint is such a great initiative and an example of how we

Comhairle Contae Chorcaí Cork County Council

should be looking more at the values of the past to solve today’s problems. Our parents and grandparents had a very practical approach to waste. They constantly looked at reusing things rather than throwing them away.

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The Southern Star | Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21

SEAI is now offering grants of up to €3,000 SEAI just annnounced that they are offering a grant of up to €3,000 to support the installation of Solar PV panels and battery energy storage systems, to all homeowners of dwellings built and occupied before 2011.

The Government anticipates that the growth of offshore wind energy will play a major role in securing sustainable electricity for homes and businesses all over Ireland in the coming years.

Consultation opens on first auction to supply electricity from offshore wind THE Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has opened a consultation on the first auction to supply electricity from offshore wind under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS 1).

The first offshore auction will be a major step towards meeting the Government’s goals of up to 80% renewable electricity by 2030, with 5GW coming from offshore wind. It will also support achievement of the objectives set out under the Climate Action Bill and the measures set out in the Climate Action Plan 2021.

The aim of this targeted consultation is to engage stakeholders and gather feedback on aspects of the terms and conditions to ensure the efficient and economical delivery of renewable electricity projects under ORESS 1. Views are being sought from all interested parties.

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, said: ‘I welcome the publication of the draft terms and conditions of the first Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS 1) for consultation.

‘The growth of offshore wind energy will play a major role in securing a supply of sustainable electricity for homes and businesses all over Ireland and will allow us to electrify sectors such as heat and transport.

‘It will also play a key role in meeting our cli-

mate goals – to reduce overall emissions by 51% by 2030 and to reach “net zero” by 2050.’

What is the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS)?

The RESS provides support to renewable electricity projects in Ireland. With a primary focus on cost effectiveness, the RESS delivers a broad range of policy objectives, including: • increasing energy security, energy sustainability and ensuring the cost effectiveness of energy policy.

• providing for community participation through community benefit funds.

• increasing technology diversity – by broadening the renewable electricity technology mix.

• delivering an ambitious renewable electricity policy to 2030.

Renewable electricity is a central element of actions on climate disruption and delivering a ‘renewables revolution’, as set out in the Programme for Government. The RESS aims to ensure that Ireland is on its way to meet its ambitious climate targets and it is intended to lay the foundations of a thriving renewable electricity market. This in turn should support the growth of the green economy, create sustainable work opportunities and will ultimately benefit the consumer as renewables become more cost effective.

Clean Energy Ireland Ltd, Aherla, Co.Cork Tel: 021 428 947 Mob: +363 87 398 9078 E: info@cleanenergyireland.ie www.cleanenergyireland.ie 23

Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21 | The Southern Star

“Sustainability has always been central to Lilly, and we dedicate ourselves to ensuring our sustainability efforts help address important issues for our business, our employees and society” David A Ricks Chairman and CEO, Eli Lilly and Company

An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin with David Ricks, Eli Lilly and Company Chairman and CEO, pictured at the opening of the single largest solar farm in the Republic of Ireland on 26 July 2021.

ual solar panels, the ground-mounted solar farm will produce up to 5.6MW of power allowing Lilly to reduce its carbon footprint by 2,350 tonnes.

The Dunderrow Solar Farm was developed by Eli Lilly and Company and Waterford-based company Enerpower, and the 16-acre facility will help power a significant proportion of the Lilly operations with sustainable energy.

The Lilly Kinsale campus has been committed to environmental responsibility since the company arrived in Dunderrow forty years ago and the solar farm development is another example of the company’s continuous investment in improving the sustainability of our operations.

Costing €5m, the development was a joint investment between Lilly and Enerpower, with Enerpower receiving support from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Comprised of 12,600 individ-

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The Southern Star | Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21

Esri Ireland puts Simply Blue at the crest of the marine development wave ESRI Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, has announced that its interactive digital mapping system is being used by marine developer Simply Blue to build a sustainable blue economy and pioneer projects such as floating wind farms, wave power and aquaculture schemes.

Headquartered in Cork, Simply Blue is the leading early-stage developer of transformative floating wind, wave energy and sustainable aquaculture projects in Ireland and the UK. Its aim is to optimise the sustainable development of the ocean’s vast resources in an ethical manner.

Initially, Esri Ireland’s digital mapping system, ArcGIS, will be used to support in-house decisionmaking. This will include identifying suitable locations for wind turbine fields and assessing how productive they might be by using a wide range of environmental and commercial criteria to analyse vast amounts of data and narrow down a shortlist of potential sites. Underpinned by this advanced technology, Simply Blue has also recently partnered with traditional energy companies to develop floating wind farms in the Celtic Sea. Simply Blue also plans to deploy ArcGIS to the area of aquaculture, such as a scheme to create new low-impact salmon farms, Loch Long Salmon, in Scotland.

The interactive mapping features will be used to communicate projects to communities and stakeholders, and ArcGIS could play a critical role in helping to convey how big wind farms will be, where they are and what they will look like from different vantage points. Simply Blue hopes to use interactive maps to show communities what offshore wind farms will look like from their homes and to reassure fishermen that

proposed marine developments will not affect fishing grounds.

The solution will also allow Simply Blue to collaborate more effectively with clients and consultants. The company will be able to view and share geospatial data in real-time and leverage GIS, especially in the planning and development phase of new sustainable energy projects, which is a focal point for the organisation as an earlystage developer.

Sam Bouma, energy resource modeller and data specialist with Simply Blue said: ‘We are passionate about oceans and the huge potential that they offer for renewable energy generation and sustainable aquaculture.

‘We needed a reliable GIS that would meet our immediate requirements, but also support us in achieving our longer-term goals.

‘We selected Esri Ireland’s ArcGIS because it has credibility. It is used by lots of other companies in this industry, so contractors and partners are familiar with it.

‘We don’t live in a paper world anymore, and being able to interact with maps to explore data on demand creates all kinds of opportunities.

ArcGIS will also help to open up conversations with communities and key stakeholders to deliver information clearly and concisely, and help to avoid any misunderstandings.

‘As things in the marine development industry are moving so fast, ArcGIS enables us to keep our options open. As new opportunities come up, we will be able to pivot and deliver whatever is needed to ensure the sustainable use of the world’s oceans.’

Dermot O’Kane, head of sales, Esri Ireland, commented: ‘Esri Ireland has delivered a highlyinteractive digital mapping solution which is

From left: Brian FitzGerald, director of external affairs and stakeholder liaison at Simply Blue; Dermot O’Kane, head of sales, Esri Ireland and Sam Bouma, energy resource modeller and data specialist, Simply Blue. set to play a key role in helping Simply Blue to continue to accelerate its business, and ultimately achieve its goal of building a sustainable blue economy. The solution is scalable and will align with Simply Blue’s business objectives and

requirements as it continues to grow.

‘Esri is delighted to work with Simply Blue on these exciting projects and help to drive the future of sustainable energy in Ireland and further afield.’

‘A Bee at UCC’ teaches children about sustainability Book launched with reading for guests from Down Syndrome Cork UNIVERSITY College Cork welcomed special guests from Down Syndrome Cork to its wildflower meadow recently to celebrate the launch of ‘A Bee at UCC’.

The children’s book tells the story of Booley the Bee on her journey to discover her purpose in the ecosystem.

Set in the surroundings of UCC, the book aims to teach children about the importance of biodiversity, sustainability, and the true story of how Alma Nectar UCC Honey is made at the apiary at UCC in the North Mall under the management of UCC beekeeper Thomas Quigley.

Already on its second print run having sold 1,000 copies in three weeks, a copy of ‘A Bee at UCC’ has been donated to every library and Direct Provision Centre in the country.

The story also highlights the message that everyone's life has value and everyone has a contribution to make.

‘No matter how small it seems, we can all impact globally by acting locally,’ book author JP Quinn, head of the UCC Visitors’ Centre said.

Illustrated by Charlie Ruxton of the UCC Audio Visual Department

and supported by the UCC Green Campus, the book will form the centerpiece of a new programme for Cork primary schools aimed at six to nine year-olds run by the UCC Visitors' Centre.

The programme will see the UCC Visitors’ Centre visit schools to tell the story of Booley the Bee and also UCC's commitment to sustainability. The programme’s goal is to illustrate to young children how it is never too early in life to make a difference.

This programme will begin in Spring 2022 and will complement UCC’s other schools initiative, the Junior Conferring Programme, which has had 85,000 visitors to date.

The success of the book has also led to the approval of a sequel, ‘A Tree at UCC’, which will be published in the Autumn of 2022.

Right: JP Quinn and Charlie Ruxton - author and illustrator of ‘A Bee at UCC.’ 25

Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21 | The Southern Star

Port of Cork powered by 100% green energy after teaming up with Energia ENERGIA, Ireland’s greenest electricity supplier has announced that it will supply the Port of Cork Company with 100% renewable energy.

The green electricity will power several facilities at Cork City quays, Tivoli container terminal, Ringaskiddy deepwater berth and ro-ro berth, Cobh deepwater quay and Cork container terminal soon. The Port of Cork is the second largest Port in Ireland and is a Tier 1 port of national significance, operating six shipping modes (lift on/ lift off, roll on/roll off, dry bulks, liquid bulk, break bulk and cruise). The port’s capacity to carry export goods estimated to value in the region €20 billion and imports to the value of €10 billion, underpins the importance of its contribution to the national economy.

The agreement with Energia was signed by the Port of Cork as part of their commitment to lead the wider port community in minimising environmental impacts, reducing CO2 emissions, and conserving natural resources. This agreement is in line with the Port of Cork’s broader sustainability aims. Other significant actions that have helped to reduce the Port’s GHG emissions include: • Achieved ISO 50001 standard (2019) – 1st port in Ireland to achieve this certification for the energy management system.

• The Cork Container Terminal (CCT) Development will soon open at Ringaskiddy. This terminal has been developed with sustainability in mind.

• Exeed Design Certification – Stage 1 Audit completed, and Full Certification will be attained once CCT becomes operational.

• Civil infrastructure facilitates a plug-in shore facility for visiting vessels to connect to the Port’s electricity supply and allow vessels to shut down much of their machinery.

•

The Port of Cork in partnership with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) implemented an energy action plan which contributed to ‘The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2009-2020’, reaching a 33% reduction in energy use over the period.

• In 2021, the Port expanded its 100% electric vehicle fleet to reduce GHG emissions.

• The Port of Cork has made several investments in PV (Solar) and is continually reviewing potential for the use of solar energy at its facilities.

Henry Kingston, port engineering manager, Port of Cork said; ‘The Port of Cork are committed to leading the wider port cmmunity through coordinated safety, environmental and energy initiatives, as well as reducing CO2 emissions and respecting the principles of environmental sustainability. Our partnership with Energia will see the Port using 100% green energy which will positively influence the Port’s carbon footprint going forward.’

Aidan Brennan, key account manager with Energia commented: ‘We are excited to partner with Port of Cork to provide it, and its 14 different facilities across the county, with 100% renewable energy. The Port plays a prominent role within local communities across Cork, as well as the broader regional and national economy.

As a landmark infrastructure, its commitment to green energy serves as an example of best practice.

‘At Energia we are also committed to supporting the sustainability efforts of business all across Ireland, helping organisations such as the Port of Cork make changes that have profound impacts locally and nationally, and we look forward to being part of their ongoing and future sustainability journey.’

Henry Kingston, Port Engineering Manager/Energy Manager, Aidan Brennan, Account Manager Energia and John Logan, Maintenance Engineering Manager/ISO 50001 System Manager pictured to mark the announcement that Energia, Ireland’s greenest electricity supplier, will supply the Port of Cork Company with 100% renewable energy. The green electricity will power several facilities at Cork City Quays, Tivoli Container Terminal, Ringaskiddy Deepwater Berth and Ro-Ro berth, Cobh Deepwater Quay and Cork Container Terminal soon.

(Photo: Darragh Kane) Renewable energy is tailor-made for Irish businesses and Energia makes switching to clean, renewable energy easy. In a world tackling climate change, getting energy from clean sources shows

customers, investors, employees, and the wider community that businesses are serious about commitments to sustainability, and decreasing their carbon footprint.

Green Rebel to create 50 jobs in Cork and Limerick GREEN Rebel is an Irish-owned business established to service the current and future needs of offshore wind farms. The new positions will include survey vessel crew, technicians and engineers, data scientists and surveyors, ecologists, aircraft mission specialists, project managers, office administrators, AI specialists, software developers and sales and marketing roles. The jobs will be spread across Green Rebel's Crosshaven, Cork Airport and Limerick offices.

The company currently employs 75 staff and that number will grow to 125 by the middle of 2022. Taoiseach Micheal Martin joined Green Rebel to announce the jobs.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: ‘I am delighted to join Green Rebel to announce the creation of 50 jobs over the next 12 months. Having seen the technology, met many of the team, and seen some of the Green Rebel data from what is normally our hidden marine environment, I am excited that this team are having such success and innovative plans are in place to drive our supply chain forward and help Ireland become a world leader in the development of offshore wind.’

CEO of Green Rebel, John Wallace said: ‘We are very excited about our plans to grow and develop Green Rebel over the coming year. The waters around Ireland and further afield are set to become a major source of renewable energy generation and this is an absolutely essential element of effort to combat climate change. The quality

survey work being undertaken by Green Rebel right now is designed to both protect the environment and allow wind farm developers to harness its potential. The company operates a growing fleet of state-of-the-art survey aircraft and survey vessels that capture enormous datasets that are processed by a world-class team of data scientists across all disciplines. The need for revolution has never been greater and at Green Rebel we are passionate about being a dynamic contributor to help achieve a more sustainable future for all. We are building on a team with great experience and we are looking for people that share this passion.’

Founder of Green Rebel, Pearse Flynn said: ‘Ireland is on the cusp of a green revolution. With an abundance of offshore wind and water available to us, we can produce real fuel alternatives to help deliver Ireland's energy transition. Wind generated offshore will play a significant role in providing energy security and helping Ireland become a net exporter of green, renewable energy.

Wind generation will bring ashore electricity that can be used either directly into the grid, or feed exciting new green energy solutions provided by our sister company EI-H2, who are looking to produce green hydrogen at sites in County Cork and beyond.’

Green Rebel is headquartered in Crosshaven, and plays a key role in the development of the offshore wind sector. Using their fleet of ships, aircraft and innovative technology, the growing,

Taoiseach Micheal Martin joins John Wallace (right), Green Rebel CEO, and Chris Franks (left), senior master of the Roman Rebel, onboard the Roman Rebel for the announcement that Green Rebel is to create 50 jobs over the next year.

(Picture: Michael O’Sullivan /OSM PHOTO) diverse, and energetic team specialise in the collection, processing, and analysis of marine and metocean data. The company and its team helps accelerate green energy developments in the most sustainable and ecologically responsible manner possible.

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Plans for offshore wind farms are at an advanced stage with a number of potential fixed and floating operators examining sites along the Irish coastline. Green Rebel is engaging with all developers to provide world-class data acquisition and processing capabilities on their doorstep.

The Southern Star | Greener Living | Southern Star Winter 21

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