Category Archives: Energy

Please sign Petition – Ombudspersons for Future Generations

By VOICE OFFICE | Published: May 9, 2012

Finding a solution to the short-term interests and ongoing unsustainable practices driving our societies and economies is a recurring issue. Few innovative ideas have emerged, fewer are being fully implemented and, as a consequence, we are exceeding planetary boundaries, threatening the security and wellbeing of those around us and those who follow us.

There is a way of challenging mainstream politics from within, guaranteeing that sustainable development and long-term thinking are part of decisions in all areas from the start. Appointing a legal representative, an Ombudsperson for Future Generations that actively speaks up in the name of future generations can help bring the necessary checks and balances to our political systems.
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SMEs, Save Money By Going Green!

By VOICE OFFICE | Published: April 30, 2012

Resource Efficiency is the new buzzword.  With our limited amount of natural resources and with the astronomical

level of extraction of non-renewable natural resources over the decades, our world is facing a future with less available and more expensive virgin materials.  Additionally, as we are in a time of peak oil (where production of oil will continually decline) businesses, including SMEs, will have to adapt to a new business paradigm by using less energy, producing less waste and formulating new business practices to reduce their costs and create a healthier bottom line.

5 ways of reducing your resource footprint

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Visualizing a Plenitude Economy

By VOICE OFFICE | Published: December 12, 2011

Never heard of the Plenitude Economy? Neither had we before we watched this great little video from the Center for a New American Dream.

This fun animation provides a vision of what a post-consumer society could look like, with people working fewer hours and pursuing re-skilling, homesteading, and small-scale enterprises that can help reduce the overall size and impact of the consumer economy. Narrated by economist and best-selling author Juliet Schor (http://www.julietschor.org).

The shorter work week reminds us of the New Economic Foundation’s (NEF) ’21 Hours’ project, where everyone works just 21 hours a week. You can find out more about the NEF project by clicking here.

Also posted in Food Matters, Forestry, Resources | Tagged | Comments closed

The Bogs: How To Reach a Just Solution

By VOICE OFFICE | Published: November 29, 2011

The destruction of Ireland’s blogs is a serious concern for the Irish environmental movement. It has implications for many interconnected issues such as habitats, biodiversity, energy and climate change.

Today, we have a guest post and bonus online article to our Winter Newsletter  from Brian Morris who explains why efforts to tackle the thorny issue have failed and what we must do in the future.
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Phil Hogan reveals true colours by delaying Climate Bill

By VOICE OFFICE | Published: November 3, 2011

PRESS RELEASE:

Phil Hogan reveals true colours by delaying Climate Bill

The Environmental Pillar of Social Partnership expressed disappointment at today’s announcement by the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, that a Climate Change Bill is not a priority. This represents a significant backtrack on the Government’s commitment to deliver climate change legislation by 2012.

Commenting on behalf of the Pillar today, Tara Connolly, convenor of the Pillar’s Climate and Energy Working Group, said

“This is paralysis by analysis. We are only 9 years away from our 2020 targets and we cannot wait another year to implement policies that reduce Ireland’s carbon emissions. The climate policy review by the Department of Environment clearly states that we will not meet our 2020 targets under current policies and measures. We need a Climate Change Bill to make sure this government and future governments don’t pass the buck.”

Minister Hogan intends to seek concessions for the agricultural sector. He claims that climate change concerns have to be balanced with food security in the context of an increasing global population.

Commenting on this on behalf of the Environmental Pillar, Molly Walsh of Friends of the Earth, also member of the Climate and Energy Working Group, said:

“With 7 billion people on earth, it is more important than ever that we reduce our carbon emissions. Ireland is never going to be the bread basket of the world and we must recognise the profound impacts that climate change will have on our food security. Inaction on climate change is a threat to food security, not action.”

ENDS

 

Notes to editors:

 

This submission was developed using the Environmental Pillar processes but is not necessarily the policy of each member group in the pillar.

 

Environmental Pillar members:An Taisce. Bat Conservation Ireland,BirdWatch Ireland. CELT – Centre for Ecological Living and Training. Coast Watch. Coomhola Salmon Trust. Crann. ECO UNESCO. Feasta. Forest Friends. Friends of the Earth. Gluaiseacht. Grian. Hedge Laying Association of Ireland. Irish Doctors Environment Association. Irish Natural Forestry Foundation. Irish Peatland Conservation Council. Irish Seal Sanctuary. Irish Seed Saver Association. Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. Irish Wildlife Trust. Just Forests. The Organic Centre. Sonairte. Sustainable Ireland Cooperative. VOICE. Zero Waste Alliance Ireland.

 

CONTACT:

 

For further details, info, opinion, etc. please contact:

Michael Ewing. Co-ordinator, Environment Pillar of Social Partnership -
Mobile: 086 867 2153. Email: michael@ien.ie

Danny Walsh. Communications Officer, Environment Pillar of Social Partnership -
Mobile: 086 8127139. Email: danny@ien.ie

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Trick or Treat! Ask for a climate Bill

By VOICE OFFICE | Published: October 27, 2011

As part of our work on climate change, VOICE is a member of Ireland’s Stop Climate Chaos, a coalition of NGOs working to introduce an Irish Climate Change Law. We are asking you to take 2 minutes out of your day to contact your local TD and ask for an Irish Climate Bill. Read on..

The climate crisis is the greatest challenge humanity faces. The poorest people in the world are already feeling the impacts of a crisis they played no part in creating.

Enacting a strong climate law and ensuring we meet our commitments to developing countries is the greatest thing Ireland can do to stop climate chaos. Email your TDs now to tell them you want to be proud of Ireland at the upcoming UN conference on climate change in Durban this December.

There are opportunities for Ireland if we respond smartly. We have huge potential to develop renewable energy. And, with our image as the Emerald Isle, we are well-placed to position ourselves as a hub for green enterprise and investment.

We have an interest in making ourselves more energy independent. 89% of the energy we use in Ireland comes from imported fossil fuels, more than half of that from oil. In the interests of energy security and global equity, Ireland needs to cut our use of pricey foreign oil as fast as possible and invest instead in renewable energy.

The Government has committed to passing a climate law in the Programme for Government and Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan has told the Dáil that he would publish climate legislation in 2012. The law must be strong enough to ensure it is a vital part of building a sustainable and smart Irish economy.

Email your TDs now to ask Minister Hogan to send the promised climate Bill to the Environment Committee. This must be done before the UN talks on climate change in Durban this December.

Let’s stop contributing to the problem, let’s start implementing the so lutions. Email your TDs today!

Thank you for taking action.
We will be in touch soon.

Stop Climate Chaos

p.s. If you would like to receive a copy of our How Green is Ireland leaflet, or if you can use any leaflets at a local event or in your community, email us at info@stopclimatechaos.ie

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Ecocert certification awarded to Dundrum Town Centre for sustainable initiatives

By VOICE OFFICE | Published: September 8, 2011

Dundrum Town Centre in Dublin has been awarded the county’s first Ecocert certification, recognising the steps it has taken towards sustainability.  The Environmental Protection Agency, Local Authorities and environmental consultancy, Econcertive formed part of the steering committee which approved the award.

The certification will be valid for 3 years, during which time the Centre will be continuously surveyed to ensure its adherence to the Ecocert programme.   New projects to increase the Centre’s sustainability include a waste minimisation pilot study, a water conservation programme which will examine the potential to use rainwater harvesting or spring water for toilet  and washdown uses, and reducing energy consumption with solar paneling.

More information on Ecocert.

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Ireland Receives International Stars of Energy Efficiency Award for Government’s Better Energy Programme

By VOICE OFFICE | Published: July 25, 2011

Minister for Energy Pat Rabitte with Chief Executive of Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Owen Lewis

Ireland has been awarded the prestigious International Stars of Energy Efficiency Award for  the Government’s grant scheme for home energy efficiency.  Carried out by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the programme is the only initiative outside of the US to receive an award this year.

Below is the press release issued by the SEAI on their successful win:

Read More »

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Convergence Sustainable Living Festival in Full Swing

By VOICE OFFICE | Published: June 21, 2011

Ireland’s longest-running Sustainable Living Festival is currently hosting events in several locations throughout the country. Set up by Cultivate to celebrate the strength of communities and social inclusion, as well as to emphasise Ireland’s need to build a sustainable economy and society, Convergence 2011 started on June 16th and will run until June 27th.

A wide variety of interesting events have been organised, including documentary screenings, workshops, showcases and lectures. With many of the events free of cost, Convergence is a great opportunity to get involved and learn more about sustainability in Ireland.

Events to watch out for over the coming days include the Dublin City Mass Cycle, a talk in Nenagh by Duncan Stewart on “Green Jobs in Rural Ireland”, the Green Limerick Workshop, the Cork Showcase presenting highlights of Green Works, and the Totally Tipperary celebration of local food and culture.

To find out more about Convergence events happening near you, please click here.

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Last Year Saw the Highest Carbon Emissions in History, According to the International Energy Agency.

By VOICE OFFICE | Published: May 30, 2011

Below is an article from the Guardian detailing the International Energy Agency’s unpublished findings that carbon emissions rose by a record amount last year.  As a consequence, aims to prevent global temperatures from rising by 2 degrees Celsius are likely to be just “a nice Utopia”, according to Fatih Birol, chief economist of the IEA.  VOICE Ireland hopes that the Irish government will heed this warning, and take concrete action to cut carbon emissions.

Worst ever carbon emissions leave climate on the brink Exclusive: Record rise, despite recession, means 2C target almost out of reach

Fiona Harvey, Environment correspondent
The Guardian, Sunday 29 May

 

Economic recession has failed to curb rising emissions, undermining hope of keeping global warming to safe levels Photograph: Dave Reede/All Canada Photos/Corbis

Greenhouse gas emissions increased by a record amount last year, to the highest carbon output in history, putting hopes of holding global warming to safe levels all but out of reach, according to unpublished estimates from the International Energy Agency.

The shock rise means the goal of preventing a temperature rise of more than 2 degrees Celsius – which scientists say is the threshold for potentially “dangerous climate change” – is likely to be just “a nice Utopia”, according to Fatih Birol, chief economist of the IEA. It also shows the most serious global recession for 80 years has had only a minimal effect on emissions, contrary to some predictions. Read more.

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UK Government Announces Promise to Halve Carbon Emissions by 2025

By VOICE OFFICE | Published: May 18, 2011

VOICE welcomes the UK Government’s pledge to halve carbon emissions by 2025, based on a comparison with 1990 levels.   Below is an article from today’s Guardian, which claims this move represents “the most ambitious targets on greenhouse gases of any developed country”. We hope that the Irish government will soon follow suit, and make a similarly strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

Chris Huhne pledges to halve UK carbon emissions by 2025
by Fiona Harvey and Allegra Stratton
The Guardian, Tuesday 17 May 2011

The UK is to put in place the most ambitious targets on greenhouse gases of any developed country, by halving carbon dioxide emissions by 2025, after a tumultuous week of cabinet rifts on the issue.

Agreeing the targets took weeks of wrangling among ministers, but late on Tuesday afternoon the energy and climate secretary, Chris Huhne, announced to parliament that the “carbon budget” – a 50% emissions cut averaged across the years 2023 to 2027, compared with 1990 levels – would be enshrined in law.

Connie Hedegaard, the European Union’s climate change chief, hailed the outcome as “very encouraging” and “an example” to other countries, which she said showed that countries could pursue economic growth while cutting emissions. “This is a recognition that to be very ambitious on public spending [cuts] does not mean you can’t be ambitious on climate change targets,” she told the Guardian. Read more at this link.

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Guth Gafa International Film Festival 2011

By VOICE OFFICE | Published: May 9, 2011

The annual Guth Gafa International Documentary Film Festival, now in its 6th year, will take place in Gortahork, Co. Donegal from 10th-14th June.

You can find out more details on their website www.guthgafa.com

Also posted in Climate Change, Events | Tagged | Comments closed

Moving Beyond the Automobile

By VOICE OFFICE | Published: May 4, 2011

Interested in transport and planning? Here’s a great video on parking policy and how it can make a big difference in cities where space is short.

MBA: Parking Reform from Streetfilms on Vimeo.

Also posted in Climate Change | Comments closed

SEAI Energy Show 2011

By VOICE OFFICE | Published: March 15, 2011

Presented by SEAI, the Energy Show is a must for industry and business to see and learn about the latest sustainable energy technologies and practices. This annual two-day exhibition showcases leading energy suppliers and the latest innovative products and services. You can also get a wealth of tips from best practice case studies and insights into sustainable energy opportunities at the extensive seminar programme.

For more information, click here to be directed to the official SEAI Energy Show 2011 website.

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Earth Hour this Saturday March 27th 8.30pm

By VOICE OFFICE | Published: March 25, 2010

Earth Hour LogoBe sure to pledge your support for Earth Hour by switching off your lights between 8.30 and 9.30pm on Saturday 27th March. In 2009 hundreds of millions of people around the world showed their support by turning off their lights for this one hour. Earth Hour 2010 will continue to be a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community. A call to stand up, to show leadership and be responsible for our future.

For more information see:

www.earthhour.org

www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/?id=26

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