Build a Green and Sustainable Business
The aim of the Green programme is to help companies incorporate sustainable practices into the day-to-day running of their business. Better environmental performance leads to improved resource efficiency and direct cost savings and can also increase access to customers who are increasingly demanding more environmentally friendly products and services. Better environmental performance will also increase the agility and resilience of the company to climate change impacts.
The Green Business Offer is made up of three levels of support
- First Steps Green Competitiveness Guidebook
- GreenStart
- GreenPlus
Each level of support is characterised by increasing levels of capability in implementing environmental best practice approaches to drive company awareness, adoption and integration of environmental best practice approaches, tools and techniques.
Enterprise Ireland has supported companies of all sizes and in sectors ranging from Food, Construction, Manufacturing, Engineering to Services. Please see our directory of Case Studies for examples.
First Steps to Green Competitiveness Guidebook
Two guidebooks were developed by Enterprise Ireland using a simple set of tools to introduce some basic environmental awareness. The guides are directed at companies who have had no in-house expertise or exposure to environmental issues to date. ‘The First Steps to Green Competitiveness Guidebooks’ will help companies prepare an Environmental Policy Statement, manage impacts, and take appropriate actions when issues occur. The Guides consist of basic set of templates along with guidance on implementation to help companies develop a simplified approach to environmental matters. The two Guidebooks are available to download here:
- First Steps to Green Competitiveness Guidebook for Manufacturing Companies
- First Steps to Green Competitiveness Guidebook for Services/Office Based Companies
Environmental Improvement Funding from Enterprise Ireland
GreenStart
The aim of the GreenStart assignment is to improve environmental performance through greater resource efficiency helping companies achieve competitive advantage and greater market share through enhanced credentials and cost savings. Projects may vary in scope from guidance with Environmental (/resource) management system to guidance with developing an Environmental Sustainable Strategy to Life Cycle or Circular Economy thinking. Companies can apply for grant support towards the cost of hiring a Green consultant/trainer to undertake a short in-company assignment.
Eligible assignments may include:
- Guidance with basic Environmental Management System
- Guidance with preparation of an Environmental (/water/energy/waste) Policy Statement and Management System based on a ‘Plan, Do, Check, Act’ philosophy
- Review environmental activities & practices at the site
- Provide advice on risks (financial, reputational, regulatory or physical) and how to mitigate them
- Establish a baseline assessment to establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and identify cost savings
- Provide introductory training for relevant staff
- Assistance with access to other tools and resources to maintain performance and to improve resource efficiency
- Guidance with developing an Environmental Sustainable Strategy
- Guidance with alignment to relevant UN Environmental SDGs
- Guidance with Life cycle assessment and/or Circular economy thinking
Assignments will typically be carried out over eight to twelve weeks. Companies will be eligible to receive support for a maximum of seven consultancy days. Maximum funding is €5,000. Total project cost is €6,300.
For more detailed information on eligible costs and how to apply, go to GreenStart.
GreenPlus – Business Process Improvement Grant
Under Enterprise Ireland’s Business Process Improvement Grants, client companies can apply for funding towards the cost of undertaking a GreenPlus training assignment. Assignments are designed to assist company managers to develop a high level of environmental management capabilities, drive environmental efficiencies and achieve improved sustainability. Eligible assignments may include:
- Understanding and embedding improved environmental management practices in your company through dedicated training programmes
- Assessing and applying international environmental best practices and standards to a level compatible with ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems Standard), ISO 50001 (Energy Management Standard), and ISO 14064 Carbon Management Standard
- Life Cycle Assessment projects including the European Water Stewardship Standard, Eco-labels, Environmental Product Declarations, Product Environmental footprints, Organisational Environmental footprints
- Other process improvements with the potential to increase your company’s environmental sustainability, minimise material and resource costs, minimise waste (water, energy, materials) and lead to improved company competitiveness
- Supply chain or customer tendering requirements
- Guidance with developing an Environmental Sustainable Strategy
- Guidance with alignment to relevant UN Environmental SDGs
Improvement projects must address a clear business need and deliver a positive impact on your business. Assignments may vary in size and scope but will typically be completed within twelve months and will not exceed a total project cost of €100,000. Download the GreenPlus Assignment Guidelines. For information on eligible costs and how to apply, go to Business Process Improvement Grant.
Key contacts/more information
For more information, contact your Enterprise Ireland Adviser. If you are not a client of Enterprise Ireland, please contact your local Enterprise Ireland regional office.
For general enquiries about the Green Offer, contact:
Kathleen O’Regan
Environmental & Lean Advisor
Operational Excellence Department
Enterprise Ireland – Shannon
