Establishing an Eco-Industrial Network for SMEs in the Mid-West Region.
The Centre for Environmental Research (CER) at the University of Limerick, Supply Network Shannon (SNS) and the Regional Waste Management Authority (RWMA) are collaborating on this project, which is being undertaken as part of the EPA’s research programme entitled the Environmental Research, Technological Development and Innovation Programme 2000-2006. The programme is financed by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan. The project examines how we can solve the problems faced by SMEs in implementing management and technological innovations to improve environmental performance, while at the same time reducing costs. To date 20 SMEs in the Limerick and Shannon areas have participated in this research.
The environmental performance of SMEs is now under increased focus because they are important sources of growth and employment in Ireland and the EU, providing two thirds of the 122 million jobs in private enterprises in the European Union. However, they exert quite significant impacts on the environment. It is estimated that, in total, SMEs are responsible for 70% of all industrial pollution across the EU. The promotion of an environmental management system (EMS), whether formal or adapted in character, may help address these impacts while also improving the socio-economic performance of the companies. The performance of individual SMEs in relation to sustainable development can be further enhanced by analysing opportunities for network solutions to environmental and socio-economic problems. Clusters of SMEs can integrate either vertically (along the supply chain) or horizontally (by geographic area) to identify opportunities and synergies for developing an Eco-industrial network. Eco-Industrial development is characterised by closely co-operating manufacturing and service industries working together to improve their environmental and socio-economic performance by improving their energy, resource use and waste disposal efficiency through identification of options for reuse, recycling or regenerative reuse of resources across areas of integrity. This may be as simple as identifying one SME’s waste which could be used as a raw material by another business, or as complex as rethinking the transport and supply logistics for the entire cluster to, for example, implement common transport for raw materials and products or establish car pooling amongst employees. Each would reduce environmental impacts while having significant socio-economic benefits.
Participating companies have been provided with an individual environmental review, CD of environmental legislation and an ecological footprint of their company (indicator of sustainability). Presently the researchers are identifying and evaluating eco-industrial opportunities for SMEs in the region. On Thursday, March 23rd, collaborating SMEs, researchers from the CER, SNS representatives and representatives from the RWMA held a workshop at the University of Limerick to discuss opportunities identified. Areas of collaboration included:
- waste management,
- transportation,
- energy projects,
- shared training,
- cooperative purchasing and shared services,
- new business opportunities.
The event was very successful and a number of areas were identified where SMEs need guidance and training. As a result, the researchers, SNS, and RWMA will be discussing strategies to help improve information accessibility and training for SMEs , and in particular opportunities for shared training to reduce costs. Some opportunities for car-pooling, waste management and renewable energy projects were also well received and will be further investigated for implementation. At the end of the workshop, certificates were presented to the participating SMEs in recognition of their partnership in the project.
For further information please contact Paul Byrne at the Centre for Environmental Research, University of Limerick. Tel: 061 213351. Email: Paul.Byrne@ul.ie.
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