Laois County Council - Green Business Initiatives

EcoCert Initiative

The EcoCert scheme is a partnership between Laois, Offaly and Waterford County Councils, Waterford City Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, the Environmental Protection Agency and environmental consultants Econcertive. It is an innovative new programme which was launched at a series of Green Business Seminars during European Week of Waste Reduction in November 2009. It will help small businesses and other organisations to simultaneously reduce their costs and improve their environmental performance.

This programme is available to businesses and organisations of all types who wish to
• Save on day-to-day operating costs
• Improve environmental performance
• Achieve formal recognition

The EcoCert scheme provides an environmental advisor who identifies savings that can be made in the areas of waste, energy and water and then helps the organisation to establish a simple system to continue to improve. Once their system is in place the participating businesses are awarded a certificate to prove their environmental credentials.

With these Local Authorities and the EPA subsidising EcoCert, participating businesses can expect to save more than they spend, while helping the environment. The scheme is open to all small and medium enterprises, including charitable organisations who qualify for an additional 50% discount.

For an organisation of less than 40 people operating on a single site, with no unusual requirements, the subsidised service fee is fixed at €400 + VAT. For this, EcoCert promises to identify at least €400 of annual savings. If they don’t find savings, they will refund half the fee. Large and multi-site organisations should request a customised quote. Please see contact details below.

Numerous businesses in Laois, Offaly and Waterford (retail, manufacturing and hospitality organisations) have signed up to participate in this new initiative. To apply, just fill in the application form below and send it to Econcertive, who will contact you on return.