The Sustainable SME

Call for EPA Funding

A new call to fund environmental research was published yesterday (11 June 2013) Who is this funding for? Most of these calls are for experienced researchers or organisations involved in environmental research. So these are not exactly relevant for SMEs unless you are an SME involved in carrying out research. Where to apply ONLY online applications … Continue reading →

Mandatory Emissions Reporting for UK Companies

Defra has published draft guidelines for UK companies for the upcoming mandatory emissions requirements, after the announcement at the Rio+20 Summit. So what does this mean? What needs to be reported? A company’s total emissions in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) of all the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that they are is responsible for. … Continue reading →

SustainNext – We need to act now on sustainability

SustainNextEU” was held in the Helix in DCU in September 2012. It was organised by the Sustainability Collaborative and DCU Business School. It was clear from this event that the message about sustainability is becoming clearer. We are reaching a tipping point, and it is essential for everyone and business to be more sustainable. Continue reading →

Environmental Legislation – Are you compliant?

There are so many things to think of when you are running a small business – keeping the business afloat being most important. You are in business to make a living after all!! Legislation, including environmental legislation, is a pain. It is difficult to navigate on your own, but there is some help. 10 times … Continue reading →

Are you a HPSU Female Entrepreneur? Act fast!

This may have passed you by during the year, but if you are a Female Entrepreneur with what Enterprise Ireland terms a “High Growth Potential Start-up” you might need to act fast on this! Continue reading →

€3million SEAI funding available

The SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) are calling for funding proposals at present, aimed at improving the energy efficiency of buildings at a community and partnership level. Continue reading →

7 reasons why its tough out there for small business

Today I would like to highlight some of the difficulties SMEs face, when operating their business, when compared with large businesses. 1. Finance An earlier post discussed A small business is not a little big business and the different distinct characteristics of SMEs – the main difference being the amount of resources available to large companies. It is no surprise … Continue reading →

The importance of SMEs in Europe

SMEs are important for many economic and social reasons. Continue reading →

What is Sustainability anyway?

Definitions The most common definition for Sustainability/Sustainability Development is “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (UN Brutland Report 1987). This is a good definition, but i it can be misinterpreted, especially as many people put too much weight … Continue reading →

Berlin – the place to be today for CSR in SMEs

Looking forward to Day 1 of the event – Better CSR advice for SMEs in Berlin, where a meeting of minds and sharing of experiences is due to set off this afternoon. Continue reading →

Invite to Better CSR Advice to SMEs

I was delighted recently to receive and email invite to a unique event taking place in Berlin on the 11th and 12th June. I feel honoured that I will be among the 100 invited guests from 27 EU member countries, Croatia, Macedonia and Turkey. The unique ‘Better Advice for SMEs on CSR” event brings together many … Continue reading →