The Green Economy & Smart Economy

Goal - Waterford County will be at the forefront of the green economy by facilitating renewable energy infrastructure and promoting use of renewable energy among businesses and households throughout the County.

The Green Economy will yield significant results for businesses particularly in rural areas.  A range of opportunities exist in renewable energies for farmers, energy producers and technicians. Business opportunities exist for small businesses engaging in the green economy.  In addition, the provision of renewable energy solutions will help attract globally mobile industries to County Waterford, as it provides a cheaper, cleaner solution that reduces carbon footprint.  

Studies show that, because the smartest companies are recommitting to sustainability and using environmental thinking not only to stay profitable, but also to drive innovation and help customers.  Implementation of green initiatives will reduce costs, by reducing energy consumption and finding smarter ways to operate a business for example by reducing travel or simply switching off appliances, investing in more efficient technology, innovating to improve productivity etc.  In the long term, businesses can benefit by installing renewable technology, as it provides improved security of supply of energy, at relatively constant/stable costs. 

Waterford County Council has:

• Established Waterford Energy Bureau to stimulate development in the renewable energy sector;
  
  
• Certified under the Eco Management Audit Scheme.
  
  
• Prepared and implementation of a Climate Change Strategy for the Council;
  
  
• Prepared a Bio-Diversity Plan for the County;
  
  
• Prepared a map illustrating areas that are suitable for wind energy in County Waterford;
  
  
• Devised and implemented a training course on renewable technology in association with FAS and the Construction Industry Federation on renewable technology;
  
  
• Established a Renewable Energy Cooperative with 25 members, who now grow 200 acres of miscanthus;
  
  
• Developed renewable energy social housing and civic offices;
  
  
• Commenced conversion of its fleet to bio-fuels;
  
  
• Is at the forefront of developing wetlands for the treatment of waste water.
  

The priority actions required to achieve this objective are presented in Table 7.1.

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