The Green for Micro Programme is the best place to start and Paul Murphy of Climate Solutions, who has been working in tandem with 13 Local Enterprise Offices since May 2021 to support micro businesses in taking their first steps on the ‘green journey’ says the benefits are enormous.
“Working with the LEOs, to date we have worked with approximately 70 businesses across Ireland - and the range of companies we have worked with is amazing – everything from restaurants and bars, craft manufacturers, food producers, services companies in the digital space, waste management and transport companies – the list goes on,” he said.
“There are many benefits to taking part in Green for Micro, including helping understanding your carbon footprint - because if you understand your baseline, can measure it and then you can begin to take action. Also, it can help to develop opportunities to reduce energy costs, carbon emissions and develop a more sustainable business. We typically identify between 30 and 50% of energy costs savings in companies with a payback period of less than 4 years - and in all cases we identify a valid pathway to reduce emissions in line with Climate Science.
“We enjoy working with Micro companies and learning the amazing stories of these businesses. For us, it provides us with an invaluable insight into decarbonisation for business as Micro companies have particular challenges which SMEs or large companies do not have. And helping to solve these challenges will ultimately support us in developing more effective solutions for companies of all scales.”
The programme also helps companies to implement a Climate Action Strategy – a step by step instructional to reduce emissions in line with Climate Science - and to understand the next steps to take on their ESG journey.
The Cork-based expert says there are a number of ways in which micro companies can make simple changes which will make a big difference to their overall performance.
“The range of businesses we have worked with through the Green for Micro programme means that a wide range of solutions are identified,” he said. “Common opportunities we see to reduce a company’s carbon footprint and energy costs include:
- Renewable Energy such as Solar PV
- Heating Controls and Upgrades
- Building Fabric Upgrades
- Equipment Power Down when not in use
- Lighting and Other Miscellaneous controls
- Waste Reduction
- Electric Vehicles
- Packaging selection
- Material selection to reduce footprint
“We enjoy working with the Micro companies (assigned by the Local Enterprise Office) and learning the amazing stories of these businesses. It provides us with an invaluable insight into decarbonisation for business as Micro companies have particular challenges which SMEs or large companies do not have. And helping to solve these challenges will ultimately support us in developing more effective solutions for companies of all scales.”
To access a Green consultant and begin the first steps on your sustainable journey then contact your Local Enterprise Office on 051 849905 or via info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie
