News from 10 March 2008 on edie

EU to combat alien invaders

They grow to up to 60cm, inhabit wetlands, and build burrows for their families from vegetation and mud where they can snack on plants and small frogs in peace.

Pollution could become official sin

News in Brief

OECD: Climate change solutions are affordable

Urgent action is needed on climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity and the impact of pollution and toxic chemicals on human health - but solutions to these environmental challenges are available, achievable and affordable.

Ireland should avoid UK health and safety failures

Ireland should learn from the UK's mistakes and make its waste industry as safe as possible for workers and the general public, safety experts have warned.

Hundreds of builders earn green credentials

Some 300 construction workers have had their environmental expertise officially recognised - giving their customers confidence that they can trust in their knowledge on green building techniques.

Scottish trees to offset conference delegates

News in brief

Low landfill prices undercut composting

Composting firms are being put out of business because they are being undercut by low landfill prices, industry experts have warned.

Students push for environmental audits

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) wants environmental audits to be drawn up for every Irish college.

Councils swamped by water responsibilities

Local authorities in Ireland say they are being overwhelmed by the requirements of new legislation to protect and improve waterways.

Water quality improves in Scotland

A drop in Scottish water pollution has been credited to factors as diverse as greater public interest in the environment and investment in sewage treatment schemes.

Energy efficiency ‘is a win-win option’

Research has suggested that businesses in Ireland could make significant financial savings by installing energy saving measures.

Comment: council chiefs defend streetlight trials

Plans to switch off or dim street lights during certain parts of the night in an effort to save energy have come under fire in elements of the tabloid press. But according to an organisation representing senior local authority officers, change is inevitable.

Energy

Day: 10 March 2008