Establishing an Eco-Industrial Network for SMEs in the Mid-West Region

Synthesis Report for the ERTDI-funded project: 2004-SD-MS-18

Summary: STRIVE 19 - B. O'Regan & R. Moles

A key feature of the Irish economy is the strong presence of small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is estimated that SMEs are responsible for 70% of industrial pollution across the European Union (EU). This project aimed to enhance and improve the environmental performance of SMEs in the Mid-West Region of Ireland through the development of an ecoindustrial network (EIN). The establishment of such a network, through information and resource sharing, waste minimisation and reuse, water and energy conservation, shared transportation, centralised waste collection and treatment, as well as increasing the influence of SMEs within regional planning through better communications with policy makers and the local community, had a positive outcome for the companies involved, the environment and other stakeholders within the region.

Also available for download:

Follow this link to view the associated documentation on our SAFER database

• Print-Quality Version (i.e. high resolution PDF) of  STRIVE Report 19
• Guide to Establishing an Eco-Industrial Network
• End of Project Report (e.g. Final Report). EPA STRIVE Reports are formatted and proofread by the EPA. End-of-Project Reports are prepared and finalised by the authors:
  • Dr. Bernadette O’Regan, Prof. Richard Moles, Prof. Toshko Zhelev, Dr Paul Byrne, Annabel McLoone, Yvonne Ryan (2008): Establishing an Eco-Industrial Network for SMEs in the Mid-West Region.