4. North-South Co-operation SEAI chairs the implementation of the work of the Sustainable Energy Working Group (a Working Group under All Island energy Joint Steering group [JSG]). The focus of the JSG’s attention has been on elements of the all-island electricity work programme. SEAI participates in the All Island Grid Study which will form the basis for ensuring the long term renewable electricity policy targets. From a Renewable energy deployment perspective, SEAI is participating in the work programme which is informing the delivery of 2020 renewable electricity policy targets North and South. SEAI delivers an Annual Energy Awards Initiative on an all-island basis that encourages active participation from organisations, industry and businesses on the Island of Ireland. SEAI has established a sustainable energy community programme in Dundalk, called Dundalk 2020. This project proposal aims to move communities in Dundalk to more sustainable patterns. The project includes a cross-border dimension where Dundalk is working with the associated communities of Newry in delivering the project philosophies in a move to a more sustainable energy economy. In May 2009, Newry city launched its Sustainable Energy Zone. SEAI is an active participant on the Newry Steering Group sharing lessons from Dundalk 2020. SEAI has collaborated with Southern Regional College on their series of Carbon Northern Ireland lectures. The launch of the Newry SEZ is aligned to a report published by the ICLRD. This report identified 4 projects to be progressed and the Newry SEZ is one project identified. http://iclrd.org/web/category/publications. 5. Information and Publicity Requirements The European Union strapline, logo and artwork will be used at all opportunities in communications regarding projects either directly by SEAI or by project beneficiaries. All logo/ credit usage will comply fully with applicable guidelines. The use of such materials is a requirement on all branded publications. A beneficiary list will be published in the SEAI Annual report 6. Horizontal Issues Energy research is a key component of the National Strategic Reference Framework and the Irish Government’s Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (2006 – 2013). Both recognise that high levels of investment in research and innovation are essential, both for economic competitiveness, and to yield innovations in areas such as healthcare and environmental technologies which make tangible improvements to our quality of life. The principle of Environmental Sustainability is a key component of sustainable development, a principle reflected in the Government’s White Paper, “Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland” and the National Climate Change Strategy. Energy remains a key factor in ensuring economic growth and societal development and SEAI continues to promote the decoupling of economic growth from the adverse effects of energy consumption and production. Environmental sustainability remains a key component of the Irish Government’s economic stimulus Policy. The High Level Action Group on Green Enterprise was established in May in line with a commitment in the Framework for Economic Renewal, Building Ireland’s Smart Economy. It was tasked with identifying the series of actions required to enable Ireland realise the potential of developing an innovation-based green enterprise sector as part of its enterprise portfolio. From an environmental sustainability perspective, there are a number of actions identified in the Report to Government, namely Green procurement; Renewable energy and providing energy efficiency; Green enterprise zones; and World Class green R&D. SEAI has estimated that the Industry and Business Initiative is increasing the cost competitiveness to Irish business covering over 50,000 jobs per annum. It estimates that up to 5,000 jobs will be created/ sustained through activities that are directly related to the delivery of some of its core programmes in 2010. For every €1 spent by SEAI on its programmes, a total of €5.50 is accrued to the Irish economy in energy and carbon savings. 7.
Compliance with Community Policies
8.
Future prospects
9.
Any adjustments required
10. Annexes Environmental Sustainability Horizontal Principle Report.
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