EcoMerit supports the UN sustainable Development Goals. The Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection. More important than ever, the goals provide a critical framework for COVID-19 recovery.
In particular we align with the following goals:
Goal 2. Zero Hunger
We help Irish businesses to become more sustainable food producers and provide practical solutions for food waste reduction.
Goal 3. Good Health & Well-being
EcoMerit certification requires a declaration of compliance with relevant environmental regulations on e.g. waste management, hazardous waste, noise, air emissions and wastewater discharge.
Goal 4. Quality Education
We provide sustainable development education via staff training workshops and presentations at public events and conferences.
Goal 6. Clean Water & Sanitation
Sustainable water management is at the core of EcoMerit certification, which requires environmental management systems to be maintained including an inventory of identified key pollution risks and appropriate mitigation arrangements.
Goal 7. Affordable & Clean Energy
EcoMerit proactively promotes the improvement in energy efficiency and investment in renewable energy technologies. Certified members are part of the EcoMerit SEAI Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) and are eligible to access grants for investments via the SEAI Energy Communities grant scheme. For larger improvement works our partner can provide full capital requirements via their innovative energy efficiency service model.
Goal 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth Infrastructure
Goal 8.4 calls for the promotion of sustainable tourism. 20% of EcoMerit certified members come from the Hospitality/Leisure sector.
Goal 9. Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
EcoMerit promotes the upgrading and retrofitting of SMEs to increase their sustainability through resource efficiency and clean technologies.
Goal 10. Reduce Inequalities
‘Our Vision at EcoMerit is of an environmentally sustainable, just and equitable world’. We consider gender balance when appointing Oversight Board membership.
Goal 13. Climate Action
This goal also calls for an improvement of education and awareness raising on climate change. EcoMerit provides environmental training programmes for its members, presentations at business meetings and conferences. Two of our directors are also Cool Planet Climate Champions providing free talks to the public on climate change.
