How the circular economy can make a difference to the environment and your business

Reducing Waste and Embracing Sustainability: A Report by Everun

Introduction

As a renewable energy specialist, Everun recognizes the importance of reducing waste and embracing sustainability in all aspects of its operations. Over the past three years, Everun has undergone a transformative journey towards sustainability, not only for itself but also for its customers.

Examining the Whole Journey

Everun understands that energy cannot be created from scratch, but rather it is moved from one place to another. Therefore, it is crucial for Everun to consider the entire journey of its assets, parts, and waste. By doing so, Everun aims to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and encourage its customers to join the fight against climate change.

Reducing Waste in Wind Turbine Decommissioning

Everun places great importance on effectively communicating the decommissioning process of wind turbines to its customers and the wider community. For example, instead of sending turbine blades to landfill, Everun stress tests them for strength and repurposes them as bridges. This approach aligns with the circular economy’s principle of valuing waste and reducing landfill waste.

Employee-Driven Sustainability Initiatives

Everun believes that sustainability can be driven by employees, as awareness of the need to reduce waste grows among the general population. Simple initiatives, such as recycling coffee grounds for use as soil nutrients, can make a significant impact. Everun encourages its staff to contribute ideas and supports them in implementing sustainable changes.

Sustainability from Top-Level Management to Ground Staff

While sustainability efforts often originate from directors and senior managers, Everun recognizes the importance of involving all staff members in the journey towards sustainability. From top-level management focusing on suppliers’ contributions to carbon offset and renewable energy adoption to ground staff engaging in small changes like recycling and waste separation, every individual plays a role in achieving sustainability goals.

The Role of Businesses in Achieving Climate Change Targets

As Northern Ireland approaches its 2030 zero net targets, businesses must articulate their efforts to offset carbon through recycling, remanufacturing, and repurposing. Embracing the circular economy is essential for companies to confidently support ambitious climate change targets and reduce costs while creating employment opportunities.

Case Studies and Recognition

Everun is proud to sponsor the All Ireland Sustainability Awards, providing businesses with the opportunity to learn from inspiring case studies and gain recognition for their climate change efforts. The awards serve as a platform for businesses to showcase their contributions and receive acknowledgment for their sustainability initiatives.

The Challenges and Benefits of Embracing the Circular Economy

Adopting a circular economy model may pose challenges for some companies, particularly those in high-energy and high-pollution industries. However, with the right mindset, partnerships, and resources, these challenges can be overcome. Everun emphasizes the importance of developing a robust sustainability strategy and ensuring buy-in at every level within the organization.

Starting Small on the Journey to Net Zero

All businesses can begin their journey to net zero by making small changes that have a long-term impact. Everun, for example, switched from small orders to larger bulk orders to reduce carbon emissions from shipping and packaging. These common-sense actions contribute to the circular economy and make a difference in business operations.

Conclusion

The circular economy is not just a concept or a set of policies; it is a practical approach that can benefit businesses by reducing waste and costs while promoting sustainability. Everun’s commitment to sustainability in its renewable energy installations and decommissioning processes serves as an example for other companies to follow.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Indicator: The article discusses Everun’s focus on renewable energy and their installation of wind turbines and solar PV.

2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
   • Indicator: The article highlights Everun’s efforts to reduce waste by stress testing decommissioned wind turbine blades for repurposing and creating bridges with them.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator: The article mentions Everun’s support for Northern Ireland’s 2030 zero net targets and the need for businesses to articulate their efforts to offset carbon through recycling, remanufacturing, and repurposing.

4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.4: Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavor to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation.
   • Indicator: The article discusses Everun’s remanufacturing and repurposing processes, which can create reemployment or additional employment.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: uk.news.yahoo.com

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