New Shoots for the STEM Project

02 November 2006

Funded by the European Union’s INTERREG IIIA programme, steered by the East Border Region Environmental Working Group and delivered by Southern Group Environmental Health Committee, the three-year STEM project assists cross border councils and businesses in implementing an effective environmental management system (EMS).

STEM has successfully delivered to nine cross border local authorities and the Southern Group Environmental Health Committee. In addition, the project has implemented an EMS into over 150 small and medium-sized businesses, 50 of which have now been certified.

The overall aim is to implement an EMS into 270 businesses. A May Certificates awards ceremony in Newry marked the project’s achievements. Guest speaker, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Development, Jan Gustav Strandenaes, was impressed by what he saw: “All my life I have worked in sustainable development and I have never seen a project of this size and nature. It is truly refreshing to see such an innovative environmental concept,” he said. At a cross border Environmental Conference held in June, the STEM Project, through its Excellence in Environmental Award Scheme, recognised the achievements of local businesses involved with the project.

Dr Jim McCammick, Chairman of the East Border Region INTERREG IIIA Partnership, commended the project, saying: "STEM has fitted well into our funding programme and would be regarded as a flagship project for the region, as it represents a truly cross border partnership between the public and private sectors."

The STEM experience certainly made a strong impression on the EU Commissioner Mr Strandenaes who was given a potted plant to take away and grow. His presence lent valuable prestige to the awards ceremony in Newry, as did his comment that he would be suggesting to his European colleagues that they “…go to Ireland and learn!” For further information contact: Anne Greene, EMS Marketing Officer, a.greene@sgehc.com