Environment and Sustainability

_____

At INStone, we are dedicated to environmental protection, sustainability, and responsible business practices, especially as we operate largely in the natural stone industry. Building upon the best practices of industry leaders and our commitment to the unique environment of the Burren region, we have developed an environmental policy that reflects our values and objectives.

Environment and Sustainability

_____

At INStone, we are dedicated to environmental protection, sustainability, and responsible business practices, especially as we operate largely in the natural stone industry. Building upon the best practices of industry leaders and our commitment to the unique environment of the Burren region, we have developed an environmental policy that reflects our values and objectives.

Environment and Sustainability

_____

At INStone, we are dedicated to environmental protection, sustainability, and responsible business practices, especially as we operate largely in the natural stone industry. Building upon the best practices of industry leaders and our commitment to the unique environment of the Burren region, we have developed an environmental policy that reflects our values and objectives.

Environmental Policy

Sustainable Operations and Resource Efficiency:

  • INStone are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and reducing our carbon footprint through the implementation of energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy sources, and waste reduction strategies. To date INStone:
      • Have installed a rainwater harvesting system which operates directly with our fixed and stationary machinery. This water is recycled through settlement beds, to allow a filtration process before recirculating through our system - this means that INStone's water supply for operation is 100% recycled.
      • Have upgraded over 80% of our lighting load to energy-efficient LED Bulbs.
      • Implements a policy of of waste reduction with sawn and processed natural stone, whereby the maximum amount of material is extracted from our quarried blocks, reducing the overall waste which remains. All waste stone from our processing is utilised in various by-products such as tumbled/crazy paving, necessary fill in the premises, lime for agricultural use etc.
  • INStone prioritise resource conservation and sustainable sourcing practices, ensuring the responsible use of natural stone materials and promoting the reuse and recycling of materials wherever possible:
      • Over 90% of the natural stone material within INStone is locally quarried in Galway and ethically sourced. The remaining 10% is dedicated to special conservation and restoration projects whereby an imported stone may be required - this too is ethically sourced, and utilised to preserve the architectural, archaeological and cultural heritage of the structure we are entrusted to preserve.
  • INStone realises the importance that in all aspects of our business, there can be a negative impact on the environment. We are committed to finding ways to reduce our impact, not only from our core offerings, but also our in-house administration by:
      • Limiting the use of paper wherever possible - utilising our shared network to easily transfer and access PDF files
      • Avoiding the use of An Post where possible by emailing clients
  • Due to the nature of INStone's work, travel can be a necessity, however sustainable transport initiatives are adopted by INStone, such as:
      • Avoiding unnecessary travel by making use of telephone, email and online conferencing communication
      • Where travel is unavoidable, public transport should be utilised where possible. If public transport is not possible, carpooling is implemented to reduce the overall environmental impact of travel

Environmental Awareness and Stakeholder Engagement:

  • INStone actively engage with our suppliers, customers, and stakeholders to promote environmental awareness, encourage sustainable practices, and foster a culture of environmental stewardship within the natural stone industry.
  • INStone collaborate with local organizations, government agencies, and industry partners to share best practices, leverage collective expertise, and advocate for policies that promote environmental protection and sustainability.

Compliance and Continuous Improvement:

  • INStone comply with all relevant environmental laws, regulations, and industry standards, as well as our own commitments to environmental best practices and ethical business conduct.
  • As members of Burren Ecotourism Network and The Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark, INStone adopt the Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism which includes 6 key points of environmental good practice which include waste, water, energy, waste-water management, conservation, interpretation, and visitor communication.
  • INStone continuously monitor and review our environmental performance, setting measurable goals and targets for reducing our environmental footprint, improving resource efficiency, and enhancing sustainability in our operations:
      • INStone have actively engaged with the SEAI in the completion of an SME Energy Audit in 2023, and are currently implementing some of the noted recommendations provided by the external assessor.

Environmental Objectives:

  • As INStone grows and our services change, we need to continuously define the scope of the environmental policy, including INStone's operations, products, and services, and to establish clear objectives for environmental performance improvement in key areas such as resource management, emissions reduction, and biodiversity conservation, especially as we move forward.
  • INStone is aware of where they can make necessary improvements for the betterment of their impact on the environment. Following on from their Energy Audit in 2023, there are still a number of key areas to improve:
      • Continue to upgrade the lighting within all areas of the premises and ensure 100% LED lighting by the end of 2024.
      • To take the demand of our electricity supply, INStone will review renewable energy options, and will ensure that by the end of 2025, more than 65% of electricity will be generated by on-site renewables such as Solar PV.
      • As INStone prepares for greater footfall within their premises, a review of the current public welfare facilities will be required. By the end of 2024, to reduce water waste in our premises, INStone will change over to dual flush toilets and self closing taps. Furthermore, as the spaces will be frequented at various stages throughout the working day/week, sensors will be installed to operate the internal fans and lighting in these areas.
  • As a centre for education and training:
      • INStone will provide comprehensive training and education to employees on environmental issues, regulations, and best practices, with the objective of enhancing environmental awareness, competency, and compliance throughout the organisation.
      • INStone will ensure that throughout their education programmes and courses, they will ensure to highlight their commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, setting the tone for the entire policy and guiding the company's environmental efforts.

Environmental Policy

Sustainable Operations and Resource Efficiency:

  • INStone are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and reducing our carbon footprint through the implementation of energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy sources, and waste reduction strategies. To date INStone:
      • Have installed a rainwater harvesting system which operates directly with our fixed and stationary machinery. This water is recycled through settlement beds, to allow a filtration process before recirculating through our system - this means that INStone's water supply for operation is 100% recycled.
      • Have upgraded over 80% of our lighting load to energy-efficient LED Bulbs.
      • Implements a policy of of waste reduction with sawn and processed natural stone, whereby the maximum amount of material is extracted from our quarried blocks, reducing the overall waste which remains. All waste stone from our processing is utilised in various by-products such as tumbled/crazy paving, necessary fill in the premises, lime for agricultural use etc.
  • INStone prioritise resource conservation and sustainable sourcing practices, ensuring the responsible use of natural stone materials and promoting the reuse and recycling of materials wherever possible:
      • Over 90% of the natural stone material within INStone is locally quarried in Galway and ethically sourced. The remaining 10% is dedicated to special conservation and restoration projects whereby an imported stone may be required - this too is ethically sourced, and utilised to preserve the architectural, archaeological and cultural heritage of the structure we are entrusted to preserve.
  • INStone realises the importance that in all aspects of our business, there can be a negative impact on the environment. We are committed to finding ways to reduce our impact, not only from our core offerings, but also our in-house administration by:
      • Limiting the use of paper wherever possible - utilising our shared network to easily transfer and access PDF files
      • Avoiding the use of An Post where possible by emailing clients
  • Due to the nature of INStone's work, travel can be a necessity, however sustainable transport initiatives are adopted by INStone, such as:
      • Avoiding unnecessary travel by making use of telephone, email and online conferencing communication
      • Where travel is unavoidable, public transport should be utilised where possible. If public transport is not possible, carpooling is implemented to reduce the overall environmental impact of travel

Environmental Awareness and Stakeholder Engagement:

  • INStone actively engage with our suppliers, customers, and stakeholders to promote environmental awareness, encourage sustainable practices, and foster a culture of environmental stewardship within the natural stone industry.
  • INStone collaborate with local organizations, government agencies, and industry partners to share best practices, leverage collective expertise, and advocate for policies that promote environmental protection and sustainability.

Compliance and Continuous Improvement:

  • INStone comply with all relevant environmental laws, regulations, and industry standards, as well as our own commitments to environmental best practices and ethical business conduct.
  • As members of Burren Ecotourism Network and The Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark, INStone adopt the Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism which includes 6 key points of environmental good practice which include waste, water, energy, waste-water management, conservation, interpretation, and visitor communication.
  • INStone continuously monitor and review our environmental performance, setting measurable goals and targets for reducing our environmental footprint, improving resource efficiency, and enhancing sustainability in our operations:
      • INStone have actively engaged with the SEAI in the completion of an SME Energy Audit in 2023, and are currently implementing some of the noted recommendations provided by the external assessor.

Environmental Objectives:

  • As INStone grows and our services change, we need to continuously define the scope of the environmental policy, including INStone's operations, products, and services, and to establish clear objectives for environmental performance improvement in key areas such as resource management, emissions reduction, and biodiversity conservation, especially as we move forward.
  • INStone is aware of where they can make necessary improvements for the betterment of their impact on the environment. Following on from their Energy Audit in 2023, there are still a number of key areas to improve:
      • Continue to upgrade the lighting within all areas of the premises and ensure 100% LED lighting by the end of 2024.
      • To take the demand of our electricity supply, INStone will review renewable energy options, and will ensure that by the end of 2025, more than 65% of electricity will be generated by on-site renewables such as Solar PV.
      • As INStone prepares for greater footfall within their premises, a review of the current public welfare facilities will be required. By the end of 2024, to reduce water waste in our premises, INStone will change over to dual flush toilets and self closing taps. Furthermore, as the spaces will be frequented at various stages throughout the working day/week, sensors will be installed to operate the internal fans and lighting in these areas.
  • As a centre for education and training:
      • INStone will provide comprehensive training and education to employees on environmental issues, regulations, and best practices, with the objective of enhancing environmental awareness, competency, and compliance throughout the organisation.
      • INStone will ensure that throughout their education programmes and courses, they will ensure to highlight their commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, setting the tone for the entire policy and guiding the company's environmental efforts.
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