Green Start

About this scheme

Green Start, part of Údarás na Gaeltachta's 'Green' Supports, helps businesses improve their environmental performance through greater resource efficiency, aiming to drive competitive advantage and reduce costs. It is open to all businesses seeking to introduce environmental best-practice systems, and is targeted specifically at the cost of hiring a sustainability consultant to bring such systems and structures into the business. Eligible projects may include implementing a structured environmental management and reporting system, developing a decarbonisation strategy and action plan, and aligning environmental practices with global or Irish sustainability reporting initiatives. As part of the application process, businesses must provide their organisational carbon footprint using a recognised method such as the Climate Toolkit 4 Business Carbon Calculator, the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, or ISO 14064-1. The grant covers up to 80% of eligible costs, to a maximum grant of €5,000. As with other schemes, payment is made on receipt of a valid claim supported by documentation confirming that all grant conditions were met and approved expenditure was paid.

Who can apply

• Available to all businesses seeking to introduce environmental best practice systems to achieve cost and resource reduction
• Support is targeted at the cost of hiring a sustainability consultant to introduce best-practice sustainable systems and structures to the business
• Eligible projects may include: implementing a structured environmental management and reporting system; developing a decarbonisation strategy and action plan; and aligning environmental practices with global/Irish sustainability reporting initiatives
• Businesses must provide their organisational carbon footprint as part of the application process, via the Climate Toolkit 4 Business Carbon Calculator, GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, ISO 14064-1 Standard, or similar
• The typical cost of a Green Start assignment is €6,300

How to apply

1. 1Contact the relevant Údarás na Gaeltachta regional office (Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry, Cork, Waterford or Meath) for advice and support.
2. 2Complete a grant application form, available at www.udaras.ie or from any regional office.
3. 3Submit the completed application form to the appropriate regional office, including your organisational carbon footprint via the Climate Toolkit 4 Business Carbon Calculator, GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, ISO 14064-1 Standard, or similar.
4. 4If approved, financial support applies from the date of issue of the Letter of Acknowledgement of receipt of application; grant aid cannot be approved retrospectively for expenditure incurred before this date.
5. 5As a condition of funding, implement a language plan to promote the use of Irish in the business.
6. 6Claim the grant by submitting a valid claim with supporting documentation confirming that all grant conditions were met and that all approved expenditure has been paid.