Horizons

EU green agenda kicks off The EU's Energy Efficiency Action Plan, released yesterday is the biggest step taken by the European Commission to date to improve energy efficiency in member states.

With estimates that Europeans waste 20 per cent of energy used (up to half of this is due to leaving televisions, computers, modems and mobile phone chargers on standby), the plan includes actions to make appliances, buildings, transport and the generation of energy more efficient. New energy-efficiency standards and the promotion of energy services are proposed. The Commission will also set up a Covenant of Mayors from 20-30 most energy-efficient cities who will develop an international agreement on energy efficiency. The EU Energy Commissioner also stressed the need to reduce Europe's dependence on imported fossil fuels. The Energy Efficiency Action Plan will be implemented over the next six years. See www.jrc.cec.eu.int for full details.

Field trips to Bull Island

Tomorrow is the annual day designated by the United Nations to celebrate biodiversity and biospheres. Since 1970, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has recognized certain important ecosystems around the world as models of how humans should live with nature. These are known as biosphere reserves. North Bull Island in Dublin and Killarney National Park are UN-designated biosphere reserves. To celebrate UN Biosphere Day, ECO-UNESCO will hold field trips to Bull Island on Tuesday, November 7th from 11am to 3pm. The trips are open to 12-18-year-olds and their teachers. Cost €3 per person. Contact 01-6625491 or youth@ecounesco.ie.

Monument conservation

A Heritage Under Pressure - the Challenges of Vernacular Heritage Conservation is the title of this year's Maura Shaffrey Memorial lecture by Dr Tamas Fejerdy on Thursday at 7.30pm in the Coach House, Dublin Castle. Dr Fejerdy is the international vice-president of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). He will examine conservation options including open-air museums while looking as buildings from his native Hungary. The lecture is organized by the Irish Committee of ICOMOS.

Opera's historical exercise

Wexford Opera festival-goers can get some exercise while discovering historical places of interest by joining in free tours organised by the Wexford Historical Society. Running from Thursday, October 26th until November 4th, they include walking tours of Wexford town, visits to New Ross, Enniscorthy, Kilmore Quay and Rosslare. Contact 053-9122400 for full details.

Gowran goes green

Kilkenny is going green next weekend with a Green Energy Fair in Gowran Park. The fair will feature information about renewable energy resources, sustainable forestry and government grants for converting to renewable energy technologies for your home. Opening hours 3pm-8pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday. Contact 087-9897573 or info@carlowkilkennygreens.com.