Belfast is the regional capital of Northern Ireland with a population of 270,000. Northern Ireland and Belfast in particular face particular challenges with regard to climate change and energy. As a region, Northern Ireland is 98% dependant on imported fossil fuels for primary energy needs.
The city council participates in Climate NI, an intersectoral network supported by the department of environment for the promotion of action on climate change adaptation and mitigation. The city council has also signed the EU Declaration on Climate Change and the EUROCITIES Green Digital Charter. It has not yet signed the Covenant of Mayors, although this is under discussion.
Targets
· Alignment to the EU energy targets
o 20% reduction of CO2-emissions
o 20% increase in renewable energy
o 20% increase in energy efficiency
· Improvement of the energy efficiency of the top 20 energy consuming buildings
Examples of local initiatives
· Green ‘route map’ for future investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and carbon reduction across its estate
· Renewable energy policy revised and an energy plan developed with a focus on increased energy efficiency and renewable technologies in buildings
· Promotion of public transport use and cycling and support to the installation of electric vehicle infrastructure
· First phase of electric car charging points installed across the city, second phase of charging points completed by the end of 2013, in total, 30 charging points in the city
Downloads
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