Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 2023 - 2027

Our Commitment

Who we are

What is Climate Change?

Strategic Context and Legal Requirements

Implementation Structure

Our Baseline Emissions

Nature-based Solutions

Borough Baseline Emissions

What We Are Doing Well

Appendix 1: Objectives and Actions

Monitoring and Reporting

---

Our Commitment

“Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will lead by example and work in partnership with local communities to develop a sustainable borough, safeguarding the future of our economy, society and environmental assets.”

Our Goals

We are aiming to achieve this by:

• 30% reduction in council operation emissions by 2030
• Decarbonize small vehicles in our fleet by 2030
• Council operation emissions to net zero by 2040
• Supporting the borough to net zero by 2050
• Climate resilience in our buildings, public spaces and infrastructure.

Our Climate Action Plan set goals to achieve this through:

Good Governance and Community Leadership
Leading by example to develop a Council which includes sustainability and climate change in all decision making and empowers citizens to create a just transition to net zero.

Protection of the Environment
Protecting the natural environment within our borough to enhance biodiversity, increase carbon capture and improve the health and wellbeing of our citizens.

The Economy
Driving sustainable economic growth, supporting local communities, businesses and agriculture in transitioning to a circular economy and providing opportunities for the development of clean, green technologies in the local area.

Transport
Reducing emissions across our fleet and supporting the development of sustainable and active travel within the organisation and throughout Mid and East Antrim.

Resource Management
Using resources efficiently and sustainably, to reduce consumption and support a low carbon circular economy across the council and borough.

Buildings and Energy
Improving energy efficiency and use of renewable energy across the council estate and promote low carbon solutions in the wider borough.

Who we are

Mid and East Antrim spans approximately 1,046 km2 and is home to 139,000 people. Located within County Antrim our borough stretches from the River Bann in the west to the Antrim Coast, taking in the southern part of the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as well as the towns of Ballymena, Carrickfergus and the key port of Larne.

Our vision

“Mid and East Antrim will be a strong, vibrant, safe and inclusive community where people work together to improve the quality of life for all.” It is important that we achieve this sustainably to allow us to meet our needs in a way that allows future generations to also meet their needs.”

What is Climate Change?

Climate change is the long-term shift in average weather patterns across the world and the increase in extreme weather events. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlight in its most recent report how human activities are extremely likely to have resulted in the unprecedented warming observed since the pre-industrial era via increased emission of greenhouse gases (IPCC, 2014). 

The Greenhouse Effect

The earth is surrounded by a layer of gasses which retain some of the heat from the sun’s rays and prevent it from radiating back into space. This is called the Greenhouse effect - a natural process without which earth would not be warm enough for life to survive. Human activity, mainly from burning of fossil fuels, releases greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide. This has resulted in an increase in this layer of gases around the earth, resulting in higher levels of heat being trapped and therefore a warmer world.

The IPCC has warned urgent action is needed to cut greenhouse gas emissions and limit warming to at least 2°C and preferably 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial values, to avoid catastrophic impacts of climate change. The most recent data from the IPCC confirms that human-induced climate change is already causing observable adverse impacts and damages to both people and nature, beyond typical variability of the climate (IPCC, 2022). 

Climate Change Impacts

Warming of the planet is now unequivocal and concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are now at higher concentrations than have been recorded in the last 800,000 years (IPCC, 2014). The impact of this on our climate has been observable for decades, with the last three decades being successively warmer than any decade since 1850 (IPCC, 2014). In the UK, all of the top ten warmest years since 1884, have occurred since 2002 (Met Office, 2021). 

At present carbon emissions are estimated to have led to 1.1°C rise above pre-industrial levels (IPCC, 2023). Globally these higher temperatures have resulted in an increase in heatwaves, drought, floods, extreme storm events, wildfires and sea-level rise.

Observed Impacts in Mid and East Antrim

Already we can clearly see the impacts of climate change in our borough – these changes in typical weather conditions can effect council services, local infrastructure, native flora and fauna, result in significant costs to rectify and in the most extreme instances put human life at risk.

Extreme Heat

A warmer world has led to on average hotter summers throughout Northern Ireland, with 2022 being confirmed as the UK’s hottest year on record (Met Office, 2023). This is particularly impactful during the summer months, when we are more regularly experiencing high temperatures, resulting in increased pressure on water availability and tourism hot spots.

Wildfires have become more common, damaging habitats and wildlife. Gorse fires occurred in 2018 and 2019 in areas such as Carrickfergus and Greenisland, endangering native animal species and destroying the habitats on which they depend.

Extreme heat also impacts local biodiversity with potential negative impacts on animal species due to heat stress and water scarcity.

Additionally, native tree species are more likely to be impacted by disease or heat stress during hotter summer months. These warmer conditions also cause additional risk to human health, particularly for the very young and very elderly.

Increased Rainfall and Flooding

Across the UK winters between 2009 and 2018 have on average been 12% wetter than winters between 1961 and 1990. Summers have also been on average 13% wetter for the same time periods (Met Office, 2021). Higher levels of rainfall has put MEA at increased risk of flooding, and in cases where heavy, prolonged rainfall occurs after a long dry, period, there is a risk of flash flooding.

Our area has experienced numerous episodes of flooding in recent years including 2012, 2015 and 2018, resulting in property damage, disruption to residents’ lives and damage to local parks and infrastructure.

In 2020 the Department for Infrastructure Rivers Agency estimated that flooding would put 4,700 homes in the MEA area at risk as a result of climate change (Weir, 2020) which will have both negative economic and social impacts on the borough.

Extreme Cold – Ice and Snow

In contrast to the extreme heat, the region has also experienced extreme cold snaps in winter which can lead to issues with freezing water pipes and transport disruption from increased snow and ice. Extremes in temperature can also have negative impacts on native flora and fauna who can be disrupted by these unusually cold conditions. In 2010 the district experienced a prolonged period of cold temperatures, coupled with high levels of ice and snow. This resulted in disruption to transport and bin collection services. Similar cold and snowy conditions in 2016 led to communities in the Glenravel area being cut off and necessitated the emergency plan protocol to be engaged when rural communities had to be supplied with provisions including bottled water and medical supplies.

Increase in Storm Activity

Mid and East Antrim has experienced more frequent and intense storm activity in recent years, resulting in tree falls, damage to property, risk to human life and travel disruption. Storm activity is particularly disruptive in the coastal areas of our borough, where rough seas and coastal winds can lead to severe damage to marinas, coastal erosion and landslides on coastal rock faces. In 2016, there was extensive damage to Larne Promenade from the impact of the sea during storm events. This has further economic and social impacts via disruption to transport routes and tourist attractions.

Projected Impacts of Climate Change in Mid and East Antrim

The UK Met Office predicts future climate change will lead to warmer and wetter winters, hotter and drier summers and more frequent and intense weather extremes (Met Office, 2021). However the degree of impact will vary depending on the action taken now and in the near future.

Predictions of the impacts of future climate change vary across a range of scenarios with low to high emissions of GHGs, depending on the action we take to reduce our emissions. The different scenarios are referred to as Representative Concentration Pathways or RCPs. This plan will consider two scenarios relating to RCP2.6 (Low Emissions) and RCP8.5 (High Emissions).

These scenarios provide both an optimistic and pessimistic option for future scenarios, where average temperatures by 2100 are reaching 2°C and 4°C respectively. RCP2.6 is a scenario where GHG emissions peak in the 2020s and decline, reaching net zero in the latter half of the century. This is a Low emissions scenario.

RCP8.5 is a “business as usual” scenario where GHG emissions continue throughout the 21st century in a similar manner as they do today. This is a High emissions scenario and is the potential outcome if significant efforts to reduce our emissions are not made in the near future (Mackie and Wentworth, 2017).

Parameter	Scenario Predictions	Examples of Likely Impacts
Temperature	Under a low emissions scenario (RCP2.6) temperatures are expected to be up to 2.8°C warmer in summer and 2.2°C in winter (DEFRA, 2020) By 2070 under high emission scenarios (RCP8.5)  summer temperatures are estimated to be up to 4.9°C warmer and up to 3.9°C warmer in winter (DEFRA, 2020). Summer heat waves, similar to that of 2018, are 50% more likely to occur by 2050 (Met office 2021)	Increased heat induced illness and mortality Increase risks from pests and disease Increased risk to flora and fauna as a result of heat stress Increased spread of invasive species Increased visitors to tourism hot spots/ open spaces Impacts on infrastructure Reduced risks from cold/ice/snow in winter Reduced heating bills in winter months
Winter precipitation	Under a low emissions scenario (RCP2.6) winters could be up to 17% wetter.   Under a high emissions scenario (RCP8.5) winters could be up to 25% wetter (DEFRA, 2020).	Increased risk to life and human safety from flooding, including mental health impacts Increased risk to property and infrastructure from flooding resulting in economic impacts Negative impacts on water quality
Summer precipitation	Under a low emissions scenario (RCP2.6) summers are estimated to be up to 28% drier. Under a high emissions scenario (RCP8.5) summers are estimated to be up to 38% drier (DEFRA, 2020).	Reduced water supply and increased likelihood of water conservation measures being needed Increased risk of wildfire Negative impacts on flora and fauna due to water scarcity. Increased frequency and severity of surface water flooding following intense rainfall after long dry spells
Frost and snow	Across the UK, under all emissions scenarios, declines in snow cover are projected, with lying snow predominantly confined to northern and mountain areas by 2100 (Met Office 2021)	Potential reduced costs for heating/infrastructure treatment for snow/frost. However, cold spells can still occur resulting in risks to human health and infrastructure and resulting in significant expenditure for treatment of transport routes
Sea Level	By 2100 a rise of 11-52cm under a low emissions scenario (RCP2.6) and 33-94cm under a high emissions scenario (RCP8.5) is projected for the Belfast region (DEFRA, 2020).	Increased risk of coastal flooding Increased risk of damage to coastal habitats and infrastructure. Increased impacts from storm surges and high tides

The magnitude and rate of climate change impact depends greatly on mitigation and adaptation actions taken in the next decade. Rapid, effective action is needed to limit the impacts as far as possible and governments and public bodies need to act. Our Climate Action Plan sets out a framework for climate action in Mid and East Antrim, with the ultimate aim of reaching net zero across the council by 2040.

Strategic Context and Legal Requirements

In 2019 Mid and East Antrim Borough Council passed a Notice of Motion on Climate Change. Since then, we have been working to reduce its impact on climate and nature, culminating in this Climate and Sustainability Action Plan. The plan has been guided by a number of international, national, regional and local pieces of legislation, agreements and policies:

2006	NI (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006, Section 25 - District Councils have a statutory duty to promote the achievement of sustainable development in the exercise of their functions
2008	UK Climate Change Act (Amended 2019) - Sets legal targets for the UK to achieve net zero emissions by 2050
2010	NI Sustainable Development Strategy
2015	Paris Climate Agreement - International treaty to limit global warming to well below 2°C and preferably to 1.5°C compared to preindustrial levels.
	UN Sustainable Development Goals (2015)
2019	Mid and East Antrim Borough Council pass a Notice of Motion on Climate Change
	NI Climate Change Adaptation Programme (NICCAP2) 2019-24
2020	NI Declares a Climate Emergency
2021	Draft Green Growth Strategy for NI - The Executive long-term vision and framework for tackling the climate crisis, balancing our climate, environment and economy.
2022	NI Climate Change Act 2022 - legal targets for NI to achieve net zero emissions by 2050
	Mid and East Antrim Climate and Sustainability Policy
	Draft Environment Strategy for NI - sets out six strategic environmental outcomes as a guide to how we can preserve, protect and improve our environment
2023	Mid and East Antrim Climate Action Plan 2023-27
	Draft Circular Economy Strategy - sets the DfE vision to create an innovative, inclusive and competitive economy, with responsible production and consumption at its core.

Mid and East Antrim Climate and Sustainability Policy gives a commitment that Council will carry out its activities and functions in a manner which avoids any potentially negative environmental impact and states that the principles of sustainable development will be fully considered throughout all activities. It ensures Council’s compliance with all sustainability, environmental and climate change legislation to fulfil its statutory responsibility.

Mid and East Antrim Climate and Sustainability Plan has been developed to ensure Council meets the legislative requirements set out in its Climate and Sustainability Policy and delivers on its commitment to achieve:

• 30% reduction in Council operation emissions by 2030
• Council operation emissions to Net zero by 2040
• Supporting the Borough to Net zero by 2050
• Climate resilience in our buildings, public spaces and infrastructure

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Mid and East Antrim Climate and Sustainability Policy and Plan are both centred on delivering against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which define global sustainable development priorities and aspirations for 2030. They are centred around the 5P’s: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership and call for worldwide action among governments, business and civil society to tackle poverty, inequality and put the world on a sustainable path.

As a Council we recognise our major role in the development, implementation and successful delivery of the SDGs and its Community, Corporate, Local Development and Climate Plans share many of the outcomes of these goals. Council services and activities are mapped against them bi-annually and published to demonstrate our commitment to delivering the goals. In addition, sustainability screening will apply to all new projects, policies and plans to assess for sustainability impact of the proposed activity.

Climate Action Pledge NI

We have also publicly made a commitment to reducing our carbon emissions through taking the Business in the Community Northern Ireland ‘Climate Action Pledge’.

Implementation Structure

How will we achieve our climate targets?

As part of our commitment to these goals, we have put in place a number of structures to embed climate action throughout the organisation. These groups within Council meet regularly to agree targets, implement actions and review progress on climate delivery.

Senior Management Team

Council’s Corporate Plan includes an environment pillar and climate and sustainability objectives. The Director of Operations is the Environment Champion lead to ensure resources are in place and objectives are achieved within this pillar.

Environment Champions

Council is accredited to ISO14001 International Environmental Management Standard which ensures Council reduces the impact of its services on the environment and improves its environmental performance year on year.

We set environmental objectives and targets each year which are reviewed quarterly by an Environment Champion Team made up of representatives from across all Council services.

Council benchmarks it environmental performance a number of ways:

• external verification of the environmental management system;
• submission to the NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey annually. Council currently hold Platinum status;
• publish Council’s Carbon Footprint Report annually, which details resource use and environmental performance across service areas;
• annual management review of environmental objectives and targets.

Climate and Sustainability Manager

Council employ a Climate and Sustainability Manager to drive climate change performance improvement across all Council services and ensure it is appropriately aligned to the achievement of Council’s aims and objectives.

Climate Change Working Group

Council’s All Party Climate Change Working Group was formed following a Notice of Motion on Climate Change in September 2019. It meets three times a year to provide strategic direction and leadership in relation to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s response to the Climate Change Agenda.

Climate Action Team

The climate action team meet regularly to deliver a joined up approach to:

• carbon reduction (reducing emissions from transport, buildings and waste);
• carbon removal (offsetting emissions through tree planting and land management);
• biodiversity (protecting and improving habitats); and
• climate resilience and adaptation (reducing risks from extreme weather and improving the resilience of Council services and vulnerable citizens to climate change)

Agile Working Group

The work of the agile team contributes to reduced emissions through effective building use and encouraging virtual meetings and effective journey management.

Our Baseline Emissions

Council’s baseline emissions are calculated from the fuel it burns to heat its buildings and run its fleet (scope 1) and the electricity it purchases (scope 2), see Figure 2. Council is also committed to measuring and reducing scope 3 emissions and has environmental objectives in place to reduce business and commuter miles and water usage. In addition Council will investigate best practice to collate emissions from its supply chain.

Council’s baseline emission figure (scope 1 and 2) for 2019/20 was 7,159 tCO2e. 47% of emissions are from gas and 23% from oil, both used to heat buildings and 23% from fleet fuel. It is this figure (7,159 tCO2e) that Council needs to reduce by 30% by 2030 and reduce by 100% by 2040.

Council has already reduced its carbon footprint by 12% in 2021/22 from 2019/20 pre-covid year due to reduced use in some buildings and services, the introduction of energy efficiency measures and electricity being generated from more renewable sources.

Nature-based Solutions

Carbon capture (or carbon sequestration) describes how carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and stored as carbon. The trees, grass and hedgerows in our parks and open spaces do this naturally through photosynthesis.

The amount of carbon removed from the atmosphere in Council’s green spaces will help to reduce Council’s overall emissions and achieve net zero. Net zero for Council operations will be achieved when the carbon emissions that Council produce are reduced (through energy saving and renewable technologies) and the remaining emissions are removed through carbon capture.

Council currently owns 506 hectares of green space across the borough and 483 hectares of foreshore. This natural capital provides valued space for nature and our residents, but also captures in excess of 1000 tonnes of CO2 per year (R Gregg et al., 2021). This is equivalent to 14% of Council’s baseline emissions for 2019/20.

The woodlands, grasslands, hedgerows and healthy peatlands in our parks and open spaces can be described as nature-based solutions for climate change as they can help with climate adaptation (through reducing the impacts from flood and drought), as well as climate mitigation (through absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere). In addition they support biodiversity and the health and well-being of our residents across the borough.

R Gregg et al. (2021) identified the top three principles for nature to support biodiversity and climate mitigation:

1. Protect and restore peatlands. Peatlands are our largest natural carbon stores and it is important to protect them to reduce emissions. Council are actively restoring Keeran Moss peatland in partnership with RSPB.

2. Create new native broadleaved woodlands. Native woodland is an effective carbon sink and Council planted over 60,000 trees between 2019 and 2021 in partnership with the Woodland Trust.

3. Protect and restore natural coastal processes to allow habitats, such as saltmarsh, to maintain themselves and to sequester and store carbon. Council are working in partnership with Ulster Wildlife to re-introduce native oyster beds to Glenarm and Carrickfergus marinas to improve water quality and biodiversity.

Borough Baseline Emissions

The UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) provides data from the UK’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory and other sources such as local energy consumption statistics, to produce greenhouse gas estimates for each local authority for carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide.

This figure is the most recent data available (2020) showing we need to make reductions of at least 1,634.3 ktCO2e., see Figure 4.The largest source of emissions in MEA in 2020 was agriculture, totalling 429.7 ktCO2e. 402 ktCO2e were attributable to industrial emissions in the same year, making this the second largest contributor in the region.

Emissions per capita = 11.7 t CO2e

Emission per km2 of district = 1.5 kt CO2e

What We Are Doing Well

Engaging with Communities and Businesses

• Helping the agri and business sector on the journey to net zero
• MEAction for CLIMATE

Supporting the Circular Economy

• New Sullatober Household Recycling Centre will reduce waste to landfill by 1,000 tonnes per annum, improve recycling at the site by 18% and reduce carbon emissions by 800 tonnes per annum
• Supporting Circular Economy Social Enterprise Programme CIRCUS

Working in Partnerships

• New collaborative framework on climate action with DAERA, DfI, DfE and SOLACE
• Membership of 2 EV consortiums to improve EV infrastructure

Reducing Emissions

• In contract with Michelin Tyres to deliver a sustainable tyre programme for entire Council fleet, saving up to 13 tonnes of carbon emissions per annum
• £150k investment in roll out of 16 new LED lighting programmes across Council estate

Embracing Nature-Based Solutions

• Peatland restoration at Keeran Moss, Carrickfergus
• £58,000 trees planted over 28 months

Leading by Example

• Council of the Year at iESE Public Sector Awards 2023 for Transformational Climate Action
• Accredited to ISO14001 International Environmental Standard across all services
• Platinum status in Business in the Community’s NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey 2022
• Local Authority Individual/Team of the Year – Climate and Sustainability Manager, UK Awards for Excellence 2022

---

Appendix 1: Objectives and Actions

1. Good Governance and Community Leadership
Leading by example to develop a Council which includes sustainability and climate change in all decision making and empowers citizens to create a just transition to net zero.

Objectives

• Climate and sustainability is embedded in Council policies, plans and decision-making processes.
• Lead by example to reduce emissions from Council operations to net zero by 2040.
• Empower, educate and support citizens to create a just transition to net zero for the borough by 2050.
• Climate adaptation is at the centre of Council’s service delivery, supporting local communities and creating a sustainable and resilient borough.
• Continue to work collaboratively with multi sectoral and government partners to engender community leadership on climate action.
• Continue to develop stakeholder partnerships to assist with funding and resources for climate action.

Actions	Indicators	Responsible Team
Ensure that sustainable development and climate change are used as a guiding principle in Council plans, policies and strategies.	100% of new or reviewed policies and plans have identified Sustainable Development and Climate Change implications. No. new projects screened for sustainability.	Corporate Services Policy Team/All Services
Ensure that climate change risks are appropriately addressed within our risk management and business continuity process.	Climate change risks are included in the corporate risk register. Every services area’s Business Continuity Plan includes climate change threats.	Climate & Sustainability/ Corporate Services
Engage and influence the pension scheme provider on fossil fuel divestment.	Report from pension scheme on % fossil fuel divestment	Climate & Sustainability/Finance
Include environmental and social value weightings in procurement policy.	Employ a social value officer. Evidence of environmental and social value weightings in awards.	Digital Innovation & Procurement
Investigate best practice to collate emissions from Council’s supply chain.	Evidence of engagement with supply chain.	Procurement/ Climate & Sustainability
Resilience – implement actions within Council’s Adaptation Plan to reduce the impacts of extreme weather and improve health and wellbeing.	No. of initiatives to enhance and promote the benefits of green open spaces and the landscape quality.	Climate & Sustainability/ Emergency Planning
Resilience – work with multi-agency partners to increase capacity to respond to severe weather events and to increase community resilience.	No. of multi-agency response interventions delivered as a result of severe weather.	Emergency Planning/Civil Contingencies/RCRG Community Planning
Resilience - Support communities to build local resilience through the creation of community lead resilience hubs including the ability to respond to climate change risks.	Complete the RCRG Resilience Pilot with selected communities. Contribute learning to Regional Resilience Toolkit. Implementation of the RCRG Regional Resilience Toolkit across the Borough and linking with multi-agency partners.	Emergency Planning Civil Contingencies RCRG/Community Planning
Implement a collaborative approach to delivering the climate change agenda to local communities.	No. of communications and PR to raise awareness of climate and sustainability agenda. Monitor the effectiveness of climate change engagement through digital platforms.	Communications
Improve promotion, marketing, and communication of sustainability-themed procurement activities, policies and processes as appropriate.	No. of sustainability and climate themed events.	Climate & Sustainability/  Communications/ Events
Develop cross departmental collaborations and partnerships to assist with sources of funding for climate action.	No. of cross-departmental collaborations and partnerships.	Communication/ Climate & Sustainability

2. Protecting the Environment
Protecting the natural environment within our borough to enhance biodiversity, increase carbon capture and improve the health and wellbeing of our citizens.

Objectives

• Reduce GHG emissions and improve carbon capture across the Council estate, services and wider borough.
• Reduce GHG emissions from land use through planning (or delivery of the Local Development Plan).
• Utilise nature based solutions to aid in Climate Change adaptation and improve health and wellbeing.
• Protect and enhance biodiversity in our parks and open spaces.
• Optimise environmental management practices to reduce the impact of Council services on air, land and water.

Actions	Indicators	Responsible Team
Update the Cycle Routes Masterplan and include walking routes to promote walking and cycling.	No. of education promotion for shared use on walking/cycle paths. No. of walking events in urban areas.	Parks Development
Ensure the planning system protects the natural environment, biodiversity and ecosystems (Policies NAT1-NAT5).	Evidence of established practice.	Planning
Preserve carbon storage in peatland by applying a presumption against commercial peat extraction (Policy MIN7).	% applications approved for commercial peat extraction (target 0).	Planning
Invest in nature-based solutions that work for towns making the council estate and public realm more climate change ready through enhancing green spaces, urban greening, and adaptable planting regimes.	No. of  removal of use of peat compost from parks and open spaces % reduction use in pesticides Increased hectares of publicly accessible land managed sustainably No. of community projects supported.	Parks and Open Spaces / Regeneration / Parks Development
Protect and restore, where possible, peatlands and degraded soils on the Council estate or in partnership across the borough.	No. of hectares of peatland restored. Carbon emissions reduction.	Parks Development
Develop a Tree and Woodland Management Strategy to include tree planting, tree health maintenance and woodland management to increase tree cover across the borough to enhance biodiversity, increase carbon store and support ecosystem services.	No. of trees planted on Council land. No. of trees planted on public land through MEABC support.	Parks development
Work in partnership with Ulster Wildlife to re-introduce native oyster beds to Glenarm and Carrickfergus marinas.	No. of oyster beds introduced. No. of educational programmes.	Harbour and Marinas
Become a Sustainable Food Place.	No. of achieving bronze level Sustainable food place. Achieve gold in medium term. No. of community fridges across the borough No. of support opportunities for community growing.	Parks Development
In house growing of plants (nursery) to allow sustainable planting.	All plants grown in house.	Parks and Open Spaces
Develop opportunities for promoting and encouraging sustainable water management.	No. of water diversion/holding proposals (green roofs, permeable paving, soakaways, tree planting, ponds and wetlands) considered at design stage of new projects. No. of reduction of water schedules and water intensives planting schemes across parks and green spaces. Investigate alternative sustainable water supply opportunities.	Parks & Open Spaces /Regeneration/ Parks Development
Introduce natural solutions for oil spills in Harbours and Marinas .	No. of oil spills cleared with polysorb (target 0).	Harbour and Marinas

3. Economy
Driving sustainable economic growth, supporting local communities, businesses and agriculture in transitioning to a circular economy and providing opportunities for the development of clean, green technologies in the local area.

Objectives

• Drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth through investing in our people, our places and its business.
• Promote the low carbon circular economy through good environmental, social and economic governance.
• Support communities, farmers and local businesses to live more sustainably, reduce carbon emissions and adapt to a changing climate.
• Drive innovation in clean green technology in the borough through partnerships.
• Develop the skills needed to embrace opportunities for a prosperous and more sustainable future.

Actions	Indicators	Responsible Team
Support the business community to adopt energy efficiency practices and progress towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.	No. of business mentoring sessions delivered. No. of support mechanism deployed No. of information/education sessions delivered.	Economic Development
Work in partnership with academia, employability providers and employers to shape appropriate Cleantech Academy modules to enable upskilling and new employment opportunities.	No. of programmes delivered. No. of participants upskills.	Economic Development
Support the development of new start-ups in the cleantech/ environment and sustainable sectors via the Entrepreneurship Support Service.	No. of programmes delivered to encourage entrepreneurship and employability. No. of business starts (in relevant sectors).	Economic Development
BRCD – To establish an i4C physical hub, supporting future innovation activity in the borough and clean technology needs across NI. Targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating which will embed sustainability at all stages of the proposal.	Establishment of the i4C Innovation and CleanTech Centre Achieving BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating	Belfast Region City Deal
Using the Belfast Regional City Deal to drive low carbon growth and transformational change.	No. of business support hubs % increase in energy resilience and initial feasibility studies No. of support mechanisms deployed No. of information/education sessions delivered No. of hydrogen trial test-bed projects established.	Economic Development/ Climate & Sustainability
Develop a localised Sustainable Tourism Strategy based on Tourism NI’s new strategy.	Delivery of new strategy.	Tourism
Complete an audit of local businesses to assess sustainability credentials and share best practice.	No. of businesses engaged.	Tourism
Develop a new outreach and support programme to engage with local businesses to promote sustainability.	No. of businesses engaged in the programme.	Tourism
Increase awareness of free to use sustainability tool kits.	No. of communications about the sustainable toolkit.	Tourism/Climate & Sustainability
BRCD – Expansion at The Gobbins proposal targeting BREEAM Infrastructure ‘Excellent’ rating on the building development. Measures to improve sustainability will be included in design and delivery.	Achieving BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating on the building development.	Belfast Region City Deal
BRCD – Carrickfergus Regeneration Project to regenerate, reposition and rebrand the town of Carrickfergus. Measures to improve sustainability will be included in design and delivery.	No. of increased GVA and jobs for Northern Ireland. No. of regeneration of Carrickfergus town centre. No. of wellbeing benefits for residents.	Belfast Region City Deal
Examine lighting approaches in design of public & civic space which contributes to a low carbon environment.	Lighting strategy complete across Town Centres.	Economic Development/ Climate & Sustainability
Examine town centre incentives for business/property owners to introduce low carbon practices.	No. of successful introductions of low carbon incentives and uptake.	Economic Development/  Climate & Sustainability
Ensure town centres regeneration contributes to climate action by reducing emissions, investing in low carbon transport and creating more greenspaces.	No. of  public realm improvements / regeneration projects delivered in partnership with Council, DFC and DFI	Economic Development/ Regeneration
Provide businesses with opportunities to learn new skills and develop a knowledge and education of opportunities within the Cleantech sector.	No. of training courses/ practical training delivered. No. of businesses participating in clean-tech initiatives.	Economic Development
Work in partnership with academia and employers to promote career opportunities in the Cleantech sector through a series of schools engagement activities.	No. of programmes delivered. No. of events to encourage entrepreneurship and employability. % attendees found event helpful in accessing careers support.	Economic Development

4. Transport
Reducing emissions across our fleet and supporting the development of sustainable and active travel within the organisation and throughout Mid and East Antrim.

Objectives

• Reduce carbon emissions across Council fleet.
• Increase sustainable and active travel and reduce trips by vehicle to improve air quality.
• Encourage agile working and digital innovation to reduce business and commuting miles.
• Promote sustainable practices in servicing and maintenance of infrastructure.

Actions	Indicators	Responsible Team
Decarbonise small fleet (<7.5 T) by 2030.	Completion of pilot scheme, trialling leasing options. % reduction in carbon emissions from Council fleet annually.	Transport
Trailing new technology to decarbonise the fleet.	No. of completed trails. No. of new technology rolled out. % reduction in carbon emissions from Council fleet annually.	Transport
Implement route optimisation software across waste collection services.	% reduction in carbon emissions from Council fleet annually. No. of drivers trained in Eco Driving.	Transport
Implement circular economy principles in tyre management.	% reduction in carbon emissions from responsible tyre management. % reduction in new tyre purchase.	Transport
Further realise the efficiencies and sustainable benefits of agile working, encouraging virtual meetings and effective journey management.	% reduction in business miles annually. % reduction in commuting miles annually.	Corporate Services / Human Resources/ All services
Work in partnership with DfI to encourage walking and cycling through investment in additional infrastructure and creation of linkage opportunities.	No. of km of new greenway.	Parks & Open Spaces/ Planning
Update the Cycle Routes Masterplan and include walking routes to promote walking and cycling and promoting this across the borough.	No. of education promotion for shared use on walking/ cycle paths. No. of km of new greenway. No. of walking events in urban areas.	Parks & Open Spaces
Identify funding opportunities and grants available for outdoor activities and active travel to improve health and wellbeing of residents within the borough.	No. of active travel initiatives. Improved quality in children’s play areas. Lengthening of greenways and towpaths.	Parks & Open Spaces/ Health & Wellbeing/ Grants
Work with Translink, Sustrans and other key stakeholders to provide education and participation initiatives to encourage active, public and shared modes of transport.	No. of educational initiatives to encourage cycling.	Parks & Open Spaces/ Leisure
Support the roll out of the EV infrastructure in the Council estate and across the borough.	No. of new EV charge points.	Energy/Climate & Sustainability
Air quality – monitor and review air quality in accordance with the NI Air Quality Strategy.	Compliance through an updated Air Quality Action Plan.	Enviro Health/ External Stakeholders
Use the planning system to prevent new developments locking residents into car dependency.	Evidence of established practice.	Planning
Ensure the needs of pedestrians and cyclists are taken into account in development.	Evidence of established practice.	Planning
Ensure proposals for car parks provide secure, direct and safe access and movement for pedestrians and cyclists (Policy TR7).	Evidence of established practice.	Parks & Open Spaces/ Planning

5. Resource Management
Using resources efficiently and sustainably, to reduce consumption and support a low carbon circular economy across the council and borough.

Objectives

• Improve resource efficiency and material re-use as part of a low carbon circular economy.
• Support the waste hierarchy of reduce, reuse and recycle to help meet our waste, recycling and climate targets.
• Upskill our workforce on climate change and encourage a culture of resource efficiency in the workplace.
• Engage communities in climate education and environmental initiatives to create a resilient and sustainable borough.
• Reduce water consumption and encourage sustainable surface water management.

Actions	Indicators	Responsible Team
Engage with schools and community groups to increase knowledge and support the waste hierarchy and circular economy to meet our waste and climate targets.	No. of events run by council to promote reduce, re-use, recycling and circular economy. No. of communications campaigns to increase re-use.	Waste education/ Communications/ Events
Ensure the sustainable management of waste including the promotion of the waste hierarchy and the circular economy (Policies WMT1, WMT2, WMT3).	% increase of recycling rate of municipal waste. No. of communications campaigns to increase re-use.	Waste/ Planning
Reduce consumption of single-use plastic (SUP) within Council and events.	% reduction in single-use plastic.	Waste education/ Events
Encourage the hospitality industry by encouraging compostable packaging, reducing single-use plastic.	No. of initiatives to promote awareness and provide information on alternatives to single-use plastics.	Waste education/ Tourism
Standardise household waste and recycling collection models and commit to making recycling easier for our community.	% increase of recycling rate of municipal waste	Waste
Meet the 55% increase recycling rate target of municipal waste within the Waste (Circular Economy) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2020 – by 2020-2035.	% increase in the recycling rate of municipal waste.	Waste
Meet 60-65% recycling targets of municipal waste within the Waste (Circular Economy) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2020 – by 2030-2035.	% increase in the recycling rate of municipal waste.	Waste
Improve promotion, marketing and communication of sustainability-themed events.	No. of sustainability and climate themed events. Evidence of sustainability criteria used in events.	Climate & Sustainability (Education / Communications (Events)
Encourage communities to engage in climate education and participate in sustainable initiatives.	No. of climate education programmes promoted. No. of sustainable initiatives delivered.	Community Planning/ Climate & Sustainability
Support communities to access funding for climate action projects to sustainably manage their environment e.g. environment grant.	No. of funded climate action projects delivered.	Community Planning/ Climate & Sustainability
Cleanliness - continue to deliver and shape effective enforcement and education on Clean Neighbourhood matters though collaborative practices.	No. of fines issued each year. 100% of service requests for abandoned vehicles and fly tipping responded to within 3 working days each year. No. of litter talks given in schools and community groups each year.	Environment Health/ Waste
Upskill our workforce on climate change and encourage an agile corporate culture of resource efficiency in the workplace.	No. of employees who have received Carbon Literacy Training.	Human Resources/ Climate & Sustainability/All Service

Continue to Page 2