Belfast has secured its position as a global leader in climate action, retaining its A-grade status from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for the fourth year running. The city remains the only one in Ireland to hold this prestigious ranking and is among just 20 across the UK to be recognised for high-level environmental performance and transparent emissions reporting.

The announcement coincides with Earth Day, themed 'Our Power, Our Planet', with Belfast City Council showcasing its transition toward a net-zero future. Significant strides have been made in decarbonising the Council's estate; more than 200 venues, including Belfast Zoo and City Hall, are now powered by renewable energy following a landmark agreement with a wind farm at Ballyutoag.

Solar energy pilots are also yielding results. At Donegall Pass Community Centre, newly installed solar panels have allowed the building to operate off-grid for 80% of the time since March. Similar installations at sites like the Grow NI community garden are currently being used to assess the feasibility of a wider rollout across the Council's property portfolio. The Council's transport fleet is undergoing a major sustainable overhaul. Out of 410 vehicles, 235 now operate on Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a biodegradable fuel derived from waste materials that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to fossil diesel. Additionally, the fleet now includes 31 fully electric vehicles and one hybrid.

Councillor Micheal Donnelly, Chair of the Climate and City Resilience Committee, said: "I'm delighted to use Earth Day to highlight some of the ongoing work of the council and our partners and to raise awareness of the good work being done to protect the environment and create a sustainable city. We are committed to active travel, reducing pollution, planting more trees, using clean transport technology, investigating better ways of heating and powering the city, greening the city and developing a sustainable food network."

He added: "Residents should be assured we're doing everything we can to ensure the safety and stability of Belfast for everyone who lives here now, and in the future. Everyone can play their part though – from leaving the car at home where possible, to using up leftovers, recycling your food, plastic, glass and cardboard waste; small changes can really help."

The Council also highlighted the completion of the UP2030 project, which focused on inner-city areas including Sandy Row, the Linen Quarter, and the Market. This initiative worked with local partners to explore energy-efficient housing, improved cycling routes, and expanded green spaces. The findings from this project will now form the basis for the Belfast Net Zero Neighbourhood Framework as it engages with communities across the city.