Measure

Deliver the Mid and East Antrim Net Zero (MEANZ) Business Programme.

Status:

On track

The Net Zero insights webinar series is now underway, with two webinars having taken place in October on the theme of Energy Efficiency, with a further 6 planned in the coming months.

A joint Council and industry best practice visit took place in the Birmingham/Midlands area of England in October, providing an opportunity for Council staff and key industry partners across a range of Council led projects to understand more about net zero, sustainability and cleantech projects.

A suite of Technical Assistance Partners have been appointed by Innovate UK to support projects funded under the Net Zero Living programme. Relevant Council officers now have access to 6 technical experts over the next 9 months to assist with delivery of the MEANZ Business project.

In September, we also delivered the ‘Starting the Loop’ initiative to educate local businesses and social enterprises on the benefits of developing a circular economy.

Measure

Engage with local schools and communities to provide environmental education programmes.

Status:

On track

As part of our ongoing commitment to environmental education, we have delivered a variety of tailored programmes to a diverse range of local schools and community groups, including University of the Third Age (U3A), the Inner Wheel, Cairncastle Women’s Institute, Ballymena Probus Club and the Carson Project.

These programmes have centred around sustainability and environmental awareness, including topics such as recycling, energy conservation, sustainable gardening, the circular economy, waste reduction, eco-friendly living and sustainable transportation.

Measure

Continue to actively engage with the Regional Community Resilience Group (RCRG).

Status:

On track

The RCRG continues to collaborate with community groups, at both a local and a regional level, to develop a resilience toolkit. Efforts have focussed on building resilience across the key areas identified in the local Mid and East Antrim research, with projects delivered in the Glenravel area, alongside workshops and initiatives in the Toome Road area of Ballymena.

The RCRG successfully engaged the Strategic Investment Board to build on the original pilot schemes. A regional strategic workshop was held in June and brought together a broad range of stakeholders.

Efforts are ongoing in the borough with Council and community resilience groups continuing to implement resilience building projects, with continued efforts to secure funding to sustain this work.

Measure

Plant 100,000 trees across the borough through the Climate Canopy Project by 31 March 2025.

Status:

Achieved

Over 350,000 trees have been planted since April, the majority at Woodburn Forest, and the remainder via local schools and community groups. We continue to engage local communities and schools through tree planting, educational workshops and publications.

Measure

Continue to be an active member of the Energy Managers Forum.

Status:

On track

Our Energy Manager is an active participant in the Energy Managers Forum. Furthermore, they have been appointed as Chair of the Energy Sub-Committee, which was established to review and progress energy procurement initiatives on behalf of 10 local authorities.

Measure

Deliver energy saving and clean energy projects within Council buildings by 31 March 2025.

Status:

On track

To date, 5 energy saving LED lighting projects have been completed at key locations, including Sullatober Household Recycling Centre, Seven Towers Leisure Centre, The Showgrounds, The People’s Park, and Carrickfergus Amphitheatre Car Park. Additional LED lighting upgrades are planned for Oakfield Community Centre and Carrickfergus Civic Centre by the end of the financial year.

We are also advancing clean energy projects, with two new Solar PV installations set for Waveney Road Household Recycling Centre and Portglenone Marina by 31 March 2025. Additionally, two existing solar systems will be fitted with battery storage at Sullatober Waste Transfer Station and Springwell Street Multistorey Car Park by year-end.

Measure

Finalise internal Council strategies and procedures to further progress sustainability by 31 March 2025.

Status: On track

Sustainability strategies have been drafted and are currently under review to allow for alignment with the updated and revised Asset Management Strategy and Fleet Decarbonisation Strategy.

Measure

Ensure at least 50% of household waste collected is sent for recycling by 31 March 2025.

Status:

On track

From April to June, 55.17% of household waste collected was sent for recycling. Verified data up to September is not yet available and will be provided in our next update.

Measure

Ensure a maximum of 16,387 tonnes of biodegradable collected municipal waste is sent to landfill by 31 March 2025.

Status:

On track

From April to June, 3,861 tonnes of biodegradable waste collected was sent to landfill. Verified data up to September is not yet available and will be provided in our next update.

Measure

Ensure less than 75,797 tonnes collected municipal waste arisings by 31 March 2025.

Status:

On track

From April to June, there were 20,775 tonnes of collected municipal waste arisings. Verified data up to September is not yet available and will be provided in our next update.

Measure

Delivery of 5 circular economy initiatives by 31 March 2025.

Status:

On track

We are delivering 5 key circular economy initiatives this year, designed to promote sustainability, reduce waste, and support local communities, including:

1. School Uniform Scheme - Ran across July and August, this scheme facilitated the reuse and recycling of school uniforms, with almost 2,000 items being gifted to families across the borough.
2. Christmas Toy Container Scheme – This annual initiative encourages the donation and reuse of toys during the holiday season, helping to reduce waste and support families in need.
3. Community Fridges – We have 5 fridges which are operational all year, offering individuals and businesses a space to donate surplus food for redistribution to those in need.
4. Community Repaint Scheme - This scheme is also operational throughout the year, with almost 2,000 litres of unwanted paint donated between April and September, some of which was redistributed to local schools and community groups.
5. Spectacle Reuse Scheme - This initiative will collect and redistribute unwanted spectacles, helping to provide vision care for those in need. We have partnered with Carnlough Lions Club to deliver the scheme.