LQ BID has revealed its ambition to transform Belfast’s Linen Quarter into Northern Ireland’s first sustainable district, helping to lead the collective effort required to tackle the climate crisis.
The plans are part of LQ BID’s vision for a reimagined Linen Quarter with enhanced outdoor areas, added green spaces and a greater investment in improved infrastructure for walking and cycling already underway.
To help bring this vision forward, LQ BID has identified key areas where businesses can make an immediate impact, such as energy, waste and transport.
It has also partnered with local organisations including Business in the Community, Power NI, RiverRidge and Cycling UK, to introduce the first phase of activity this autumn.
Businesses across the district will be offered access to free educational resources, alongside practical initiatives, to become more sustainably minded organisations. These include climate change training to better understand the commercial benefits of reducing emissions; membership of an accredited green energy scheme; more sustainable waste management and Cycling UK accreditation to ensure they can actively promote and support sustainable travel.
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Kieran Harding, the Managing Director of Business in the Community, said: “Addressing climate breakdown is necessary to ensure a liveable future, and businesses have a key role to play. Business in the Community is working in partnership with LQ BID to build Belfast back better as we transition out of COVID-19.”
Acknowledging that a collective effort is required, LQ BID’s Chris McCracken said: “Cities are vulnerable to the effects of climate change and urban activity is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. So, we’ve identified key areas – transport, energy, waste - where businesses have the opportunity to make changes, with practical support from LQ BID. In addition, we will continue to promote regeneration projects that increase the quality of our urban settings and promote sustainable living.”
LQ BID will measure the area’s transition towards a sustainable district through an annual survey, which will measure progress across hundreds of organisations and help illustrate best practice.
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Energy is a key area of focus and LQ BID has partnered with Power NI to roll out Green Energy contracts to members with 100% renewably sourced electricity.
LQ BID has also appointed RiverRidge as its preferred waste management supplier, and this will promote recycling and reuse to reduce landfill waste.
For more information on LQ BID’s Sustainable District and initiatives visit linenquarter.org.
Source: Written from press release.
