Belfast City Hall embraces eco-friendly energy policy

Belfast City Council has officially launched its new environment friendly Energy Policy that will see services carried out throughout the city gradually switching to renewable energy supply.

Launching the policy on Monday October 22, which coincides with the first day of UK Energy Efficiency Week, Belfast City Council Chief Executive, Brian Hanna, said it was crucial for Belfast City Council to demonstrate effective civic leadership to the rest of society: “We as an organization must reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, increase our overall level of energy efficiency and take steps to make significant inroads in investment in, and use of, renewable energy. This, of course, makes sound business sense anyway, as well as the added bonus of reducing the damage to the environment.”

Mr Hanna added: “We intend to act as a catalyst for change throughout the wider community. The quality of life for all our citizens will be greatly enhanced if our efforts, along with those of others, are successful.”

Simultaneous with the launch of the new energy policy, Belfast City Hall also switched over to Northern Ireland Electricity's Eco Energy tariff - with the result that wind turbines now supply all of the electricity for Belfast’s most prominent civic building.

Welcoming the switch over, Andy McCrea, Manager, Environmental Services, NIE, said: “It is essential for all organizations to think about their activities and how they can 'do their bit' for an environmentally sustainable future. The amount of energy used and where it comes from obviously has a major impact.

“We commend Belfast City Council for taking such an environmentally responsible lead and switching to Eco Energy, which can help stop dangerous climate change. It's a commitment on their part, not only to the environment and renewable energy, but also to people and business in Northern Ireland. We would encourage other local civic and business communities across Northern Ireland to follow their decision to make the very best energy choice for the environment, by opting for NIE’s Eco Energy.” (AMcE)