09/04/2025
On 19 March, Northern Ireland’s climate advisors, the Climate Change Committee (CCC), presented its Fourth Carbon Budget, which is intended as “a new pathway to a decarbonised Northern Ireland.”
The CCC has recommended a target for the Budget, calling for a 77% reduction in average annual emissions compared to the 1990 baseline, over the five-year period from 2038 to 2042. This is in line with the Net Zero 2050 target set out in the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
A key focus of the Budget is advising on changes related to the built environment. These include:
Decarbonising the Built Environment
- The Budget stresses reducing carbon emissions from buildings through better insulation, high-performance windows, and energy-efficient appliances.
- Retrofitting existing buildings is seen as crucial to meeting long-term targets. The Budget states that overcoming this challenge will require financial incentives and government support to make retrofitting affordable for homeowners and businesses.
- Replacing more fossil fuel-based heating systems with heat pumps is a central ambition.
- Tightening building regulations for new constructions is also seen as essential, focusing on zero-carbon buildings that integrate energy-efficient designs, renewable energy systems, and sustainable materials.
Renewable Energy Integration
- The Budget highlights the shift towards renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower for both heating and electricity.
- It also encourages the installation of solar panels and renewable energy systems in buildings to reduce dependence on the grid and promote sustainability.
Decarbonising Transport Infrastructure
- Electrifying transport systems, including public transport and private vehicles, is seen as crucial to reducing emissions. The expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and the integration of low-carbon transport hubs are key focuses.
- Developing cycling and walking paths within urban developments is also described as encouraging sustainable, low-carbon transport options.
Low-Carbon Construction
- The Budget emphasises the use of low-carbon materials (e.g., timber, recycled materials) and the adoption of modular construction methods to lower emissions.
- It also encourages a circular economy in construction, where materials are reused or recycled.
Smart Energy Management
- Smart grids and smart meters are seen as essential for optimising energy use in buildings, enabling real-time monitoring, allowing both homeowners and businesses to reduce energy consumption and waste.
- The Budget also states that the deployment of Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) will allow for better control of heating, lighting, and other energy-intensive operations, based on real-time data and occupancy levels.
If you have any questions or comments about the CCC’s Fourth Carbon Budget or its impact on the built environment, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk
