Project Overview
Over a two-year period, with funding from Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living programme, Sustainable NI helped deliver the Net Zero – Derry & Strabane: From Ambition to Action programme. The project set out to transform the socio-technological and socio-ecological systems within the Derry City & Strabane District, with the long-term goal of creating a sustainable, climate-resilient, and net zero future by 2045.
Bringing together academic experts, policymakers, local authorities, and community stakeholders, the programme focused on embedding best practices in governance, policymaking, citizen engagement, and financing. At its core was a commitment to developing SMART climate action plans informed by data-driven insights and collaborative capacity-building.
The programme was supported by Sustainable Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Environment Link, and Your Climate Strategy, drawing on expertise in policy development and strategic implementation.
Sustainable NI’s key contributions to the project included the creation and delivery of a Responsible Procurement Strategy, supported by an Action Plan and Tender Checklist, alongside two key workshops, one on responsible procurement and another focused-on supplier engagement. Additionally, the funding received supported the creation of our online Sustainability Screening Tool, the Sustainability Compass. These achievements have played a crucial role in shaping DCSDC’s future procurement process, recognising procurement as a powerful tool for reducing emissions, particularly given that Scope 3 emissions account for approximately 90% of an organisation’s total emissions. Beyond environmental benefits, the strategy also promotes social and economic improvements. To conclude the project Sustainable NI also contributed to the development of the monitoring and evaluation report, helping to assess progress and guide future action.
Other key components of the project included the appointment of a Net Zero Innovation and Delivery Officer, development of a Climate Mitigation Plan, and establishment of the Derry and Strabane Sustainability and Climate Commission. The Commission played a vital role in fostering inclusive participation, analysis, and supporting financial planning for a just transition.
The Innovate UK funding was instrumental in enabling this work, facilitating deeper collaboration, improved climate literacy and skills, greater resilience, and measurable carbon reductions across local initiatives. It also supported evidence-based decision-making, inclusive stakeholder engagement, exploration of climate finance mechanisms, and widespread knowledge sharing throughout Northern Ireland.
While this project represents a key milestone for Derry & Strabane on the path to net zero, it is just the first step in a journey toward lasting transformation and climate resilience.
