Sustainable Belfast

On 26th October 2021, Belfast was ranked number 19 in the list of Global Sustainable Destinations (GDS Index). This incredibly significant accolade has put Belfast in the Premier League (Top 20) of sustainable destinations.
 

Visitors to Belfast and those living or working here, can play an important part in our sustainability journey. By choosing to supporting local businesses who are working hard to become more sustainable, you can help tackle climate change and support our local communities.  

Below are our top 5 tips to a more sustainable Belfast: 

Green Travel –There are plenty of ways to see Belfast sustainably. With a growing fleet of hydrogen buses and battery electric vehicles, our public transport provider, Translink, have made it easier to make a sustainable travel choice when exploring the city. Our compact city is also easy to navigate on foot and with a wide array of themed walking tours, you are sure to learn more about our fascinating city. With miles of cycle lanes, a leisurely cycle on a Belfast Bike is also a great way to travel around Belfast.

Sustainable shopping – Another growing trend in the city is conscious shopping, with more brands like Born & Bred and 4good committed to fighting climate change and reducing environmental impact. With the future of bees worldwide on decline, Victoria Square have made use of their vast rooftop and placed a colony of bees there, giving them space to thrive, far away from disturbances. 

Eco Friendly eateries –The Belfast food scene is also catering to guilt free grazing, with more hotels, restaurants and cafes offering menus that include plant based and sustainably sourced options.  


Get outdoors – Did you know Belfast is one of the top cities in the UK for green space? So why not get outdoors and discover the vast range of parks, gardens and walks available, many of which are free to visit and family friendly?

Green Stays – If a staycation is on the card, then choose from one of the Green Accredited hotels in Belfast that are playing their part in making Belfast more sustainable.

So whether you are planning a Christmas shopping trip, a meal out or a city break in Belfast, why not show some love for the planet and our local businesses by making greener and more sustainable choices whilst in Belfast. For more information visit: www.visitbelfast.com/plan/sustainable-belfast/ 

Jac Callan​

Sustainability and Impact Manager

Visit Belfast

Carol Lemmens - Arup

Carol is Arup’s Global Advisory Services Portfolio leader and interim Europe Property Business leader.

He was instrumental in developing Arup’s position paper to define the circular economy in the context of the built environment and developing Arup’s work as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s (EMF) knowledge partner for the built environment. He continues to work to raise the awareness of the circular economy approach from general first principles to practice by identifying the many challenges, enablers and opportunities available to Arup and others in making the circular economy a reality. Carol regularly contributes to Circular Economy and thought pieces, presentations and interviews globally. Most notably, Carol was invited to give a key note address to the United Nations General Assembly at their Circular Economy event, in October 2018.