As part of the UP2030 project two ‘Community Sense Checking Workshops‘ were held in May 2025 to hear directly from residents in areas like the Market and Donegall Pass. These sessions explored what a Net-Zero Neighbourhood could look like and how we can get there together.
Residents shared their hopes and concerns around three key themes:
Greening – People want more trees, parks, and nature-based solutions – but funding, space, and long-term maintenance are challenges.
Active Travel – Walking and cycling are popular, but infrastructure gaps and safety concerns hold people back.
Retrofit – Warmer, healthier homes are a priority, but many face barriers like cost, landlord inaction, or lack of information.
The community is ready for change, but it must be inclusive, practical, and people-first. From improving air quality to reducing energy bills, the benefits of climate action are clear. But to succeed, we need to:
Communicate – the why behind net zero in relatable ways
Provide Support and incentives for households and landlords
Design – Safe, green, and connected spaces that work for everyone
The insights gathered will help shape a framework for net zero neighbourhoods in Belfast.
This is about more than carbon, it’s about creating healthier, fairer, and more vibrant co
Maps
Maps can show you where you are. But a good map can also show you where you want to go, and how to get there.
With a map, you can communicate, analyse and enact change. We work with communities to achieve social and environmental change in their local area.
Citizen Science
Environmental problems affect us all. Citizen Science can give you a voice. Let’s collect the data we need to raise awareness and fight for change.
Low tech and affordable methods mean that everyone within a community can get involved and become a citizen scientist.
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Does your organisation work with community groups? We can design and implement a unique engagement approach, tailored to your particular requirements.
With over 15 years experience in the community and voluntary sector, we understand how to reach and involve people.
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Space is complicated. Map visualisation & analysis can help you to understand and discover what’s going on.
We have expertise in the use of Geographical Information Systems, and we can apply it to meet your needs.
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It’s good to collaborate. Contribute, share and discuss your ideas about the places that matter with Community Maps, our online participatory mapping platform.
Community Maps provides an effective tool for community and multi-stakeholder consultation across a range of projects and sectors.
