Projects
Sustainable District
Sustainable District
At Linen Quarter BID, we believe success should never come at the expense of our people and the planet. As an organisation, we recognise sustainability as a journey, and our commitment goes beyond words. Our range of purposeful initiatives are not just programmes, but a dedicated contribution to a healthier planet, stronger communities, and brighter future for all.
In September 2021, the Linen Quarter BID launched its bold vision to make the Linen Quarter as Northern Ireland’s first sustainable district. We are committed to weaving sustainable practices within the fabric of our district and we invite every organisation in the area to join us on this exciting journey through meaningful partnership and strategic collaboration. A “Sustainable District” does not mean we have solved all of the problems, but it does mean we have tangible projects on the ground and are working in partnership with a wide range of networks to create a clear path for driving positive social change, climate action, and inclusive economic prosperity. The Linen Quarter is at the forefront of our initiatives, but our commitment extends far beyond the district. Our initiatives greatly contribute towards building a better Belfast. A city reimagined where no one is left behind.
Our projects are curated, uniquely designed and sustainably executed, aligned with the Belfast Agenda 2035, Belfast Green Growth Strategy, Belfast Inclusive Growth Strategy, Belfast 10X Economy, and the very first Northern Ireland Climate Change Act amongst many. All of which aims to make Belfast a magnet for talent and business, admired around the world due to its innovative sustainable practices that equally address the three pillars of sustainable development. We are also dedicated in aligning our efforts to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to create global impact that resonates far beyond our walls. Our initiatives are strategically designed to contribute to the achievement of these essential goals, supporting the realisation of the UN 2030 Agenda.
The wide range of our initiatives and projects are available to all of our members at low or no cost, with minimal transaction time. We acknowledge that sustainability is not a destination but a continuous journey, and we will support our members as they take bold steps from traditional businesses to a shift into an environmentally friendly and ethically responsible organisations that creates harmonious balance between people, profit and planet – within a truly sustainable district.
More details of our vision and sustainability initiatives are available here: Term Two Business Plan 2023-2028
For regular updates on the progress of our initiatives, please sign up to our newsletter.
Key Ongoing Projects: Healthy District
Unlocking Human Potential Through a Thriving Healthy District
Our Healthy District initiatives, where physical, mental and social well-being takes centre stage in our pursuit of creating a vibrant, liveable communities where human potential is nurtured and supported. Our Healthy District initiatives are tailored to develop individuals and improve communities. We strive to create a district where health and happiness flourish, and cultivate an environment where everyone thrives, leaving no one behind.
Key Ongoing Projects: Health Week
Embrace a holistic approach to health and well-being during our Annual Health Week. At Linen Quarter BID, we understand that healthier workforce contributes to a more climate and social resilient community. The week-long programme of thoroughly designed activities is available for all of our member’s employees to take part on. Through partnerships with health, social and environmental organisations, we provide personal health checks, physio, first aid & CPR training, mental health, cycling initiatives, fitness classes, and nutrition. This dedicated week is part of our mission to unlock human potential through education that healthy living and environmental sustainability goes hand-in-hand, and to encourage everyone in our district to embrace a healthy lifestyle.
In 2022, our Health Week Programme generated huge engagement from our networks, proving that healthy initiatives are essential for a sustainable district.
To know more about this, please contact Lawrence@linenquarter.org
UN Sustainable Development Goals: 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 13 (Climate Action) and 17 (Partnership for the Goals)
Key Ongoing Projects: Living Wage Accreditation
At Linen Quarter BID, we recognise that true sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns. Our commitment to creating a sustainable district encompasses inclusive economic growth and social justice. Ensuring that all employees in the Linen Quarter earns a living wage is not just a commitment to fairness – it’s a key pillar of our sustainability strategy. By providing fair compensation, we empower individuals and families to lead fulfilling lives, make positive contribution to their communities, reduce poverty and tackle economic inequalities.
To support our network on their journey to a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all, the BID will fully cover our member’s first year of living wage accreditation fee for Charities and Public Sector and for Private organisations with up to 500 employees from the Living Wage Foundation.
To start your accreditation journey, please contact Lawrence@linenquarter.org
UN Sustainable Development Goals: 1 (No Poverty), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 17 (Partnership for the Goals)
Key Ongoing Projects: Re[act] Festival
In our effort in pioneering a new era of sustainable events, Re[act] Festival brings together experts and champions in the field of sustainability to foster meaningful collaboration and harness the power of knowledge-sharing. The Re[Act] Festival is not just another event, along with our strategic partners, we’re pioneering a sustainable festival that sets new standards for environmental consciousness and community engagement. Our aim is for the festival to inspire change and redefine a sustainable path towards a better Belfast.
Our vision to blend celebration and responsibility into one bespoke event will give participants a unique experience to be heard, take part in sustainability conversations, and join a movement to shape a more sustainable future. Together, we will write a new chapter in the sustainability narrative and leave a legacy for futures to come.
Building on the success of the Re[act] Festival 2021, the next Re[act] festival will happen in 2024, alongside Belfast City Council’s homegrown year of culture.
More information about the Re[act] Festival 2024 will be shared soon.
If you are interested to collaborate, have ideas for themes or just want to know more about the event, please contact lawrence@linenquarter.org
Key Ongoing Projects: Sustainable District
Promoting Climate Action and Inclusive Economy by Being a Model Sustainable District
Our Sustainable District Initiatives, where sustainability shapes the future, a visionary community where sustainable living is not just a concept, but a way of life. Our sustainable district initiatives weave together innovation, nature, and urban living to create a model for cities of tomorrow.
Key Ongoing Projects: Sustainable Transport
At Linen Quarter BID, we are dedicated to reimagining the way we move, ensuring that our journeys contribute to greener and healthier world. We aim to continue and support the nation’s transition towards sustainable transport and active travel. In the former we represent the district in relation to the development of the Transport Hub and N-S Glider. In relation to active travel, we support pedestrian friendly spaces and new cycle lanes – resulting in a less congested, less noisy district, with clear air and a better place to live, work and relax. We have commissioned Cycling UK to provide cycling friendly accreditation for employers, with regular confidence training, maintenance, security, and cycling events for employees and residents. Linen Quarter BID will fund 75% of the cost of employer’s accreditation, which is a national scheme led by Cycling UK.
By choosing a sustainable means of transportation, you’re not just getting to your destination, you are taking part of a journey and contributing to a cleaner and healthier world. Join us in embracing eco-friendly mobility, reducing carbon footprint, and pioneering a future where transportation choices in our district creates positive riffles for generations to come.
To start your accreditation journey or to know more about the support we can offer, please contact Lawrence@linenquarter.org
UN Sustainable Development Goals: 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 13 (Climate Action) and 17 (Partnership for the Goals)
Key Ongoing Projects: Green Energy Scheme
Our commitment to renewable energy sources goes beyond carbon emissions; it’s about harnessing the power of nature to drive positive change. Energy is a key area of focus and the Linen Quarter BID has partnered with Power NI to roll out a Green Energy scheme to members with 100% renewably sourced electricity. The government recognises that traditional energy sources contribute to environmental degradation and has introduced a law to reduce carbon emissions to Net Zero by 2050, meaning it’s now essential for your business to consider how to reach this target. There’s no extra cost to switch and you will receive a Green Energy certificate, and window display sticker.
Power NI also offer a free online account management tool which allows clients to track electricity usage, carbon emissions and spend. Larger users can also invest in a more comprehensive solutions such as Connect 360, a real time data-driven energy and environmental monitoring solution. This allows businesses to measure and manage a range of processes to become more energy efficient. The NISEP (Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme) offers 20% funding for businesses who switch to energy-saving solutions such as LED lighting or intelligent heating controls. To find out more, please visit Power NI website.
The LQ is made up of a diverse range of public and private sector organisations, hospitality, professional services, charities and retail. To get sector-specific advice, the Carbon Trust have energy efficiency advice to suit each member’s needs.
A switch to green energy helps your business and our district meet ESG reporting and Net Zero government targets as well as promoting the area as sustainable business district to clients, customers, tourists and investors. Linen Quarter BID members can speak to Power NI’s Linen Quarter Account Manager, who will help you complete the switch.
To set up an appointment please email: Lawrence@linenquarter.org
UN Sustainable Development Goals: 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 13 (Climate Action) and 17 (Partnership for the Goals)
Key Ongoing Projects: Sustainable Waste Management
Our sustainable waste management initiative promotes responsible practices to redefine the way we handle materials. We are committed to minimising waste, maximising recycling, and promoting circular economy for a sustainable district. We aim to turn waste into resources while contributing to national and global targets.
Linen Quarter BID has partnered with River Ridge to offer members sustainable waste management service support. River Ridge can guide your business through the transition towards becoming a sustainable firm with the peace of mind to know that they use only a modern, low carbon fleet, with trained and dedicated staff, and green processing methods. A robust ESG governance structure makes not only River Ridge accountable for its activities but also ensures their performance can be measured by BID members. River Ridge has some of the most advanced treatment facilities in Northern Ireland – and are committed to innovation and improvement – making your sustainable waste management processes easier and greener!
Join us in turning waste into opportunity, reducing our environmental footprint, and shaping a world where resources are used wisely, and waste is a thing of the past.
For further details on how River Ridge can make your business more sustainable, please contact: Lawrence@linenquarter.org
UN Sustainable Development Goals: 9 (Industry Innovation and Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 13 (Climate Action) and 17 (Partnership for the Goals)
Key Ongoing Projects: Climate Awareness Education
This transformative experience equips individuals and businesses with the right knowledge and tools to take meaningful and timely action against one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, Climate Change. At Linen Quarter BID, we believe that education is the first step towards positive change and empowering our people with quality education is a vital part of our sustainability journey.
To help businesses find practical and workable solutions to addressing their carbon emissions and meet government targets the Linen Quarter BID has joined with Business in the Community (BITC) to offer a subsidised climate change response management training programme for to up to 6 district firms starting late October 2021. The scheme has three tangible benefits – each participant will receive accredited carbon awareness training, every firm will get tailored company guidance on reducing emissions, and the opportunity to sign the public Climate Action Pledge to signal wider commitment sustainable business practices.
This is more than just a training; it is an educational session where you can gain knowledge to become a catalyst of change. One where we help you make informed decisions to make meaningful impact to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change.
For further details and book your place of on the programme, please contact: Lawrence@linenquarter.org
UN Sustainable Development Goals: 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), 13 (Climate Action) and 17 (Partnership for the Goals)
Key Ongoing Projects: Public Realms/ Regeneration
Our Public Realms/Regeneration initiatives are dynamic concepts that holds the potential to reshape community living. One where people take priority in accessing green, clean and safe public spaces. At Linen Quarter BID, we believe that focusing on regeneration can unlock lasting solutions that drives both environmental and social progress while boosting local economy for inclusive change.
Linen Quarter BID continues to champion district sustainable public realm schemes and promote sustainable living. We are proud to have launched the Linenhall Street parklet – the first of its kind in the city centre – developed in conjunction with partners from Belfast City Council, the Department for Communities and the Department for Infrastructure. The parklet is the first of many sustainable schemes the BID has planned to transform the district public realm and that reflect the needs of people today. The BID has now completed two additional parklets around the Linen Quarter that everyone can enjoy. In addition, the BID has commissioned world-renowned artist for artistic murals in strategic locations within the district to add vibrancy.
The BID continues to promote footfall in the district and provide a safe and attractive environment for people to socialise and work. To create a more inviting and liveable environment, foster social interactions, improve walkability, increase access to urban public spaces, and reduce pollution, LQ BID remodelled Blackstaff Square to create a clean and safe pedestrianised urban social space.
One of the exciting projects we are in the process of delivering is the “Great Expectations”, a new vision for the Great Victoria Street, a regeneration project that is unique as it also highlights history and heritage alongside biodiversity recovery. The goal of the project is to improve public confidence, inspire local business and encourage long term regeneration.
A request has been made for a 20mph zone across LQ and strong advocacy for cycling infrastructure, including the Lagan cycling bridge. This is part of our bid to reshape safer and more environmentally friendly transport infrastructure in the district. Finally, the BID has funneled significant investment in resources to incorporate biodiversity and urban ecology to highlight our commitment to a greener district. This includes maintenance through regular cleaning and professional gardener. We have also transformed Bankmore Square into a clean and sustainable social urban space. This will be followed by many other identified key locations within the district.
We are not just weaving regeneration into the fabric of the district; we are creating a legacy where history, heritage and sustainable growth complements human well-being.
For more information, please contact: Christiaan@linenquarter.org
UN Sustainable Development Goals: 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 9 (Industry Innovation and Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 17 (Partnership for the Goals)
Additional Projects: Green Building (The Case of Bedford Hous
To encourage our networks to elevate their spaces where innovation, sustainability, and design converge to create spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing , but environmentally responsible, Linen Quarter BID have commissioned international consultants Dark Matter Labs to produce a green building report on Bedford House. This case study illustrates the practical and commercial benefits of moving towards a sustainable built environment. It considers related issues such as tenant requirements, circular fit out, and supply chains and offers others a template to help them on their own journey towards becoming more sustainable, efficient, and profitable.
The report was launched during the Re[act] Festival 2021, where the author and invited speakers spoke about the benefit of sustainable buildings and audience had the opportunity to engage with questions and ideas.
Adopting the concept Green Building is not just an infrastructure investment, but an investment for a greener and more sustainable future.
To vie the full report, please visit Green Building Report
