Multiple sustainability projects in Northern Ireland are set to avail of more than £550,000 in funding from SSE Airtricity's Generation Green Community Fund.

The funded initiatives cover wide range of areas including renewable energy upgrades, biodiversity restoration, climate resilience planning, and sustainability education – and were selected for their innovation, local impact, and alignment with the island of Ireland's climate goals.

Those benefitting of the funding in Northern Ireland include: King's Park Primary School, Triax Social Economy Project, Fort Hill Integrated College Student Voice, Maghaberry Community Association, Enniskillen Gaels GAA, Business in the Community Northern Ireland, ACT – Accelerating Change Together, and TASC, Think-tank for Action on Social Change.

Funding applications have been administered in line with a number of UN Sustainable Development Goals, and with a view to supporting Northern Ireland's pathway to net zero. On completion, the projects have the potential to reduce Northern Ireland's carbon emissions by 200 tonnes annually. Speaking at the funding allocation launch, Stephen Gallagher, Managing Director of SSE Airtricity, said: "I'm delighted that the SSE Airtricity Generation Green Community Fund is supporting such a wide range of ambitious, community-led sustainability projects. Achieving net zero is a shared responsibility, and these initiatives show how vital local leadership is in Ireland's green energy transition.

"Through this fund, we've listened to what communities told us matters most – from improving biodiversity to enhancing local infrastructure and education. We understand the challenges many groups face in accessing funding resources, and we're proud to play a part in enabling them to create lasting environmental and social impact."

Overall, 56 projects spanning the length and breadth of Ireland – including four island communities – will all be fully funded by the discretionary fund. Taking all 56 projects into consideration, community buildings and facilities will receive energy-efficient upgrades in order to cut energy use by 40%.

Eco-friendly transport options will reduce car journeys and lower emissions, while community projects will divert 500 tonnes of waste from landfill each year. In addition, more than 45,000 people will benefit from improved sustainability education through the fund. All 56 projects have the potential to reduce carbon emissions across the island by 2,500 tonnes annually.