Decarbonising Zones
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A Decarbonising Zone (DZ) is a spatial area identified by a local authority in which a range of climate mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity measures are identified to address local low carbon energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate needs. Each local authority has selected a DZ as part of its Local Authority Climate Action Plan.
A DZ is a demonstration and test bed of what is possible for decarbonisation at a local level. Through a feedback loop of experimentation and evaluation, the DZ should foster a flexible, incremental and community-driven approach to ensure that its objectives can be delivered. The DZ concept gives local authorities the mandate to take risks, innovate and develop demonstrator projects which, where successful, can be replicated nationally.
A spread of DZs has been put forward in the recently adopted local climate action plans in terms of size, type, and actions. There are 41 DZs in total across Ireland, 29 of which are urban, 6 part-urban and 6 rural. The combined population of the DZ area is 435,310 people and the estimated total emissions for the DZs combined territory (2018 baseline year) is 3.9 MT co2 eq.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to developing a DZ. DZs can address multiple energy and non-energy related issues that drive decarbonisation such as mobility, heat, buildings, infrastructure, fuel energy poverty, skills, employment, well-being, circular economy, and land use.
The Department has set up an inter-departmental and inter-agency DZ Advisory Group to assist local authorities with their Decarbonising Zones at the national level.
A list of all DZs in Ireland can be found here.
You can read more about Tackling Climate Breakdown here.
