Decarbonising Zones

A Decarbonising Zone is a specific area that has been chosen by a local authority where a range of solutions are identified to address local, low-carbon energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate needs. These areas across the country will act as test-beds for innovation.

On this page: Overview Dublin's Decarbonising Zones Codema’s role in Dublin’s Decarbonising Zones Developing an evidence base Local engagement of Dublin’s Decarbonising Zones Place based approach Decarbonising Zones in action

Image of a drawing done by a live drawing artist at the Green Ballymun Community Conference. In the centre are the words 'Green Ballymun' and all around the canvas are colourful drawings

Overview

The National Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP 23) states that each local authority across the country must create or update their Local Authority Climate Action Plans (LA CAP). As part of this, each local authority must choose at least one area to implement a Decarbonising Zone (DZ).

“Decarbonising” – Taking carbon out of the equation completely by removing fossil fuels from electricity, heat and transport.

A Decarbonising Zone (DZ) is a specific area that has been chosen by a local authority where a range of solutions are identified to address local low-carbon energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate needs to contribute to national climate action targets. The government has committed to reduce emissions by 51% by 2030 and to reach net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The Decarbonising Zone plans must reflect these national targets at a local level. In other words, these areas across the country will act as test-beds for innovation with the aim of improving local communities and reducing emissions.

Image of St. Patrick's Church in Ringsend with the river in the foreground and a bridge to the right.

Dublin's Decarbonising Zones

In Dublin, all four local authorities have chosen the following locations for their DZs:

Clondalkin (South Dublin County Council)
Dún Laoghaire and Blackrock (Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council)
Balbriggan (Fingal County Council)
Ballymun and Ringsend / Poolbeg (Dublin City Council)

Codema’s role in Dublin’s Decarbonising Zones

On an ongoing basis, Codema supports the Dublin Local Authorities (DLAs) to meet their legal and policy requirements in the development of their Decarbonising Zone plans.

To date, Codema has developed five Decarbonising Zone plans for the DLAs; these plans map and analyse the energy demand and emissions for residential and commercial (including public sector and industrial) buildings, and the transport sector across the Decarbonising Zone. Codema has also supported Dublin City Council and South Dublin County Council in the development of a Local Engagement Plan to ensure the local community is involved in the development of the Decarbonising Zone plan.

Image of the round tower in Clondalkin with pink and green plants in the foreground

Developing an evidence base

Codema’s technical work on Decarbonising Zones includes:

A full evidence base of spatially mapped out emission sources and low-carbon resources in the DZs
Potential increase/decreases in emissions projected to 2030
Costs associated with reducing emissions and climate pathways
A gap-to-target analysis, based on the 51% emissions reduction target. A register of opportunities to help define a portfolio and pipeline of decarbonisation projects for delivery and outline potential funding opportunities.

Local engagement of Dublin’s Decarbonising Zones

In the pursuit of effective decarbonisation efforts, it is essential to actively include and consider the perspectives of the community in the creation of Decarbonising Zone plans. The success of these local plans hinges on their ability to resonate with and address the unique needs, concerns and aspirations of the relevant community within and around the DZ boundary. Therefore, our Awareness, Engagement and Communication team has supported and continues to support the Dublin Local Authorities in their DZ community and stakeholder engagement.

Image from the Ballymun Community Conference run by Codema. A school sports hall if full of people sitting at round tables, there are colourful posters on the wall in the background

Place-based approach

To ensure the community’s perspective is captured, we support a place-based approach to engagement. By understanding the community’s perspective, a more holistic and contextually relevant plan can be developed; one that considers local knowledge, history, cultural nuances and the day-to-day realities of residents. This inclusive approach can foster a sense of ownership and engagement and enhance the plan’s likelihood of successful implementation. Incorporating diverse community perspectives also helps uncover local, innovative solutions and ensures that the plan aligns with the community’s values, thereby fostering a collaborative effort towards a shared, sustainable future.