Introduction
If you have completed all of the objectives in Step 2, you will have gathered your organisational emissions data into a greenhouse gas inventory tool. With all your data in one place you have then presented the initial results to your Working Group for sense-checking and validation. Step 3 is about using the information you have gathered to this point and laying the foundations for the Mitigation element of your Climate Action Plan. Here you will co-design the vision, aims and theme of the plan, and identify priority actions to provide a strong direction of travel in reducing your emissions. By the end of this step, you should have a draft action plan. You can undertake this step in close alignment with NIAdapts Step 3.
While it is not required under Public Body Reporting regulations, you may wish to follow best practice in setting a science-based target which aligns with the ultimate target set-out in the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 of Net Zero by 2050. To help you with this, we have included a guide to doing so below.
Aims
Analyse emissions data and develop a draft action plan with targets and indicators
Objectives
Identify priority areas where action can be taken to reduce emissions
Set your ambition
Co-design vision, aims and themes for your Mitigation Plan
Co-design priority actions to reduce GHG emissions across the organisation
Consider how all the above aligns with your Adaptation Plan
The following documents will provide you with the key information on the relevance of climate change reporting in Northern Ireland, as well as an overview of the relevant international and national climate change policy in Northern Ireland.
Developing Your Plan
Ambition Setting
Governance and Stakeholder Engagement
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Public Body Reporting
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The three drafts you must create are:
1. Vision, Aims and Themes –
Develop a plan structure (linked with Mitigation – i.e. developing a structure for a joint adaptation/mitigation climate action plan)
2. Action Plan and Monitoring Framework –
Develop draft action plan, including one–to–one meetings with key staff to ensure buy–in and accuracy of the process. Consider how the Actions, Vision and Themes etc… link back to the Greenhouse Gas Inventory to see how the plan actually addresses the emissions of the organisation.
3. Complete a Risk Register of your plan –
Note this is different from the Climate Risk Register that you will have developed for NI Adapts
Guidance Document: Vision, Aims and Themes
Action Plan and Monitoring Framework
Action and Monitoring Template
Guidance Document: Compile a Risk Register
The following documents will provide you with additional information regarding this step which can assist the completion of this step and improve your understanding.
Donegal County Council Climate Action Plan
Build a Net Zero Carbon Islington by 2030
Net Zero Newcastle – 2030 Action Plan
Delivering a Net Zero National Health Service
Climate Action Plan Checklist
Step Three Complete
Ensure you have a draft plan with ambitious aims and actions which meet the Risk Register and lays out clear organisational priorities for the years ahead. This must include strong governance, and clear outcomes which can hold the organisation to a high level of ambition.
