Wednesday, 10 September 2025
East Belfast Enterprise has installed a 49kWh solar PV system at its City East building with support from Action Renewables. Completed by Dowds Group, the project will reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, highlighting a practical step toward sustainability and setting an example for other local organisations to follow.
East Belfast Enterprise has taken a major step toward sustainability with the installation of a new 49kWh Solar PV system at its City East building on Newtownards Road, supported by Action Renewables through its Solar PV Programme.
The installation was completed by Dowds Group, a delivery partner selected through Action Renewables’ competitive framework process, and is expected to deliver significant energy savings over the next 25 years.
For non-profit organisations operating on limited budgets, energy bills can consume a disproportionate share of annual expenses. Every reduction in utility costs translates to more resources available for delivering services, funding programmes, or supporting the local economy.
The solar panels will, therefore, help East Belfast Enterprise lower its electricity bills through a discounted tariff while also reducing its carbon footprint, making it both an environmentally and financially sound investment.
The installation coincides with Sustainable September, reinforcing the organisation’s ongoing commitment to innovation and climate-conscious operations.
“At East Belfast Enterprise, we are always seeking ways to innovate and reduce our environmental impact,” said Jonathan McAlpin, Chief Executive of East Belfast Enterprise.
“This solar installation during Sustainable September is a practical step forward, and we’re grateful to Action Renewables for making it accessible. Not only will it help us cut costs, but it sends a clear message to our tenants and partners about our commitment to sustainability.”
One of the most overlooked opportunities in climate action lies in retrofitting existing buildings. In the UK and Ireland, a significant portion of building stock was constructed before modern energy efficiency standards were introduced. Rather than building new, energy-efficient facilities from scratch, often at high financial and environmental cost, retrofitting allows organisations to improve sustainability using their existing infrastructure.
The City East building’s new solar PV system demonstrates how targeted upgrades can significantly reduce a building’s carbon footprint. Combined with other retrofit strategies like insulation, efficient heating systems, or LED lighting, such improvements can help transform old buildings into future-ready assets.
The Solar PV Programme is run by Action Renewables, a Belfast-based charity that supports non-profit organisations in Northern Ireland by making solar energy affordable and achievable. To date, Action Renewables has worked with over 7,000 renewable energy customers, offering services like Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) and grid export management.
“East Belfast Enterprise plays a vital role in supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Lana Moore, Head of Charity Delivery at Action Renewables.
“We’re delighted to support them in becoming more energy resilient and environmentally conscious. The benefits of this installation will be long-term – lower electricity bills, reduced emissions, and a visible commitment to sustainable practices.”
The City East building is home to a wide range of small businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs. By cutting operational costs and showcasing visible sustainability efforts, East Belfast Enterprise aims to lead by example and encourage other organisations to consider renewable energy solutions.
This project highlights how local non-profits can adopt green technologies and make a real difference in the fight against climate change, while also strengthening financial sustainability.
Non-profit organisations are uniquely positioned to lead by example when it comes to environmental responsibility. Unlike private businesses that may be driven primarily by profit, non-profits often focus on social impact, making sustainability a natural extension of their mission. By investing in renewable energy solutions like solar PV, organisations such as East Belfast Enterprise are not only reducing their operational costs but also demonstrating a values-driven approach to climate action.
These efforts send a powerful message to funders, partners, and the communities they serve: environmental stewardship can, and should, be a priority across all sectors, not just within government or industry.
Non-profit organisations interested in applying to Action Renewables’ Solar PV Programme can visit actionrenewables.co.uk to learn more about eligibility and benefits.
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