Friday, 08 August 2025
SSE Airtricity has announced over £550,000 in funding for seven sustainability projects in Northern Ireland, as part of its all-Ireland Generation Green Community Fund, which is supporting 56 projects in total. The fund aims to empower local communities by backing innovative initiatives that reduce carbon emissions, restore biodiversity, and build climate resilience.
Since the Generation Green Community Fund supports 56 projects across the island of Ireland, it reflects growing cross-border collaboration on environmental challenges. Biodiversity, air and water quality, and emissions don’t recognise borders, making joint action not just ideal, but necessary.
The Generation Green Community Fund, launched by SSE Airtricity, is an all-island initiative supporting communities across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in their transition to net zero. Approximately €5 million (or £4.3 million) has been made available for community-led sustainability projects.
Empower local communities to take active roles in the green transition
Fund projects that deliver lasting social and environmental benefits
Support initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as quality education, climate action, and sustainable cities
The fund is structured under two key themes, each designed to support distinct areas of sustainability:
This strand supports youth and community-focused initiatives, including:
Climate and energy STEM education
Green curriculum development
Youth-led innovation programmes
Community education and engagement
Green skills training
This strand backs practical, local sustainability efforts such as:
Climate resilience planning
Sustainable infrastructure development
Community environmental programmes
Circular economy and waste reduction initiatives
Open to non-profit groups, schools, social enterprises, local authorities, and community organisations across Ireland
Funding ranges from €10,000 to €250,000 depending on the project’s scale, impact, and alignment with fund objectives
The fund was shaped by a consultation phase that gathered over 600 community responses
Applications are currently closed.
Successful projects will be selected based on innovation, environmental and social impact, and ability to deliver measurable outcomes
The Generation Green Community Fund plays a vital role in enabling grassroots sustainability. By investing in education, local innovation, and climate resilience, it helps build stronger, more informed communities that are actively contributing to Ireland’s net-zero goals.
The selected projects cover a wide range of themes including renewable energy upgrades, biodiversity restoration, climate resilience planning, and education for sustainable development. Each was chosen for its local impact, alignment with national climate goals, and contribution to sustainable community living.
The Generation Green Community Fund reflects SSE Airtricity’s ongoing commitment to enabling meaningful environmental and social change in the communities it serves. Funding decisions were guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Northern Ireland’s path toward net-zero carbon emissions.
Once completed, the seven projects are expected to reduce Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint by approximately 200 tonnes annually.
A major recipient of the funding is Business in the Community Northern Ireland (BITC NI), which will launch the Generation Green Schools project during the 2025/26 academic year. The initiative will be delivered in 44 post-primary schools across Northern Ireland’s 11 council regions.
This program will introduce young people to core sustainability themes including:
Carbon literacy
Energy awareness
Circular economy principles
Biodiversity and environmental stewardship
The goal is to prepare students for future green jobs, increase awareness of climate challenges, and inspire youth to take part in shaping sustainable communities.
By reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability education, these projects will contribute to Northern Ireland’s climate action targets and broader global climate objectives. They serve as models for how local, grassroots efforts can make a measurable difference in environmental outcomes.
SSE Airtricity’s funding through the Generation Green Community Fund represents a significant investment in sustainable innovation and education in Northern Ireland. With targeted support for impactful community projects, this initiative not only addresses environmental challenges but also empowers communities and young people to take the lead in building a more sustainable future.
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