A number of businesses in Belfast have taken steps to enhance their sustainability and promote their long-term competitiveness.



Representatives from ten companies across the city have completed the award-winning Business Improvements Through Environmental Solutions (BITES) programme.

The programme is funded by Belfast City Council with support from the European Regional Development Fund. 



Environmental management and resource efficiency in the workplace was the focus of the project. Participants learnt how to identify savings to be made in purchasing, transport, energy and water costs.

Tailored workshops and one-to-one mentoring was provided after which participants were presented with an Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA ) certificate.

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The Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile, said: "The council’s BITES programme is aimed at encouraging businesses to improve their environmental performance with a view to enhancing profits through greater resource efficiency and business competitiveness.

"Sustainability is a key issue for industry and ensuring the participation of businesses in delivering a sustainable future is crucially important."

Michael Lavery from the Pavilion Bar in south Belfast was one of the participants on the programme and plauded its benefits.

"The practical and proactive nature of the BITES programme is ideal for a small business. It has helped us to identify and implement cost savings while building up our awareness of the importance of becoming more efficient," he said.


Through the BITES programme, companies in Belfast are transforming their daily business practices through improved environmental management. They are reducing waste, increasing recycling rates, reducing energy use and increasing resource efficiency.

BITES won the Best Sustainable Development Initiative at the Local Government Awards in February as well as a Green Apple Award to be presented in November. It has been nominated as a finalist in the Leadership in Sustainable Development Award in the Sustainable Ireland Awards.

(LB/GK)