DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has stated that new regulations introducing climate change reporting duties on public bodies will play a role in delivering and supporting climate action in Northern Ireland.

The regulations which come into place in early May 2024 will be place on public bodies such as councils in line with duties under the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. However, the first reports by public bodies required under the regulations, will not be due to be submitted until October 2025.

Minister Muir said: "These regulations are a positive milestone in delivering on our obligations in relation to the Act and reporting will give bodies an opportunity to show continued leadership on climate action within the public sector, providing positive examples and shared learning of what effective climate action can deliver.

"Many public bodies are already gathering some climate change data, but requirements to report under these regulations brings structure, transparency and comparability to that process and will allow sharing of experience and expertise across public bodies which is of benefit to all of us.

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"It is important that all public bodies take action to reduce emissions, recognise the impacts of climate change on their functions and have a clear plan in place to reduce these risks and manage impacts. These regulations will put in place a climate change reporting framework for the specified public bodies, which can enable them to take informed, and timely climate action.

"This will make those bodies more sustainable and will give them the opportunity to provide a positive example and exploit the opportunities that early and effective climate action can deliver."

Altogether, approximately 40 organizations ranging from councils and health trusts to the police and fire service are required to report on their carbon emissions, as well as their plans and progress in reducing these emissions. The bodies will also, report on what they plan to do about, and their progress in, tackling their risks and impacts from climate change.

The Minister's declaration comes after receiving approval from the Executive and undergoing an extensive 13-week period of public consultation.

The approach to these regulations is balanced, minimising the risk of undue burden, by requiring only those public bodies which are large sized organisations to report.

Large public bodies are often among the biggest emitters, making them pivotal in ensuring a climate-resilient and sustainable Northern Ireland. Moreover, they possess the capability to fulfil reporting obligations and exhibit leadership in climate initiatives. DAERA's consultation and engagement process revealed that many public bodies that will have reporting duties placed on them by the regulations are preparing for this reporting and eager to get started.