Last week’s World Environment Day again encouraged awareness and action for the protection of the environment. While this is, of course, a positive initiative, it is also important to remember that the drive for sustainability doesn’t begin and end with a single date in the calendar.

The real work of building a greener future happens every day – in homes, businesses, and communities across Northern Ireland.

That work is well under way, and it is encouraging to see that renewable energy is no longer a concept of the future. It’s here, it’s growing, and it’s reshaping how we live and work.

Renewable energy solutions do not just represent technical changes, they also represent important steps towards greater energy security, environmental responsibility, and more resilient local communities.

At b4b Renewables, we’ve worked alongside a diverse range of organisations across Northern Ireland and beyond, representing a range of industries, from healthcare and hospitality, to manufacturing and residential – with each one taking practical steps to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

What is striking is not just the scale of these efforts, but their variety. No two solutions are the same, and yet they’re all driven by a shared desire to do better – for people, for the planet, and for future generations.

One project that captures this spirit particularly well is our geothermal heating system project in Randalstown, developed in partnership with the Rural Housing Association.

In this small but forward-thinking housing development, a communal ground source heat pump system now provides 100% of residents’ heating and hot water needs.

This is a perfect example of innovation meeting local need and of what’s possible when we move beyond traditional energy models.

It is also worth noting that Northern Ireland is better placed than many regions to lead in renewable energy.

We are fortunate to benefit from deep-rooted expertise in engineering and manufacturing, along with forward -thinking institutions such as the Geological Survey Northern Ireland, whose research and guidance have laid the groundwork for low-carbon technologies.

Crucially, we have communities that are open to change, provided it delivers real, tangible and lasting benefits.

The question now is how we take this progress further. How do we scale up what works, share success stories, and make renewables the norm rather than the exception?

Part of the answer lies in investment and innovation. But just as important is education – not only in our schools and universities, but through community engagement and training programmes that support those transitioning from traditional industries into new green careers.

The shift to renewable energy isn’t just about infrastructure, it is about empowering homeowners to make informed choices, enabling businesses to lead with integrity, and equipping our workforce with the skills to thrive in a low-carbon economy.

Northern Ireland has already proven that it can deliver smart, community-focused solutions to the climate challenge. The task ahead is to build on that momentum thoughtfully, inclusively, and with a clear sense of purpose.

• Paul Turnbull is managing director of b4b Renewables