A green environment for Northern Ireland

The Consumer Council advocates for consumers, particularly those in vulnerable circumstances, to be treated fairly, with clear and effective regulatory protection from unfair and unsafe practices.

Trust

A loss of consumer trust and confidence can be a warning that a service is not prioritising consumers or functioning properly, often leading to calls for government intervention and demands for improved regulatory protection, recently seen with the water industry in England and Wales.

Research

Trust is an important part of helping to develop understanding and effect behavioural change. Our research (2025) Attitudes to the Energy Transition, shows that consumers in Northern Ireland currently trust scientists and family before politicians and businesses on sources of information about climate change. Although overall understanding of the main terms relating to the energy transition such as net zero remains high, it drops significantly to around one-third amongst female respondents and those from lower socio-economic groups.

A just transition means that no consumer group is left behind. Our research shows the importance of decision makers providing practical guidance to consumers and suggests that a more tailored approach to consumer education may be necessary for certain groups.

Empowerment

Our research has also found that although most consumers are prepared to reduce their water usage to support the environment, less than a third were worried about their own water use. This suggests that more work is needed by government and stakeholders to help consumers make the connection between their individual behaviours and the impact on the environment.

Our work involves empowering consumers and small businesses through information and tools to build their confidence and knowledge. This year the Consumer Council is launching an online water bill checker tool for non-domestic bill payers to help them understand their bills and water usage. We have also provided in-person support and guidance to schools on their water usage and seen first-hand how this has improved knowledge around issues such as leakage.

Affordability

Our research has shown that costs remain a barrier for many consumers to adopting low carbon technologies. It is critical that when policy is developed that policy makers engage with consumers to ensure it reflects their lived experience. Policies aiming to change consumer behaviour, for example through grants and subsidies, will play a crucial role in reducing the financial burden on consumers.

Delivery

Access to sustainable products and services must be supported through practical, convenient and cost-effective measures. By ensuring consumers’ needs are at the heart of policy development alongside effective regulatory protections and a renewed focus on delivering positive outcomes, government and stakeholders are more likely to be trusted by consumers when encouraging them to make sustainable choices.

Find out more about the Consumer Council at www.consumercouncil.org.uk