Over the next three years the two organisations will put a special focus on initiatives between local offices, such as the work on sustainable housing at Magheramorne, Co. Antrim.

So far the global partnership has resulted in significant progress in reducing CO₂ emissions and in improving quarry rehabilitation practices. The project near Larne aims to bring environmentally sustainable housing to the area.

If planning permission is granted, these houses will be the first 'zero waste, zero carbon' development in Northern Ireland and a show case for sustainable housing in the future.

"We are delighted that Northern Ireland is part of this global partnership and that its good work will be continued over the next three years," said Jim Kitchen, Head of WWF Northern Ireland. "It shows that environmental groups can play a key role in working with the private sector to achieve positive change."

David Simms, Lafarge UK's land and planning director was enthusiastic about the partnership: "Lafarge Cement UK has reached an understanding with WWF Northern Ireland to develop the concept of a One Planet Living community within the regeneration proposals for our site at Magheramorne near Larne. The project is an innovative initiative for Northern Ireland and we jointly believe the objectives of zero carbon, zero waste, sustainable transport, water usage and construction techniques will sit comfortably within the framework of the ecological, landscape and sports proposals for the site."