We want to work with you on our journey to make Manchester an inclusive, zero-carbon city. We have an ambitious plan to reach zero carbon by 2038. And we want you to be part of it.
Manchester Carbon Literate City
Manchester Carbon Literate City is bringing together organisations and people who live, work or study here. With the aim of collectively gaining Carbon Literate Locality status for the city. It means 15% of people belonging to the city becoming certified as Carbon Literate. That's some 85,000 people. So far, more than 21,000 people have taken part.
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Find out how you can be part of it. Go to www.carbonliteracy.com/mclc.
The Bee Cup
Will the Bee Cup be winging its way to a café near you? The distinctive black and yellow cup can be returned to any participating café. We’re working with the University of Manchester and In Our Nature to bring the Bee Cup to hot drink retailers across the city. It’s already working well on campus and in cafés on Oxford Road. Find out more about The Bee Cup.
Stop using single-use plastics (SUPs)
UK law changed in 2023. More single-use plastic items are now banned. Check you know what they are. In Manchester, we want to go further. We want to stop using avoidable single-use plastics in the city. To start that journey, we've committed to stop using them in our buildings and services. Find out what we're doing to stop using single-use plastics.
Become a Refill site
Manchester is a Refill Destination. There are more than 400 places in the city where you can fill a water bottle. There are also places to refill hot drinks, food and other products. Cafes, restaurants, shops and other businesses across the city are joining Refill. Our public Council buildings are water Refill sites. Is your business on the app? Find out more about Refill Manchester.
Sign the GM Green City pledge
We can all make a positive change to our city-region. By making more sustainable choices for the products we use and the way we work. Sign the Greater Manchester Green City pledge. And show your support and commitment to stamping out avoidable single-use plastics. Go to www.gmgreencity.com/plastic-free-gm.
Go circular – reuse more and waste less
BeeGreenGM is a free platform that helps organisations to share and reuse items. Whether it’s desks and chairs or IT equipment, it’s easy to find what you need. And to keep things in use and out of landfill. Use it to track and report sustainability progress. As well as finding ways to save money and reduce waste and emissions. Go to www.gmgreencity.com/beegreengm.
Grow a community garden
Would your organisation like to create a community garden? It doesn't matter if you're already involved in food growing or want to start. You can get free help to set up a garden. And site assessments and advice on soil condition. If you're already up and running. We can help to grow your project. There are projects of all sizes across the city. From green alleyways to large market gardens. Find out more about Growing Manchester.
Make your events sustainable
If you host events in the city, check our sustainable events guides. They cover topics such as waste, suppliers, traders and reusables. And a wide range of event sizes – from major outdoor events to small indoor ones.
Create a greener arts, creative and cultural sector
We want to help the arts, creative and cultural sector to be more sustainable. Find out how to lower your carbon footprint with an action plan.
Form a climate plan
The Manchester Climate Ready website has free resources that anyone can use. For example, there’s a list of 15 actions to help you to form a climate plan. It has the key things to consider and where to find useful resources. Go to www.manchesterclimate.com/15-actions-for-a-zero-carbon-city.
Join Manchester Climate Ready
Manchester Climate Ready gives businesses and organisations a way to collaborate on climate. They embed climate action in policy, secure grant funding and share best practice. Find out how you can help to boost progress in the city. Go to www.manchesterclimate.com/mccp.
Measure your carbon emissions
Knowing how much carbon you emit can help you to lower costs. And move towards a more sustainable business model.
By reducing emissions, you can:
- save money (eg by using less energy)
- find better and more efficient ways to work
- create a plan to lower carbon and show you're taking action
- build a positive reputation that can attract new customers and investors
- show your pledge to sustainability
The UK Business Climate Hub can help you to calculate your carbon footprint. And identify areas where you can cut costs as well as emissions. They also have news on finance and net zero events. Their advice is developed by the Government and some of the UK's key businesses and professional bodies. Find out more at www.businessclimatehub.uk.
GM Business Growth Hub
The GM Business Growth Hub can help you to reduce costs and be more sustainable. Find out more about the GM business Growth Hub.
Think about solar
Try Green Economy’s free, independent solar calculator. It can assess feasibility, capacity, carbon savings, cost and payback. You’ll get a free report. And the option to work with their consultants to find a local supplier. Find it at www.greeneconomy.co.uk/tools/solar-calculator.
Join the Green Economy
Green Economy helps businesses to lower their carbon emissions. They offer advice and training. It's a great place to find out about news and events. And they have a marketplace that connects local suppliers and buyers. Go to www.greeneconomy.co.uk.
Bee Net Zero
Bee Net Zero helps companies to find local support to be more sustainable. Go to www.beenetzero.co.uk.
Green skills and careers
We work with businesses and organisations to develop the skills needed for a sustainable city. Find out more about green skills and careers.