Plans to give green businesses in Greater Manchester a boost have been launched.
The proposals for a Bee Net Zero scheme were announced at this year’s Green Summit and aim to make the region ‘the easiest place in the UK to become a green business’.
In the hope of reducing the area’s carbon emissions in light of the climate crisis, a new website has been created allowing thousands of Greater Manchester companies access to advice and support on how to do their bit.
The scheme is from the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership (GM LEP) and an alliance of businesses and partner organisations.
Mayor Andy Burnham said: “For Greater Manchester to become the UK’s leading green city-region, we need to help all businesses develop a net zero carbon plan, so that every business is a green business and every job they create is a green job. Bee Net Zero is there to provide support and guidance, while also inviting more businesses to join us on the journey to net zero.
“Businesses that make investments in carbon reduction ensure a liveable future for us all and create new opportunities that improve quality of life for everyone in Greater Manchester. A green economy is a levelled-up economy, which in turn creates a healthier, happier place to live.”
The initiative was launched at the 2021 Greater Manchester Green Summit, which highlighted the people, organisations and communities across Greater Manchester taking action to tackle climate change, while looking ahead to what still needs to be done.
Bosses want to see the region become carbon neutral by 2038 - 12 years ahead of the national target.
They estimate a greener Greater Manchester economy will create or secure over 256,000 green jobs.
Alongside practical support and advice, future plans for Bee Net Zero include:
- Advice on switching to a renewable energy supplier
- Support on transitioning to electric vehicles and installing charging points
- Promotion of active travel for the Greater Manchester workforce
- Support on use of net zero carbon energy sources, including photovoltaic solar energy
- Establishment of a broad ‘Green Business Alliance’ for Greater Manchester
Steve Connor, the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership (GM LEP) lead for the environment, said: “Businesses have a huge role to play in the transition to a zero carbon economy and it’s vital we make that process as simple as possible.
“Bee Net Zero brings the networks, organisations and support programmes available across the city-region and nationally together in one place, guiding businesses who want to become greener but are unsure about where to start. We’re now calling on businesses in Greater Manchester to begin their net zero journey.”
Amy House, head of green technology at GC Business Growth Hub, said: “All businesses have a part to play in addressing the climate crisis. Coming out of a global pandemic, we’re acutely aware of the challenges and pressures Greater Manchester’s thousands of business leaders face. We need to play our part by providing support, guidance and advice on how to make the transition to net zero, as well as connecting buyers to providers of green tech to complete the journey.
“Decarbonisation is a challenge, but there are also opportunities for businesses to seize – to save costs, or reach new customers. As we launch Bee Net Zero we encourage anyone who wants to learn more to get in touch.”
