- 22 Greater Manchester Businesses have already committed to becoming more sustainable with Bee Net Zero
- The aim is to create a movement of likeminded businesses in Greater Manchester who are committed to reducing their carbon emissions
- Bee Net Zero aims to make Greater Manchester the easiest place in the UK to become a net zero organisation
Greater Manchester’s Bee Net Zero partnership has launched a new commitment to encourage the region’s businesses of all sizes and sectors to become greener, more resilient and save money.
So far, 22 businesses across a range of sectors including Ikea, United Utilities, Manchester Airports Group and Coronation Street have signed the commitment, showing their dedication to making positive changes in their organisation and support the region in becoming a green leader.
Launched at Monday’s Greater Manchester Green Summit, the Commitment aims to drive a collaborative approach to decarbonisation and ensure businesses receive the support they need.
Businesses that commit will also be the first to hear about webinars and events from Bee Net Zero partners that aim to demystify green technologies and support the net-zero transition. They’ll also be able to promote their commitment to sustainability to improve their attractiveness to customers, talent and current employees.
To help the region meet its target of becoming net zero by 2038 and create a greener, healthier future, Greater Manchester needs the support of its business community.
From high-emitting manufacturers to local businesses and even the voluntary sector, every business can take small steps to become more sustainable which is why the Bee Net Zero partnership is now looking for more businesses to make the Bee Net Zero Commitment.
It’s not just about supporting the region, becoming greener makes great business sense. Businesses that take steps to reduce energy bills, reduce waste or become early adopters of green tech will give themselves a competitive advantage and reap the benefits of cost savings.
Research from Electricity North West has found that 36% of Greater Manchester businesses considered reducing carbon emissions to be a priority. The Bee Net Zero partnership hopes that region-wide collaboration can increase this number to drive substantial change.
Bee Net Zero aims to make Greater Manchester the easiest place in the UK to become a net zero organisation. Its partners can offer free, impartial and tailored support to create decarbonisation plans, source and install green tech with local suppliers, engage employees on the journey to net zero, promote sustainable transport, take advantage of green finance solutions and become an early adopter of green innovations among other things.
Support can range from making big changes like installing solar photovoltaics or electric vehicle chargers to taking small steps to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:
“We want to create a movement of businesses in Greater Manchester who are committed to reducing their carbon emissions. Bee Net Zero can provide all the tools and resources you need to start that journey.
“By taking some simple steps, you can save money on energy bills and running costs. The North West has a massive opportunity to be at the forefront of a green industrial revolution. Our business community in Greater Manchester can lead the way – so join us by making the Bee Net Zero commitment today.”
Steve Connor, CEO of Creative Concern and Green Lead for GM Business Board, said:
“Sustainability and the transition to net zero is becoming increasingly important for businesses as it means they can remain resilient, competitive, attractive to talent and ultimately do the right thing for the planet. Bee Net Zero is here to make that transition as easy as possible for businesses in Greater Manchester by bringing together trusted partners in a unique cooperation.
“We’re asking organisations of all sizes and sectors to make the Bee Net Zero commitment, to show they’re serious about driving change in their organisation and to ensure they receive the support they need to take action. By creating a collaborative and city-region-wide approach, we can position Greater Manchester as the best destination for doing green business.”
Lee Rayner, Head of Production at Coronation Street said
“Sustainability and social purpose is truly part of our DNA at Coronation Street and ITV. Indeed a decade ago, Coronation Street was a pioneer with its Carbon Literacy training, before being the first TV drama to be awarded a 3 star Albert BAFTA rating and the first ever Observer TV and Film Industry Ethical Award.
“As we said back then, it’s not a quick fix, it’s a long journey ahead and we continue to strive to improve how we work to achieve our goal of decarbonising the production, alongside the equally important work of promoting climate action on screen within our storytelling.
“We have worked with GMCA since 2018, when alongside other Manchester based institutions we pledged to help make GM carbon neutral. And we are pleased to make the same commitment to the BNZ partnership. In fact, you may even see a Bee Network bus at our Rosamund Street stop soon!”
To learn more about the Bee Net Zero commitment visit www.beenetzero.co.uk/commitment
The Bee Net Zero Partnership includes Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Greater Manchester LEP), The Growth Company, GM Green City, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Green Economy, Manchester Climate Change Agency, Transport for Greater Manchester, Energy Innovation Agency, SME Climate Hub, Electricity North West, Business in the Community, Mott MacDonald, Siemens, pro-manchester, Energy Innovation Agency, NatWest, North West Business Leadership Team.