Net Zero

We’re committed to achieving Net Zero by 2038

Salford aims to reach zero carbon emissions by 2038, in line with the Greater Manchester environmental plan. Greater Manchester is amongst the top global city regions in tackling climate change with Salford being named as one of the ‘greenest places to live’. Currently Salford has lower than average CO2 emissions, lower than average energy levels and a higher-than-average recycling rate.

As a city, we’re at the forefront of innovations around decarbonisation with Energy House 2.0 at the University of Salford, which will help shape how homes in the UK are built in the future. We’re home to pioneering green office spaces such as Eden, due to open this year, which will have the largest living wall in Europe with 350,000 plants and will be net zero in operation. Targeting international accreditations, it will be one of the most environmentally friendly buildings in the UK, with running costs 60% cheaper than a traditional office.

With an emphasis on renewable energy, MediaCity is the world’s first BREEAM-rated sustainable community. Its neighbourhoods are easy to reach via public transport, walking or cycling. In 2021 alone they invested over £1m in sustainability initiatives. And they’ve put in place a plan that will help businesses to reduce waste and energy usage, increase recycling, charge electric cars - and become an active part of the biggest net zero carbon cluster in the UK.

Salford has also secured £1.8m of ERDF funding to help unlock local clean energy and fund a variety of projects. For SMEs within the city there is a mixture of support available from the Growths Hubs Journey to Net Zero fully funded programme and Project#808 who run workshops to identify net zero related issues and offer businesses the chance to share knowledge and deep dive into the issues that can potentially be solved using technology solutions.

Another scheme that is already underway is the construction of 96 Passivhaus-accredited affordable apartments, the first of their kind in the North of England. Properties that are built to Passivhaus standards enjoy reduced energy consumption of around 90% compared to traditional housing, helping residents to reduce their fuel bills and cut their carbon footprints. The homes will benefit from triple-glazed windows and the latest in insulation technology, using minimal energy for heating and cooling and the development will also include new public electric vehicle parking spaces.