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Net Zero/Carbon Reduction Action Plan 2026–2038

About this Action Plan

 

This Net Zero Action Plan serves as Greater Together Manchester’s Carbon Reduction Plan for the purposes of procurement and organisational governance. As a small charitable organisation, we have adopted a proportionate approach to carbon reduction, focusing on practical measures that reduce our environmental impact while continuing to deliver high-quality services across Greater Manchester.

 

Our Commitment

 

Greater Together Manchester is committed to supporting Greater Manchester’s ambition to become a net zero carbon city region by 2038.

 

As a small charity working across Greater Manchester, we recognise that our direct environmental impact is relatively modest. However, we also recognise that the way we deliver our services can make a significant positive contribution to reducing waste, supporting the circular economy and encouraging more sustainable communities.

 

This Action Plan sets out our commitment to reducing our own carbon emissions wherever practicable while maximising the wider environmental benefits created through our projects and partnerships.

 

Progress will be reviewed annually by the Senior Leadership Team and updated as the organisation develops.

 

Our Priorities

 

1. Reduce emissions from travel

 

Our staff deliver services across multiple locations throughout Greater Manchester. In many cases, the use of a private vehicle is necessary to transport equipment, visit community venues and respond flexibly to client needs. We recognise that travel represents one of our most significant sources of carbon emissions.

 

We will:

  • encourage the use of public transport where it is practical and cost-effective;

  • promote walking and cycling for local journeys;

  • continue to use online meetings where appropriate to reduce unnecessary travel;

  • plan journeys efficiently to reduce mileage and combine visits where possible; and

  • review opportunities to reduce travel-related emissions as vehicle technology and infrastructure develop.

 

2. Operate from environmentally responsible premises

 

Although we do not own our offices, we seek to work from buildings that demonstrate good environmental practice.

 

Our offices, owned by the Diocese of Manchester, have achieved the Silver Eco Church Award through A Rocha UK. The building incorporates a range of environmental initiatives including recycling facilities, reduced use of single-use plastics, toilet twinning, energy-saving measures and the provision of vegetarian catering at meetings and events.

 

Our relocation to these premises has also reduced our operational carbon footprint compared with our previous office accommodation.

 

We will continue to work collaboratively with the Diocese of Manchester to support sustainable working practices wherever possible.

 

3. Promote reuse and the circular economy

 

Reducing waste through reuse is one of Greater Together Manchester’s greatest environmental contributions.

 

Our Social Super Market receives approximately four deliveries each week from FareShare, redistributing around 150–200 kg of surplus food per delivery that would otherwise go to waste.

 

Alongside food redistribution, the project encourages residents to donate and reuse:

  • clothing;

  • household goods;

  • electrical items;

  • furniture; and

  • other everyday essentials.

 

Where donated items cannot be used directly by Greater Together Manchester, we seek to pass them to other charities or ensure they are recycled through appropriate recycling schemes rather than being sent to landfill.

 

The Social Super Market also hosts recycling collection points for items that cannot normally be recycled through household kerbside collections, helping local residents recycle more materials through specialist schemes.

 

We will continue to expand opportunities for reuse and recycling through our projects and partnerships.

 

4. Sustainable procurement

 

Where possible, we will make purchasing decisions that reduce environmental impact.

 

This includes:

  • prioritising local suppliers where practical;

  • purchasing recycled or environmentally preferable products where value for money allows;

  • choosing reusable items over disposable alternatives;

  • extending the life of equipment before replacement; and

  • considering environmental impact alongside cost and quality when making procurement decisions.

 

5. Reduce waste and resource consumption

 

We will continue to minimise waste generated through our day-to-day operations by:

  • reducing unnecessary printing

  • increasing the use of digital documentation

  • recycling paper, cardboard, plastics and other materials where facilities exist

  • encouraging staff to reduce energy and water consumption within our offices

  • reviewing our working practices regularly to identify further opportunities for improvement.

 

6. Monitoring and Governance

 

Responsibility for delivering this Action Plan sits with the Senior Leadership Team.

 

Progress will be reviewed annually, with consideration given to:

  • actions completed

  • opportunities for further carbon reduction

  • developments in sustainable working practices

  • changes to our operations

  • progress towards Greater Manchester’s target of achieving net zero carbon by 2038.

 

As Greater Together Manchester grows, we will seek to improve our understanding of our organisational carbon footprint and introduce additional measures that are appropriate for a charity of our size and resources.

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