New carbon calculator tool launched to simplify journey to net zero for Greater Manchester SMEs
The carbon calculator tool, from Green Economy and GM Business Growth Hub, has been developed on behalf of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), using funding provided by the city-region’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation.
The funding is primarily for SMEs and not-for-profit organisations who are at an early stage of their carbon reduction journey but it can also be used by larger businesses looking to reaffirm or adjust their existing plans.
The tool simplifies how businesses understand their consumption of energy, fuel, and materials by calculating their C02e, providing a baseline to understand where their big emissions are and to track progress as they reduce their environmental impact.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:
“More businesses now understand the need to measure their own carbon footprint as they look to reduce emissions and costs, which is positive news for Greater Manchester’s target of becoming a carbon neutral city-region by 2038. This new tool from Green Economy is the perfect first step for any business at the start of that journey.”
Steve Connor, Green Lead for Greater Manchester Business Board, said:
“This tool is a vital resource in helping us in our mission to make Greater Manchester the easiest place to become a net zero business.
“With fully funded support from GM Business Growth Hub and with expert advice from the Bee Net Zero partnership, SMEs can not only measure and report on their carbon footprint, but also can start to take action to reduce their emissions and energy bills too, which will benefit productivity as well as the environment."
Green Economy’s model uses actual units of consumption, offering a more granular level of detail which aligns with the government’s greenhouse gas conversion figures. Businesses can use the carbon calculator to measure their footprint going back five years to show how usage has changed over time as well as measuring the impact of fluctuations in energy prices.
The full report, generated by the tool, will also offer recommendations and opportunities to reduce carbon impacts as well as signposting available resources through Green Economy and the Hub, including a Marketplace for finding low carbon suppliers. It will continue to be updated to help businesses understand their ongoing trajectory towards net zero.
The tool has been tested by local businesses, such as Bolton-based Carrs Pasties, to ensure ease of use and accuracy.
Gavin Astley, Head of Operations, Carrs Pasties, said:
“This new tool is a fantastic opportunity for businesses like ours to very quickly get a clear picture of their carbon impacts. It is really easy to use and will be a great help for us to measure our company carbon footprint and identify opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and save our business money.”
Our cities, placemaking, living and the net zero challenge programme was supported by E.ON, Equans and Mears
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