Manchester aiming to become low carbon capital

Greater Manchester is on its way to becoming recognised as one of the UK's leading low carbon regions, according to Environment Minister Lord de Mauley.


Mauley heard from local authorities and visited a number of businesses across the region to witness Greater Manchester’s growing position as a low carbon hub.

He said: “Greater Manchester could really stake a claim as one of the leading low carbon areas in the country. The projects and businesses I’m seeing today really show that with imagination, creativity and determination, businesses can succeed that are good for the economy and the environment.”

Following a visit to a community-led sustainable food programme, Real Food Wythenshawe, Mauley commented:

“UK businesses have huge opportunities to encourage sustainable growth. Growing the economy and improving the environment go hand in hand and I’m keen to see how community projects like Real Food are grasping the opportunity to demonstrate this.”

Mauley also visited recovery and recycling company Axion who run a number of recycling schemes for carpets, PVC windows and pipes, and resilient flooring.

“This is innovation in action. They are not only saving money for businesses and people, but making the best possible use of things that might otherwise be thrown away,” said Mauley.

Later at a speech in Manchester to ADEPT, an organisation that represents local authority chief officers, Mauley said:

“Some will say that there is a conflict between some of Defra’s responsibilities and the growth agenda. But growing the economy and improving the environment are not mutually exclusive. In many cases the two can, and do, go hand in hand because a flourishing environment is essential to our future survival and prosperity.”

“Sustainable growth is about ensuring a healthy environment and strong communities, whilst avoiding unnecessary restrictions on business. And it is also about understanding and maximising and the contribution that our natural environment makes to our economy,” he added.

Conor McGlone

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