COP26 and 21 carbon cutting initiatives for businesses in Greater Manchester
COP26 is the United Nation’s 26th annual summit aimed to address climate change. So, why is this year’s COP creating so much noise? What will make it a success? And, perhaps most importantly, where are the local carbon cutting initiatives that can help you cut your business’ carbon emissions.
You may be wondering why COP26 in Glasgow feels weightier compared to previous years in Madrid & Katowice. Here are 4 reasons:
1) NDC resets: Every 5 years, countries are expected to reset their NDC’s (Nationally Determined Contributions). Like environmental KPI’s, NDCs are targets set to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The last time this happened, in 2015, the famous Paris Agreement (in COP21) was signed. For the first time since then, countries not on track will be pressured to make more ambitious goals.
2) “Code Red for Humanity”: COP26 follows the AR6 IPCC report, which, for the first time, gave “unequivocal” evidence that humans are contributing to the warming climate.
3) Crazy Weather: Recent extreme weather in developed countries, such as Canada’s heatwave that killed an estimated 570 people, has piled pressure on G20’s leaders.
4) UK in the Spotlight: COP26 is the largest summit the UK has ever hosted.
The 4 P’s to a successful COP26:
- Progress updates: for the first time since 2015, countries will be legally required to share their NDC progress with full transparency.
- Pledges: new policy commitments to climate change mitigation, adaption & reporting. For example, world leaders promised to end deforestation by 2030 earlier in the week.
- Political collaboration: in order to halve global emissions by 2030, developed countries (e.g. G20), developing countries (e.g. G77 plus China) and vulnerable countries (e.g. V20) must find a way to fairly divide the responsibility of past and future carbon emissions.
- Positive multi-stakeholder partnerships: the number of passionate stakeholders at COP26 will be as vast as it is varied, presenting a unique opportunity for collaboration.
Greater Manchester Carbon Cutting Initiatives
It can be frustrating hearing all of this talk knowing CO2 emissions are still at record highs and increasing. So, if you’re feeling the same as the Queen – “irritated” when political leaders “talk but don’t do” - here are some carbon cutting initiatives within Greater Manchester (GM) that you and your business CAN do as you follow COP26:
Join Free Collaborative Networks
- Manchester Climate Change Partnership – collaborate with other businesses and organisations in Manchester to help the city achieve net zero.
- Bee Net Zero - follow 10 Key Steps to achieve your net zero goal.
- SME Climate Hub – commit against climate change to access various tools and resources.
Apply for fully funded Carbon Innovation opportunities:
- Business Growth Hub: Eco Discovery - If you’re an SME in Greater Manchester looking to develop your business then take advantage of this expert support.
- Northwest Eco-I (Manchester Metropolitan Uni) - help future proof your business as North West Eco-I academics tailor low carbon business solutions to your business.
- Energy House (University of Salford) – help your businesses understand how effective your products and services are in lowering your consumers’ carbon footprint and reducing energy bills.
Study full funded Carbon Reduction Educational Courses:
- Become a Carbon Literate organisation (CLO) with The Carbon Literacy Project.
- On a roll on/roll off basis, study the NCFE Level 2: Cert in Understanding Climate Change and Environmental Awareness – fully funded by GMCC’s Skills for Growth program.
- Learn the basics with the Open University: “Reducing the carbon footprint of the place where I work” – 3 hours beginner course.
Volunteer as an Organisation:
- City of Trees – volunteer with your employees to increase biodiversity in GM by tree planting, woodland management, orchard creation and more in GM.
Switch to renewable energy solutions:
- GM Chamber Utilities (Powered by Enexus Energy Ltd) - Cutting your business' costs, consumption and carbon
- QEnergy – access 24/7 Carbon Free Electricity.
- Electricity North West – access renewable energy and a North West network
- Perfect Sense Energy – gain energy saving and renewable energy solutions.
- Inspired Energy - visit a Net Zero Hub to understand what actions your business can take.
Install and view EV (elective vehicles) charging points across GM:
- Engage EV – gain charging point solutions for your business
- Be.EV – access an EV charging infrastructure appointed by TfGM.
- ZAP Vehicle Charging – help your colleagues locate and navigate journeys with Zap-Map’s UK-wide map of charging points.
Set up an EV salary sacrifice
- Octopus Energy – on the topic of EVs, your business can consider an EV Salary Sacrifice. Think of a “Cycle to Work” scheme but for EVs.
Change to a low carbon company pension:
- Clarke Nicklin – invest in a company ESG pension scheme to ensure your savings aren’t invested in fossil fuels
Offset your remaining carbon:
- Play It Green – subscribe to Manchester’s own Play it Green to: offset your remaining carbon with their tree planting partner Eden Reforestation Projects, receive weekly sustainability & carbon reduction tips and choose a good cause to donate 10% of your subscription to.
Lastly, certify your carbon reduction efforts:
- Planet Mark – measure, engage and communicate your business’ Net Zero efforts with a sustainability certification.
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping businesses reach their sustainability goals by offering guidance and facilitating multi-sector collaboration. If this is something you’re interested in, please call 0161 393 4321or email benefits@gmchamber.co.uk