Stakehill project makes progress towards Greater Manchester net zero target

Launched just a few months ago, this initiative is one of only 12 projects nationwide to receive funding from Innovate UK.

The Stakehill Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plan (LIDP) is making significant progress in its efforts to reduce emissions and promote sustainability, moving Greater Manchester closer to its ambitious goal of achieving net zero by 2038.

Launched just a few months ago, this initiative is one of only 12 projects nationwide to receive funding from Innovate UK.

The project, spearheaded by the Rochdale Development Agency in collaboration with Stakehill Business Improvement District (BID), SSE Energy Solutions, the Energy Innovation Agency, Rochdale Borough Council, and supported by the University of Manchester and asset owners UBS, has already achieved several key milestones.

Alan Johnson, BID manager for Stakehill, highlighted the progress made so far: “We’ve completed automatic traffic count surveys in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester and are working with the City of Trees project to plan the planting of 33 trees.

Additionally, we’ve developed case studies showcasing the sustainability efforts of Stakehill tenants, which help to share best practices across the estate.”

The initiative has also provided funded energy audits to four local businesses – Elite Sign Solutions, Mount Engraving Tools Ltd, PSV Glass, and Sitraben – enabling them to enhance energy efficiency and reduce consumption.

In an effort to ensure local businesses have the most up-to-date information on cost-saving strategies and collaboration opportunities, the consortium hosted an Energy Challenge event this summer.

The event explored low-carbon innovations and introduced attendees to Bee Net Zero, a Greater Manchester initiative aimed at establishing the region as the UK's leading green city.

Looking forward, the consortium plans to launch an interactive toolkit that will offer businesses access to valuable resources, including funding opportunities, live case studies, and direct support from the BID team.

This toolkit is designed to help more businesses actively participate in Stakehill’s decarbonisation efforts, further advancing the estate's contribution to Greater Manchester’s net zero goals.