Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service join efforts to tackle climate crisis
Project overview
As part of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is investing in a wide range of public buildings, including 19 sites used by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. This involves upgrading technologies and installing renewable generation to improve energy efficiency. The measures include installing solar photovoltaic panels and LED lighting. The changes are set to reduce carbon emissions by 31.7 tonnes per year and save over £63,000 annually.
The project is part of the largest Phase 1 PSDS bid of £78.2 million, awarded to GMCA to cover 16 public bodies from across the region, comprising all ten local authorities, Transport for Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Greater Manchester Police, Royal Northern College of Music and Manchester College.
GMCA announced its ‘Five-Year Environment Plan’ in March 2019 during the second Greater Manchester Green Summit and is aiming to be carbon neutral by 2038. The plan outlines steps to be taken over the next five years which lay the groundwork for this goal to be met, including addressing air pollution, working to become a circular economy, increasing local renewable energy generation, and decarbonising the way buildings are heated.
Here in Greater Manchester we know we need to be taking bold and meaningful steps at every level to become carbon neutral by 2038. By moving towards a greener economy we can foster new skills and create thousands of good jobs.
Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) funds the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme which was delivered by Salix Finance.
Phase 1 of the scheme provided £1bn of grant funding which aligns with BEIS’ priorities: fighting coronavirus, backing business, unleashing innovation and tackling climate change. The scheme also encourages green investment, supporting the Government’s net-zero and clean growth goals.
The scheme aims to:
1. Deliver stimulus to the energy efficiency and heat decarbonisation sectors, supporting jobs.
2. Provide significant carbon savings within the public sector.
Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grants finance up to 100% of the costs of capital energy-saving projects which meet scheme criteria. Information about the PSDS and future schemes can be found on the Salix website.