Public buildings across Greater Manchester are set to receive a major sustainability boost, thanks to £695,000 in new funding from Great British Energy. This investment will support the installation of solar panels, battery storage systems, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers at a variety of public and community sites—including libraries, leisure centres, and emergency service facilities.
These upgrades aim to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and lower long-term operating costs for vital local services. The funding is part of a wider £10 million initiative launched by Great British Energy in partnership with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, benefiting several Mayoral Combined Authorities across England.
Collectively, the programme is expected to save public facilities around £35 million in energy costs over the lifetime of the projects. For Greater Manchester, this investment aligns with ongoing efforts to build climate-resilient communities and infrastructure.
The city region is already leading the way in the transition to clean energy, having invested £120 million to retrofit 225 schools, leisure centres, and other public buildings. These efforts support Greater Manchester’s ambitious goal to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2038—12 years ahead of the national target.
Greater Manchester’s five-year environment plan sets out how they’ll aim to hit their 2038 target, addressing not only challenges and risks but opportunities too, while also halting and reversing biodiversity loss.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:
"This funding is a welcome boost to our efforts to build a greener, fairer future for Greater Manchester.”
“By installing solar panels and battery storage across our public buildings, we can lower energy bills, cut emissions and make sure more of our power is generated right here in our communities.”
“It directly supports our long-term pledges to create a low-carbon, resilient city region, showing how national investment can help us turn ambition into action at a local level. We’re pleased to be part of this national push led by Great British Energy, which will help city regions like ours lead the way in the clean energy transition.”
Cllr Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Lead for Green City-Region, added:
“This is exactly the kind of investment we need to unlock practical, place-based climate action. By targeting community and frontline service buildings, this funding will deliver real impact where it matters most, helping to reduce bills, cut carbon and reinvest savings back into essential services for our residents.
“It’s a strong example of how local and national government can work together to address the climate crisis with practical, cost-effective solutions.”
The funding supports the UK Government’s wider Plan for Change and builds on the launch of Great British Energy, a publicly owned clean energy company set up to accelerate the rollout of renewable energy and help tackle the cost of living through lower energy bills.
Image credit: iStock
