Everyone associates Manchester as a proud industrial city with a long history, but it seems like it leans towards a more green future.
We now live in a world where climate change cannot be ignored, but Manchester doesn’t merely rest on its laurels.
It is slowly emerging as a leader in renewable energy in the UK, so let’s look at how this destination reshapes itself into more than just a place to live and work but a city fully devoted to sustainability.
The UCEGM Project
The Unlocking Clean Energy in Greater Manchester (UCEGM) Project is the cornerstone of the city’s sustainable energy revolution. It is supported by the European Regional Development Fund and represents an ambitious project to help the Greater Manchester area become carbon-neutral by 2038.
At the time of writing, Manchester’s strides towards these goals were nothing short of impressive. Ten megawatts of solar photovoltaic systems can produce enough electricity to power more than 2,000 homes every year, all with green energy.
Thanks to these initiatives and projects, the city’s carbon emissions were cut by more than 3,000 tons just in the past year.
To put that into perspective, it would be the equivalent of taking about 1,500 cars off the road, so you can see why people are impressed.
Nevertheless, for the renewable energy initiative to have any success, it must make financial sense.
So, the team behind the UCEGM project has created a financial modelling tool that is proving invaluable for both energy developers and users.
Thanks to this tool, everyone can assess the benefits, costs, and risks associated with solar photovoltaic installations, which can subsequently help them make intelligent and well-balanced decisions.
Investing in cycling infrastructure
Riding a bike for everyday obligations and activities has some significant health benefits. Nevertheless, improving bike infrastructure improves public health, even for those not fond of riding.
University studies have shown that installing bike lanes around cities is a cost-effective way of addressing several public health problems.
Of course, more bike riding leads to fewer car trips and less pollution.
But, in cities like Manchester, when the late autumn and winter months set in, people often prefer to stay indoors, enjoying engaging platforms with rewarding offers.
One such option is from Sun Bingo, where cozy entertainment meets attractive promotions, making it an ideal way to spend time during those chilly days.
While there’s nothing wrong with embracing indoor activities, improved transportation infrastructure could encourage residents to head out more frequently.
Investments in efficient, eco-friendly transit options would make it easier to navigate the city, reducing stress from traffic congestion and air pollution and helping people feel more motivated to complete their daily activities.
According to the WHO, cities contribute 70% of the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions and about 21% come from urban transport.
Shifting to cycling can drastically reduce emissions and will inevitably decarbonise transport.
Therefore, everyone in Manchester was happy with the news that broke out in 2023 that the city is to invest a further £40.7 million in walking, wheeling, and cycling infrastructure.
This would mean Manchester has the largest active travel network in the UK.
This amount of money will be handed out in two instalments:
- Active Travel England confirmed it will provide Manchester with £23.7 million to the city region as part of the initiative to boost active travel funding in the UK.
- The Greater Manchester Combined Authority will approve £17 million from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund for developing travel schemes around the city.
Thanks to these investments, Manchester will be a step closer to its goal of creating the biggest cycling, walking, and wheeling network within the UK and, of course, unlocking the health and environmental perks that come with it.
When the funds were approved for investing in cycling infrastructure, Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, said that their ambition is to achieve one million extra journeys with a mode of public transport or bike by 2040.
A solid cycling infrastructure will also help with traffic and parking congestion around the city, so the benefits are indeed multiple.
Clean transport investments
According to the region’s mayor, Andy Burnham, investing in clean transport will help Manchester combat air pollution much more than the so-called charging zones implemented in cities like Birmingham and London.
Emissions would be significantly cut if the city spent about £86 million on electric buses and new taxis, among other air pollution combat measures.
The mayor is confident that these proposals will bring air pollution in the Greater Manchester Area within legal limits by 2026.
Small Difficulties
Nonetheless, the plan to meet the 2026 deadline has been pushed back as the city experiences problems with the electrification of some bus depots.
Due to this delay, the ten local authorities of Greater Manchester will need to resubmit the clean air plan to the UK Government and brace itself for approval.
Catalyst for growth in Manchester
It won’t be a stretch to say that the impact of renewable energy and investing in the right cycling, wheeling, and walking infrastructure goes way beyond cutting carbon emissions.
This so-called green revolution will drive both economic and social change, which will inevitably have a significant impact on fostering local prosperity in Manchester.
For example, investing in renewable energy and the proper transport infrastructure is a smart economic move.
Businesses in Manchester can partner with local providers in these projects and boost the local economy.
Money will stay circulating in the region, leading to a thriving local economy, with Mancunians reaping all its benefits.
Some research done in towns and cities outside of the UK showcases big economic boosts by improving cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.
Increased sales, commercial rent, and, of course, job creation are the main benefits that can arise.
One study showed that about 11-14 jobs are created in a city that invests £1 million in cycling and walking projects, compared to the seven created when the same amount is invested in building a highway.
In Manchester, solar panel installation experts, maintenance workers on clean energy systems and co – the Green Revolution are opening up many job opportunities.
That way, Manchester’s workforce is becoming skilled and ready to meet the challenges and goals of a sustainable future, so it seems like everyone wins from these investments.
Inspiration for other cities
We can safely say that Manchester continues to lead the charge regarding renewable energy in the UK. This city sets a powerful example for other cities in the UK to follow.
By showing the tangible benefits of renewable energy and better transportation infrastructure, Manchester is living proof that a sustainable future is not an impossible aim.
Long gone are the days when people thought that big cities such as Manchester are beyond saving when it comes to sustainability and air pollution.
Through the above-mentioned projects, initiatives, and investments, Manchester shows what is possible when everyone comes together to embrace a greener future.
Reduced carbon emissions, a boosted economy, and more job opportunities are just some benefits waiting to be reaped.
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