The tool provides an easy-to-use platform to calculate CO2e emissions, offering businesses a clear baseline to identify their biggest carbon impacts and track progress toward reducing them.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and developed in partnership with the GM Business Growth Hub, the tool is available free of charge and is specifically designed for SMEs and not-for-profit organisations beginning their carbon reduction journey. Larger businesses can also use it to refine existing strategies.
Leadership support
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “More businesses now understand the need to measure their own carbon footprint as they look to reduce emissions and costs, which is positive news for Greater Manchester’s target of becoming a carbon neutral city-region by 2038.
“This new tool from Green Economy is the perfect first step for any business at the start of that journey.”
Steve Connor, green lead for the Greater Manchester Business Board, added: “This tool is a vital resource in helping us in our mission to make Greater Manchester the easiest place to become a net zero business.
“With fully funded support from GM Business Growth Hub and with expert advice from the Bee Net Zero partnership, SMEs can not only measure and report on their carbon footprint, but also can start to take action to reduce their emissions and energy bills too, which will benefit productivity as well as the environment.”
Practical and accessible
Unlike many carbon measurement tools, Green Economy’s model uses actual units of consumption, aligned with government greenhouse gas conversion figures.
Businesses can measure their footprint over the past five years, monitor changes in usage, and assess the impact of energy price fluctuations.
The tool also generates a comprehensive report with recommendations to reduce carbon impacts and links to resources such as Green Economy’s Marketplace for low-carbon suppliers. It continues to evolve, offering businesses an up-to-date guide on their net-zero trajectory.
Real-world impact
Bolton-based Carrs Pasties tested the tool, with Gavin Astley, head of operations, praising its effectiveness:
“This new tool is a fantastic opportunity for businesses like ours to very quickly get a clear picture of their carbon impacts.
“It is really easy to use and will be a great help for us to measure our company carbon footprint, and identify opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and save our business money.”
Supporting Greater Manchester’s net zero target
The launch of the carbon calculator aligns with Greater Manchester’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2038. By making carbon measurement and reduction more accessible, the tool aims to empower SMEs to take meaningful steps toward sustainability while improving cost efficiency.
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