Greater Manchester secures funding for greener public buildings

New funding from Great British Energy will support more public buildings across Greater Manchester to be upgraded with green technology.

The £695,000 funding boost will enable a wide range of clean energy upgrades at key public and community sites across Greater Manchester, including libraries, leisure centres and emergency service buildings. Improvements will help cut carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and reduce long-term running costs for essential local services through installation of features including solar panels, battery storage and EV chargers.

Funding is part of a £10 million investment from Great British Energy and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero into Mayoral Combined Authorities nationwide. The programme is expected to save approximately £35 million per year on energy bills over the lifetime of the projects.

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.”

The upgrades are scheduled to begin in the 2025/26 financial year and are designed to support the UK’s broader climate commitments while delivering direct benefits to local residents through more efficient, lower-cost public services. 

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

“Your local sports hall, library and community centre could have their energy bills cut by Great British Energy, the government’s publicly-owned clean energy company. 

“Our plans will mean more money can be spent on the services that make working people better off and help strengthen the ties that bind us in our communities.   

“This is what Great British Energy is all about – taking back control to deliver lower bills for good.” 

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.”