Journey to Net Zero programme supports businesses to unlock green potential

A fully-funded training programme available to every working person in Greater Manchester, Journey to Net Zero, is accelerating the region’s ambitions to be carbon neutral by 2038.

With government targeting a reduction in emissions by 78 per cent by 2035, the Low Carbon Skills: Journey to Net Zero programme helps people to better understand the environmental challenge in their workplaces, empowering them to begin or progress their net zero journeys and create a clear and strategic plan for achieving those ambitions.

Delivered by The Growth Company, the course helps participants to understand key net zero terms and the risks and opportunities for business.

Catriona Watson, Programme Manager – Net Zero Training at the GC Business Growth Hub, explained:

“Organisations across Greater Manchester are starting to reckon with the environmental challenge we’re all facing and the role that they can play in adapting their own practices for the benefit of us all.

“Our intention is that the people undertaking this training will be able to become environmental ambassadors within their own businesses and lead from the front.”

Among businesses to have already accessed the scheme istextiles producer Thomas Kneale, a supplier of bedroom, bathroom and household textiles which undertook the Journey to Net Zero programme in July 2021. Since completing the programme, the company has achieved a reduction to date of several tonnes of CO2e per annum. The replacement of an old boiler with a modern, combi model is saving 2.3 tonnes of CO2e every year. In April 2023, the company was recognised with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in the Sustainable Development category.

The course consists of 21 CPD hours of guided training across seven separate units. Participants also have the opportunity to gain a Level 3 accreditation in Low Carbon Skills: Journey to Net Zero. Learners can take part in person at the Green Skills Academy in Trafford Park, fully online or a hybrid of the two. Each learner leaves with a carbon calculator workbook to implement what they have learned and put into practice with their business. Further support is also available through The Growth Company, including access to a local green tech supplier marketplace.

The course is being run in partnership with Bee Net Zero, a Greater Manchester-wide initiative that aims to make the city region the easiest place to be a net zero organisation. Bee Net Zero consists of five pillars of activity: Training & Awareness; Technical Support; Collaboration; Acceleration and Programme Management.

For further information about the course and details of how to take part, visit the GC Education and SKills website.