Our story
Heating is the single biggest source of carbon emissions in Greater Manchester; 36% of the region's overall emissions, totalling 2.8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. To meet its ambitious 2038 carbon neutral target, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has recognised the need to improve the energy performance of nearly 1.2 million largely pre-1980s homes – 62,000 every year.
The Smart Energy Plan for GMCA was published in 2019. The plan included a vision of Greater Manchester as a global leader in smart energy: 'a carbon neutral city region with an energy system which is smart and fit for the future, low carbon and economically, environmentally and socially sustainable'. However, the plan noted that a major obstacle was the absence of a suitably skilled labour force and contractors.
The Smart Energy Plan provided the foundation for the launch of new initiatives tackling the problem. Investment in retrofit – upgrading buildings to boost their energy efficiency – could potentially create 55,000 jobs in the region by 2040.
Through forming key partnerships like the one with the Low Carbon Academy (part of the North West Skills Academy which provides vocational training) forged in 2021, GMCA plans to boost jobs, improve housing and lower emissions simultaneously. Its aim is to fill the green skills gaps identified by employers in Greater Manchester, creating a low carbon economy which is responsive to the needs of individuals, residents and businesses.
Our advice
Build on the existing local industry:
GMCA has been able to tap into the significant construction sector in Manchester. Diversification of the region's existing skill base, supporting companies and employees who have relevant expertise to expand into retrofit, is a central pillar of the authority's plan. A robust retrofit market will encompass many skills: including surveying, design, property assessment, installation, customer care, and ongoing maintenance. So, a wide variety of training must be offered.
The UK construction sector consists largely of SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) or self-employed people; in Greater Manchester, the figure is between 35% to 40%. Smaller businesses, that are less able to take time away from income-generating activities than larger organisations, have less incentive to release staff for training or to invest in green upskilling – which is why fully-funded training opportunities, like those offered through Skills for Growth, are so important. Additionally, demand for domestic tradespeople has rocketed as homeowners undertake new renovations following strict coronavirus lockdowns.
As a key partner for achieving net zero targets, the sector and its workers must be positively engaged and appropriately supported. GMCA is initially targeting its efforts towards willing 'early adopters' within the construction sector, with the aim to establish and grow the market. Once a viable market is proven, others will be encouraged to follow suit.
Start with social housing:
For other councils looking at retrofit work, beginning with social housing is recommended. Developments are generally built at similar times, located in the same place and owned by the same people. It is logical and easier to start here than with residential housing stock which varies in type and has multiple owners. Not only will this grow the market, but for social housing tenants retrofitting means lower energy bills, which are key to combatting fuel poverty and prioritising the most vulnerable.
Our Changeprint
Our Changeprint can be measured by the retrofitting skills gap we plug that has been identified by employers in the city-region (through our Low Carbon Academy training); the reduction in carbon emissions from retrofitting; the boost in local jobs and economic activity (retrofitting even 20% of Greater Manchester's homes would generate economic activity worth between £3bn to £5.4bn).
