Skip to main content

Bury Council carbon management

Bury Council's GHG Emissions Report 2022/23

Since 2008/09 we have measured the greenhouse gas emissions from council activities and each year we produce a greenhouse gas report which describes our progress.

Our latest report shows that since our 2008/09 baseline we have reduced our emissions by 68%.

Bury Council's GHG Emissions Report 2022/23

How we are reducing our carbon emissions

Bury's Climate Action Strategy and Action Plan sets out how we will work with our communities to progress towards our target to be carbon neutral by 2038. In reaching this target it is vital that we set an example and take appropriate action to decarbonise our own operations. Our Climate Action Strategy and Plan includes the actions that will progress us towards our target in relation to our buildings and transport and the services we provide.

Our most recent actions to reduce our carbon emissions include the following.

  • We have employed a Climate Action Officer, a Climate Action Intern, and a Move More Officer to promote action across the Council.
  • £2.5m of the Government's Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant has been used to deliver significant decarbonisation measures at seven of our buildings.
    • Bury Adult Learning Centre
    • Bury Fish and Meat Market
    • New Kershaw Centre
    • Ramsbottom Civic Hall
    • Ramsbottom Pool
    • The Met
    • Bury Town Hall.
  • 12181 low energy LED streetlights have been installed meaning that nearly 60% of Bury's streetlights are now LED. We are now looking at the next phase of LED roll out which will involve converting the larger main road units which represent the majority of streetlighting electricity use.
  • Climate impacts must now be considered as part of all Council Cabinet reports.
  • A carbon literacy on-line course has been developed to increase awareness for our employees.
  • In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented an agile working programme which has reduced building occupancy and future space requirements.
  • Total electricity generated from our operated renewables in 2021/22 was 116,676kWh which saved 25t of CO2e.
  • We recognise that engaging with school children is vital to reduce emissions from our schools as well as emissions associated with homes across Bury and we continue to work with schools. We held a climate conversation with school age young people on 12 November 2021 and a Schools Climate Conference in July 2022.
  • Allocated £10million for the updating of our vehicle fleet to reduce harmful emissions and start the process of converting to electric vehicles and other low carbon fuels where feasible.