Life in Salford 35 • November 2021 18
Salford’s steps towards a greener future The threat of climate change poses fundamental challenges to our planet and here in Salford, the city council continues to work towards a greener future to help us reduce this threat. Salford City Council is proud of its actions. When it declared a climate emergency, Salford was named the most sustainable council in the north west, but we know we need to do more and all residents and businesses can play their part. The council continues to deliver its long-term environmental vision for the city through the Greater Manchester Five-Year Environment Plan with projects underway to help reach our target of 2038 for carbon neutrality in the city. Carbon neutrality means that any carbon emissions that are produced are at least balanced out by a reduction in emissions elsewhere. Over the last 10 years, Salford City Council has spent £126 million in green investment but is committed to doing more. Here are a number of examples of how the council is tackling climate change:
1. Unlocking clean energy Solar panel charging stations are being introduced in the council’s depots to power electric vehicles. A new solar farm made up of over 5,000 panels is being built in Little Hulton which will produce 2MW (megawatts) a year of clean energy. Construction is also underway on a hydro-electric energy regeneration plant at the Charleston Weir in Kersal which will use the River Irwell to produce a further 710kwh (kilowatts) a year. Together, these two projects alone will generate enough electricity to power 600 homes. These projects have been funded through the Unlocking Clean Energy in Greater Manchester scheme which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
