As an award-winning social enterprise, we've championed sustainability across Greater Manchester and beyond for nearly two decades, recognising that protecting our planet aligns with sustainable economic growth. We know that tackling climate change requires collective effort, and we're well-positioned to drive positive change.
Our commitment is central to our mission, embedding sustainable principles into everything we do while reducing our own emissions and minimising our environmental impact.
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Internationally recognised standard for environmental management systems. |
Race to Zero Pledged commitment to the United Nations Race to Zero. |
Carbon Literacy Accredited as a Carbon Literate 'Bronze' Organisation. |
ISO 14001
Net Zero by 2035
In 2019, the Growth Company announced its intention to be Carbon Neutral by 2023. In February 2022, we updated our commitment to becoming Net Zero across scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2035. This new commitment reflects our heightened commitment to reduce our carbon emissions across the organisation and provides a clear pathway for action.
We recognise the need to prioritise effort on the impacts associated with the activities under our direct control (scope 1 and 2) swiftly and in line with the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to an upper threshold of 1.5 degrees centigrade. We also appreciate the pressing need to mitigate the impacts associated with our value chain (scope 3).
We’re proud to pledge our support for the UN’s Race to Net Zero through Business Declares, a fast-growing network of businesses who acknowledge the Climate and Ecological Emergency. Our aim is to continue to reduce our emissions and impact on biodiversity year-on-year, off-setting the remaining carbon through a recognised carbon off-setting scheme, to the point of becoming Net Zero by 2035.
Concern for both people and the planet are not new to us. We’re an award-winning provider of environmental services, having helped Greater Manchester small-medium enterprises save 2 million tonnes of carbon.
We achieved the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System accreditation in 2021 and were accredited in 2024. We are also an accredited Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) training centre, with our 'Journey to Net Zero' programme an accredited IEMA course.
We look forward to continuing to share our journey and ensuring our voice is part of the collective, resounding call for change. We are certainly not claiming to be perfect, neither are we judging others - instead we’re part of a coalition of the willing, looking to collaborate and accelerate action while continuing to highlight the challenges and uncomfortable truths.
To meet this goal, we've launched a 5-year programme focused on reducing energy and fuel consumption, making sustainable purchasing decisions, and improving waste management. This initiative is designed to continually enhance the quality of our operations as we work towards a more sustainable future.
Our colleagues
We actively empower our colleagues to embrace sustainability in both their work and personal lives, offering practical benefits and valuable resources to help them contribute to a more sustainable future.
We offer cycle-to-work, EV car salary sacrifices schemes and car sharing schemes, along with discounted public transport options.
The Growth Company is proud to be a certified Carbon Literacy Bronze Organisation, offering our colleagues access to comprehensive sustainability training. Our Team Green champions the promotion of sustainable practices and provides valuable guidance across the entire Group.
We actively encourage our colleagues to give back to the communities we serve by offering 2 days of (paid) volunteering each year, with many choosing to support sustainability-focused initiatives
Our supply chain
At the Growth Company, we recognise that our supply chain is a critical part of our sustainability efforts, accounting for approximately 44% of our overall emissions.
We seek to work with suppliers who recognise the importance of reducing emissions and improving their environmental performance. We include questions relating to suppliers' environmental commitments in our tendering activity.
We have developed a sustainable supplier strategy to identify and prioritise key suppliers to work with in support of our Net Zero journey.
We allocate up to 20% tender weighting to social value with 10% allocated for environmental commitments. We aim to recognise the positive impact that our suppliers make to their communities, our society, and the environment.
Sustainability across our services
At the Growth Company, we offer a range of services that support the nation’s ambition to achieve net-zero by 2050, while improving lives and businesses in the communities we serve.
Employ GM
Greater Manchester offers a wide range of opportunities in the sustainability sector. Employ GM has created a Green Courses and Training Guide to support those looking to take the next step toward a greener career.
GC Employment
GC Employment integrates climate change awareness and sustainable daily actions into our services, helping people secure long-term employment while also supporting the planet.
GC Education and Skills
GC Education and Skills are empowering individuals with the skills and education needed to develop, maintain, and innovate the technologies of the future. Through our dedicated Green Skills Academy, we are shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
GM Skills Map
If you are business owner or individual based in Greater Manchester and seeking to grow your skills, GM Skills Map offers flexible training opportunities with the sustainability sector to fit your budget, location, and needs.
Bee Net Zero
The Bee Net Zero partnership unites trusted organisations across Greater Manchester to simplify and cost-efficiently guide businesses toward net zero, offering comprehensive support in energy efficiency, renewables, low-carbon transport, green finance, and more.
Centre for Assessment
We help businesses showcase their commitment to carbon neutrality, building public trust, reducing waste, using resources responsibly, and exceeding legislative requirements.
Energy Innovation Agency
The Energy Innovation Agency's vision is to accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral economy by bridging the energy innovation gap. We boost the adoption of green energy solutions in Greater Manchester and beyond, collaborating with innovators, service providers, and large energy consumers to cut carbon emissions.
GM Business Growth Hub
GM Business Growth Hub helps organisations enhance environmental performance, reduce carbon, and boost competitiveness. Our expert advisors develop tailored carbon reduction plans, cut costs, and navigate market pressures to achieve commercial, environmental, and financial goals while positively impacting society.
Green Economy
Green Economy helps businesses decarbonise through advice, training, and support, fostering resilience, environmental credibility, and financial savings. We also boost local green technology businesses, enhancing their visibility and competitiveness while simplifying the path to net zero for all.
Innovate UK Business Connect
At Innovate UK Business Connect, we tackle global, national, and regional challenges by connecting ideas, people, and communities. Our mission is to drive positive change through innovation, leveraging our diverse network across business, government, funders, research, and the third sector.
Marketing Manchester
At Marketing Manchester, we champion sustainable tourism by promoting eco-friendly practices and responsible travel. Our campaigns aim to reduce environmental impact, support local communities, and enhance the visitor experience, ensuring that tourism benefits both the environment and our local residents.
MIDAS
MIDAS drives sustainable growth in Greater Manchester by attracting new investment to create and safeguard jobs. We market the city’s key sectors globally and offer comprehensive, free advice to investors and consultants, promoting eco-friendly and responsible investment opportunities.
GC Insight
GC Insight aids clients in designing, delivering, and evaluating solutions for rapid clean growth and net zero outcomes. We identify opportunities in hydrogen, clean energy, and green transport, supporting swift adoption of green solutions and evaluating progress towards net zero goals.
Contact us
If you would like more information about any of our services, please get in touch.
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