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United Utilities North West Carbon Positive Award

Winner - Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is fully committed to providing a service which is sustainable and is on target to reduce its carbon footprint by 7,866 tonnes over the next five years. 

The service has implemented a number of initiatives across the entire service to help reduce CO₂ emissions from their direct operations and in the communities they serve including a cycle to work scheme, renewable electricity at all sites and renewable solar thermal at a quarter of sites. 

Changes have also been made to GMFRS fleet with 100% recyclable polymer body work for new fire engines and a ‘drive to arrive’ policy has been implemented where response teams decide on whether an incident requires a full emergency response or can be attended at a slower, safer and more fuel efficient pace. 

Additionally, GMFRS has instigated the creation of the North West Fire and Rescue Service Sustainability Network and the creation of the ‘Environmental Champions Handbook’ with tips, case studies, benchmarks and resources. 

Impact

  • GMFRS have reduced CO₂emissions from gas and electricity by 590 tonnes and emissions from water by 45%
  • More than 500 employees participate in the cycle to work scheme with over 750,000 miles cycled saving more £100,000 in fuel
  • GMFRS have100% renewable electricity at all sites and renewable solar thermal at more than 25% of sites
  • 118 tonnes of waste was recycled in 2009/10 with the remaining 45 % going to energy-from-waste
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Logo

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