| Sustainable Business

Tackling environmental damage Selfridges makes the pledge Cllr Eddy Newman and Arndale manager Karl Crawley 
with The Green City programme 

reduction of over 2,000 tonnes of carbon since the start of the campaign (to June 2008) 
The completion of the UKÕs largest integrated solar power array, the CIS Solar Tower, and over 100 other renewable energy installations 
21.6% of ManchesterÕs domestic waste is being recycled and composted 
145 (71%) of ManchesterÕs schools and childrenÕs centres are registered with Eco Schools; significantly more than the English average of 40% 
Green roofs, which are good for wildlife, reducing flood risk, and cooling buildings in summer, can now be found on over 20 buildings 
Northwards Housing is installing solar panels to properties across Manchester, saving over 50 tonnes of CO2 per year 
There are now six officially recognised Local Nature Reserves in Manchester; an important contribution to biodiversity and quality of life for residents 
Green Badge Parking, a new scheme introduced with NCP, allows drivers with low emission cars to benefit from 25% savings on annual car parking passes 
New building standards such as the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM are environmental standards that developers now follow when constructing in Manchester 
Over 15,000 new trees have been planted in Manchester. 
Free Business Support 
Partnership plays a major part in ManchesterÕs ambition to become a green city. Without input and support from partners the initiative will struggle to achieve its ambitious targets. One such partnership is among the cityÕs businesses. 
With green credentials high on the agenda for many companies as well as many of those companiesÕ customers, Manchester City Council and Groundwork have developed the Environmental Business Pledge to offer free support and advice for businesses to help improve their environmental performance, achieve major cost savings and increase competitiveness. 
The scheme rewards and recognises member companies that make a valuable contribution to reducing their environmental impact, by giving the businesses the opportunity to gain Bronze, Silver or Gold awards for their achievements. 
At its very basic level, it's a way of raising awareness of environmental legislation, and can help businesses make real savings on energy bills and, therefore, increase profits. 
There are now over 1,200 businesses signed up to the pledge, and the scheme has helped businesses across Manchester save a total of 2,043 tonnes of CO2 while increasing sales to the value of £5.8m, and safeguarding £13m sales. Over 100 jobs have been created / safeguarded as a result of assistance received through the pledge. 
www.manchestergreencity.co.uk 
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Did you know? Over 1,200 Manchester businesses are signed up to the Environmental Business Pledge, meaning a reduction of over 2,000 tonnes of carbon since the start of the campaign 
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