What we've done
The climate change work we've done so far includes:
- Declared a climate emergency.
- Developed a strategy and action plan to set out what actions we'll take and when. View our climate change strategies.
- Planted over 23,000 trees in the borough between 2019-2023. This includes trees and hedgerows planted at 14 schools. We have worked with another 3 schools to plant trees in public spaces.
- In 2021 we trialled solar-powered smart bins in several areas across the borough, including Hollingworth Lake.
- Between 2021 and 2022 we undertook an electric scooter trial.
- Between 2021 and 2023 we received £11,593,060 of grant funding to de-carbonise heat and improve energy efficiency in public buildings, leisure centres and schools. As of July 2024, because of this funding 16 buildings, including 9 schools, now have renewable energy measures installed.
- In 2022 we received an award of £6.1 million for the Resilient Roch project as part of the Flood and Coastal Resilience and Innovation Programme (FCRIP). The project aims to deliver improved flood and climate resilience in Littleborough and Wardleworth. More about flooding
- In 2023 over 12,000 trees were planted with the help of the City of Trees. A further 470 trees were planted in the 2023-24 planting season, some of which were planted as part of the council staff volunteering programme.
- In 2023 the Climate Co-Operators working group was established. This is a partnership group with representation from the council, key partners and community organisations. They work together to promote opportunities for climate action in the borough.
- In 2023 we built Chamber House, a 5.5 megawatt solar farm in Heywood.
- In 2023 we launched the annual schools' Climate Conversations lessons and debate. Children attending the debate decide on the priority areas they would like the council to focus on.
- Introduced the bulky waste scheme, which reduces fly-tipping. The council collected over 10,000 bulky waste items in 2023. Apply for a bulky waste collection.
- In 2024 we started working with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on the Powering Our Schools Project, which aims to increase solar installation in council-maintained schools. 8 schools are part of the project.
- Working with Rochdale Development Agency, we have been successful in securing grant funding through Innovate UK in 2024 to develop Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plans for Stakehill Industrial Estate.
- In 2024 we became a bronze Carbon Literate Organisation. More about the Carbon Literacy Project
- Began supporting the re-usable nappy scheme. See if you're eligible for the real nappy voucher scheme.
- Bowlee Garden Nursery grows around 250,000 plants on site each year. This saves tonnes of carbon typically used to ship in plants. The plant pots used are all recyclable and compost used is all peat-free. The nursery also minimises the use of chemicals by using things like parasitic wasps to prevent pests and diseases.
- Carried out a study to explore the feasibility of a Rochdale Town Centre heat network.
- Created a green fleet of council vehicles by buying 12 fully electric vans to replace diesel vans.
- Created the Climate Emergency Working Group to lead and make decisions about climate change.
- Followed guidance and actions set out in the Greater Manchester 5-Year Environment Plan.
- Identified the transformation needed across the borough to accelerate towards Greater Manchester's carbon-neutral goal in our Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP).
- Installed electric car charging spaces for public use.
- Introduced the compost bin discount scheme. The scheme can save residents money and encourage people to swap food waste for plant food. More about composting.
- Introduced nature-friendly zones.
- Put into place several environmental strategies and plans.
- Received a grant to improve wall insulation in 80 properties in the borough.
- Reduced paper waste and lowered emissions from transportation by introducing council tax e-billing.
- Installed solar panels on 18 council-owned buildings.
- Worked with other councils in Greater Manchester to develop a joint Clean Air Plan.