Green jobs across Greater Manchester

Over 1,000 jobs could be created in Greater Manchester if councils insulate buildings and fit green energy across the region, according to independent research released by Manchester Friends of the Earth this week.

Job creations could include loft laggers, architects, plumbers, builders, electricians, plasterers and insulation specialists with new admin and transit and warehouse positions to support the installation of insulation and renewable energy.

The research carried out by social enterprise and environment experts Carbon Descent was published to launch a new nationwide campaign calling for local councils to take urgent action to cut carbon dioxide emissions.

Friends of the Earth’s campaign ‘Get Serious About CO2’ is calling on councils to commit to cutting carbon dioxide emissions in their local area by at least 40 per cent by 2020 and produce an action plan detailing how they will make the cuts.

The new research analyses the manpower required to insulate homes and businesses and install green energy on buildings which are two of the key ways in which councils could achieve a reduction in their emissions.

The council has a big say over local energy, housing and transport. But at the moment, the councils across Greater Manchester have no clear plan for how they might reduce their emissions over the next decade.

Ali Abbas, from the Manchester Friends of the Earth group, said: “With every day seeming to bring more headlines of economic gloom and job losses, Greater Manchester could really use the boost from 1,000 new local jobs insulating homes and installing renewable energy.

“If councils across Greater Manchester fully insulated buildings and fitted them with green energy, it would not only cut carbon dioxide emissions, it would also create jobs, slash fuel bills, and protect those most vulnerable to cold weather.”