Manchester is my Planet Programme Update 2008/9 is my Planet 02 Programme Update 2008/9 Introduction Manchester is my Planet Cover Photos: Clockwise from top right: Great Places Housing Group, Oldham; BDP Manchester; and North City Library by Walker Simpson Architects, photo by Daniel Hopkinson.

Contents Welcome to the Manchester is my Planet The Environment Commission’s plans for a Programme Update 2008/9 city-regional Climate Change Agency, initiated by Manchester is my Planet, have gathered Introduction...... 02 The past year has seen major leaps forward pace following the appointment of Steve at national level in gearing up to meet the Turner as Carbon Economy Manager. Energy planning...... 04 challenge of climate change. The formation of the Department for Energy and Climate In addition to supporting these steps, Behavioural change...... 08 Change, and the passing of the Climate Manchester is my Planet has secured EU co- Change Act, put in place structures and policy funding to pilot the Swedish model of energy Working in partnership...... 10 to drive action. planning to increase understanding of our energy system and help co-ordinate projects. In Greater Manchester, small but significant Evaluating the impact...... 12 steps have been taken to build support and EU, regional and local funding has been increase capacity to deliver new projects to brought together by Manchester is my Planet Sharing the learning...... 14 shape a low-carbon city-region. to build new partnerships to enable local communities to take action on climate change. The ‘Mini-Stern’ for Manchester was published in October 2008, highlighting the Manchester is my Planet has always been a economic imperative of tackling climate partnership of people and organisations from change in a systematic way and all sectors working together to tackle climate demonstrating the very real nature of its likely change. Today our inclusive, upbeat and impacts across the region. positive message means local authorities, agencies, businesses and over 21,000 local The Greater Manchester Environment people share our vision to create a low-carbon Commission came into being in 2009, future for the city-region. promising greater co-ordination and joint effort by the public and private sectors in Simon Robinson Manchester is my Planet featured in Burrow’s Greater Manchester Business addressing climate change and other key Programme Manager Guide 2008 environmental challenges. Manchester is my Planet Manchester is my Planet Programme Update 2008/9 03

Lord Peter Smith Sir Richard Leese Chair of the Association of Greater Chair of Manchester: Knowledge Manchester Authorities Capital Board

Manchester is my Planet is a small programme Manchester is my Planet continues to with huge ambition. Over the last four years exemplify the approach of our city-region it has performed the role of the ‘grit in the to meeting the challenges of climate oyster’, challenging us all to help shape a low- change through innovative thinking and carbon future and, in doing so, contributing practical solutions. to a debate that cannot be ignored. We are sharing our experience with partner In the current economic downturn it is often municipalities and regions throughout the all too easy to focus on short-term horizons European Union, helping to shape vital new and treat tackling climate change as a luxury for the good times. New policy and legislation approaches to what is the fundamental in the UK, EU and beyond will however, force global issue. us to reshape the way we do business. There is much work to be done to create Medium-long-term trends of changing climates Lord Peter Smith the low-carbon economy on which all of combined with reduced oil supply are creating our future wellbeing depends. It is a goal new economic realities, and organisations that are switched on to this will benefit most as we which continues to require us to harness move forward as a low-carbon city-region. energy (zero carbon, of course) and ideas from all parts of society. Manchester is my Planet has evolved by drawing in European funding and new ideas. Manchester is my Planet draws on a broad It now challenges us to build the evidence base of support in the city-region and from base for reshaping our energy system through its European partners in pursuit of that ‘energy planning’, and to maximise the impact vital goal. of domestic energy efficiency advice and support for local communities. Sir Richard Leese

The emergence of a Climate Change Agency marks a maturation in Greater Manchester’s response to the issue and its challenges. Manchester is my Planet will evolve once again to help deliver the practical solutions needed to meet these challenges. Manchester is my Planet 04 Programme Update 2008/9 Energy planning: Lessons from Europe

Energy planning is a process widely The energy system practiced throughout Europe. In Sweden, municipalities have been required by Energy planning requires us to conceptualise statute to prepare an energy plan since a whole energy system. This includes the 1977. This was a direct response to the infrastructure associated with the oil crisis of the early 1970s and concerns generation of electricity, and energy supply, over fuel security. storage and distribution.

Over the last 30 years, energy planning The system also incorporates: has evolved to incorporate the concept • the energy sources / fuels we use of sustainable development, helping shape • the transportation of fuels and heat a more secure, economically responsive • the transport network and vehicles using it and less environmentally damaging way • our homes, public buildings, commercial of supplying and using energy. and industrial buildings and processes

For city managers, energy planning It also needs to consider how we use and assists in developing the coherent, manage our buildings, vehicles and goods. evidence-based and prioritised action The energy system therefore includes plans needed for a more resilient energy people as consumers of energy at home, system, better able to meet and manage in their leisure activities and at work. The renovation of the Gårdsten suburb the demand for heating, electricity and of Göteborg won the UN World Habitat Our policies, strategies and plans can also Award 2005. Significant energy savings transport with fewer emissions and be considered as integral to the energy have been achieved through energy reduced environmental impact. planning in this landmark development. system concept. Manchester is my Planet Programme Update 2008/9 05

Partnership Energy Planning as a tool for realising European Sustainable Energy Communities

The energy planning process The PEPESEC project “Manchester is my Planet programme is an excellent example Energy planning can be described in seven Partnership Energy Planning as a tool for realising European Sustainable Energy of how to inspire people to act on simple steps: Communities (PEPESEC) is a 30-month, climate change. Other cities should 1. Building political / organisational support 1.3m project, focused on piloting energy take this as a challenge and start for the process planning in nine municipalities, supported similar programmes all over Europe.” 2. Research and analysis of the current by Swedish expertise. Jon Andersson energy situation www.pepesec.eu Director of Skåne Energy Agency,

3. Developing future energy use and CO2 Sweden Initiated under the Manchester is my Planet emission scenarios and targets programme and led by Manchester Digital 4. Identifying the environmental impact of Development Agency, the project brings the current energy situation and further together a consortium of European energy scenarios municipalities, energy agencies and 5. Creating an energy action plan through consultants. It is co-financed by the identifying the short, medium and European Commission’s Intelligent Energy long-term actions to reach those targets in Europe Programme. 6. Obtaining political approval for the plan 7. Implementation and monitoring In 2009 the project launched an Energy Planning Knowledge Base website featuring The engagement, involvement and buy- over 170 energy management best practice Hammarby Sjöstad in Stockholm is a in of agencies, utilities, businesses and case studies. Over time, as resources are 200ha former brownfield site now transformed into a modern, sustainable, citizens is critical to the success of the added, this website will form a repository low-carbon neighbourhood. The project process. Their ownership of the action for energy planning best practice guidance has already delivered homes for almost for European practitioners. 10,000 people and will deliver 9,000 plan is necessary to drive forward its homes and 10,000 jobs by 2015. implementation. www.pepesecenergyplanning.eu www.hammarbysjostad.se Manchester is my Planet 06 Programme Update 2008/9 Energy planning in Manchester City Region

“Manchester is my Planet has The UK Climate Change, Energy & The energy planning framework together played an ongoing and important Planning Acts of 2008 increase the with co-financing and expertise brought role helping everyone in Greater demands on local authorities, utilities and together under the PEPESEC project Manchester to understand and public agencies to put in place action provide Greater Manchester with an deliver on low-carbon challenges. plans to modernise the way we supply, opportunity to better co-ordinate and Our newly established commission generate and use energy. The goals driving prioritise the reshaping of our energy will continue to work with Manchester these improvements are increased energy system. is my Planet to deliver a low-carbon security, economic advantage and reduced energy framework that will underpin The Manchester Multi-Area Agreement CO2 emissions. economic growth in the region and (2008) recognises this opportunity in will benefit all our communities.” the chapter on the city-region’s critical With resources secured from the EU, the infrastructure: Cllr Dave Goddard NWDA and AGMA, the PEPESEC project Chair of the Greater Manchester will deliver a framework energy plan for Environment Commission “It is proposed to expand energy planning the city-region, and detailed energy plans work currently being led by two local for Oldham and Manchester. authorities across Greater Manchester. This work will inform the approach to be

Greater Manchester taken in respect of the new, decentralised Framework Energy Plan clean energy production and supply that Oldham Borough are important to future economic growth Energy Plan Manchester City and prosperity.” Energy Plan The energy planning process will be shaped Eco-homes in Selwyn Close, Coppice, by AGMA’s new thematic Commissions, Oldham, developsed by Great Places Housing Group. Learning will be shared with colleagues in with formal reporting channelled through the city-region and wider North West. the Environment Commission. Manchester is my Planet Programme Update 2008/9 07

The energy planning process in the city- Partnership Energy Planning in the city- region will build on the results from region is being enabled by: AGMA’s decentralised energy study, led • Manchester: Knowledge Capital by Faber Maunsell, URBED and Quantum • Manchester City Council ST, that will inform planning guidance for • Oldham Council new developments. • AGMA • Tyndall Centre: Manchester During 2009/10 an energy planning co- • Energy Savings Trust ordination group will enable and support • City of Malmo the engagement of agencies, utilities and • Skåne Energy Agency businesses to co-create a coherent future energy vision for the city-region. This will be supported by evidence-based and prioritised action plans that will guide future investments and interventions. The process will make use of the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Protocol (GRIP) tool, developed by the University of Manchester, which has helped shape energy planning in 18 regions across Europe. “New approaches to energy generation and distribution are required and a more Local authority level energy plans will be comprehensive approach to energy The PEPESEC project has produced an planning creates a significant economic shaped by the Energy Savings Trust’s new energy planning knowledge base, featuring opportunity for Manchester City-Region.” software tool to quantify the benefits of over 170 best-practice case studies. See ‘Mini-Stern’ for Manchester, energy interventions. www.pepesec.eu Deloitte, 2008 Manchester is my Planet 08 Programme Update 2008/9 Behavioural change

“Manchester is my Planet is one of People and energy use Changing behaviour the flagship pilots of the Changing Behaviour project. Behavioural As we work to restructure how we The importance of behavioural change in change has for too long been generate and supply energy, and reduce managing energy demand is recognised considered merely from an individual by the European Commission. perspective: Manchester is my demand for it through more efficient Planet explicitly recognises the buildings, vehicles and products, we need collective and community aspects to consider an essential element of the Manchester is my Planet is working in of behaviour change.” energy system: people. Ultimately it is partnership with academics and energy people who consume energy and practitioners from across Europe on the Eva Heiskanen Changing Behaviour action-research National Consumer Research Centre, manage its use. project. Finland Every day we all take decisions that relate The project aims to: to energy use. How we travel, the food, • better understand how to achieve clothes and consumer items we buy, our behavioural change use of lighting, heating and cooling • test new learning through six 12-month systems, all play their part. pilot projects • develop a best-practice toolkit for To change our current consumer and practitioners in the EU managerial behaviours is a significant George Marshall, author of Carbon Detox challenge. It’s one that requires a complex The project is co-ordinated by the National and director of COIN, gives his keynote blend of positive messages, accurate presentation to UK and Dutch practitioners Consumer Research Centre of Finland. It at the Bridgewater Hall. The event, hosted information and practical support. is co-funded by the EU’s Seventh by Manchester: Knowledge Capital, was one of four international workshops that Framework Programme. will help shape new best practice guidance for the European Union. www.energychange.info Manchester is my Planet Programme Update 2008/9 09

The role of intermediaries Piloting innovation “Manchester is my Planet occupies an important strategic position In the European context of a privatised The city-region will host one of the six pilot in Greater Manchester and is well placed to act as an intermediary and de-regulated energy market, projects inspired by learning from the between policy-makers and the ‘intermediary organisations’ play an Changing Behaviour project. initiatives needed in order to realise increasingly important role, operating ambitions. AFSL has developed an between national governments, energy Manchester is my Planet has teamed up excellent working partnership with suppliers, and energy consumers. with the Energy Savings Trust Advice the programme and together we Centre and the charity Action for have been able to develop an Energy intermediaries have been the Sustainable Living (AfSL) to secure funding initiative that has attracted wide subject of extensive research and analysis from AGMA and NWIEP to develop The interest and drawn in several key partners, including local authorities.” through the Changing Behaviour project. Energy Academy pilot project. Chris Wright, Their role varies from project-based to This will take the form of a volunteer Director of Action for Sustainable Living systemic-focused activity, shaped by network to engage, enthuse, advise and external and context-specific priorities. support residents in maximising the energy efficiency of their homes and lifestyles. Analysis identifies the ‘active and configurational intermediary’, such as Project design and evaluation will be Manchester is my Planet, which operates supported locally by the Centre for at both strategic and project-based levels. Sustainable Urban and Regional Futures (SURF). Manchester is my Planet spreading the message at John Fisher & Thomas Moore Catholic Primary School, Wythenshawe. Featured on Euronews, February 2008. Manchester is my Planet 10 Programme Update 2008/9 Working in partnership

“It was fantastic to be asked to Since 2005, Manchester is my Planet has Manchester is my Planet is represented help lead Manchester is my built strong relationships with and between on the development group for the Planet’s Changing Behaviour event local authorities, business and the Environment Commission for Greater at the Bridgewater Hall. It brought community. Together, we’ve worked to Manchester, which supports the together insights from across the shape a green energy revolution for the Commission’s formation and evolving EU, providing a real advantage for city-region. work programme. our organisation and others like us in the city-region.” Over the last year, Manchester is my Planet The last year has seen the accelerated development of this new thematic Phil Korbel has played an active role in the North West Co-founder of the 100 Months Club commission providing new and improved Climate Change Partnership, co-ordinated governance for the city-region. by the NWDA.

Shaping a low-carbon economy has Part of this work has included helping to emerged as a key transformational action steer the business planning process for for the city-region. Work streams are Foundation, a climate fund for the North being developed to mitigate the effects West, which was launched in April 2009. of climate change, as well as create local resilience to the predicted climatic and Foundation enables organisations and economic impacts. individuals to compensate for their CO2 emissions by contributing to the fund, The development of a Climate Change which then provides financial support for The ‘Switched-on’ to Climate Change Tour Agency for Greater Manchester over the in Bolton. Sean Harriss, Bolton Council’s practical projects. next year will provide the additional Chief Executive; Programme Manager, Simon Robinson; and Nick Peel, Executive capacity to co-ordinate and drive forward Member for Environmental Services. www.climatefund.org.uk these work streams. Manchester is my Planet Programme Update 2008/9 11

With support from DEFRA’s Climate Manchester is my Planet has continued to “We have been working with Challenge Fund, Manchester is my Planet engage the private sector through the Manchester is my Planet to strengthened relationships with partners development of affinity deals. successfully drive enthused consumers to take action to reduce across the city-region. their personal CO2 emissions. Pledgers could receive a 50% discount on Pledgers can access the support The Switched-on to Climate Change tour joining the car club WhizzGo, an offer which and tools available from the engaged with the Leaders, Chief Executives was promoted through our email newsletter. Energy Saving Trust website, and Environment Cabinet Members of all energysavingtrust.org.uk and can ten authorities, producing a wealth of Local eco-cultural events, such as ‘Invisible call 0800 512 012, for free, to help them on their way to a low upbeat and positive media coverage. Bonfires’ at The Lowry, have also been carbon lifestyle.” supported in exchange for tickets as The Pledge Campaign has seen continued competition prizes for pledgers. Tim Barwood growth, with over 21,000 local residents Energy Saving Trust advice centre Manager (Greater Manchester) having made a personal commitment to The programme has worked with take action on climate change. Business in the Community and the 100 Months Club to lead, transform and This has been supported with a encourage action on climate change, communication programme including especially by reaching the employees of e-newsletters, screenings of ‘An Inconvenient large companies. Truth’ and climate change training, all backed up with web-based resources.

An affinity deal between WhizzGo and Manchester is my Planet gave climate change pledgers a 50% discount on joining their local car club. Manchester is my Planet 12 Programme Update 2008/9 Evaluating the impact

Since 2005, well over 20,000 people have The results tell an encouraging story about taken the Manchester is my Planet Pledge our pledgers. They care deeply about for climate change. Pledgers in this city- tackling climate change, they have reduced

region committed to reducing their their own CO2 emissions and they are personal carbon footprint. In doing so, attempting to bring their friends, family

they sent a clear message to government and colleagues with them (see chart 4 ). and businesses that they were serious Most responses were submitted online about the need to tackle climate change. and pledgers reported that the majority of their interaction with the campaign had The campaign has been repeatedly cited been online. as a best practice example in terms of public engagement and climate change We were able to combine these results communications. As the pledge entered with findings from a think tank held earlier its twilight months, the perfect opportunity in the year to look for common threads. arose to measure its impact and capture The strongest theme of all was that any insights which might be helpful in future. pledgers are keen to play an active role

(see chart 4 ) and to encourage others to At the end of 2008, the largest-ever do so. It suggests opportunities for evaluation of our Climate Change Pledge supporting behavioural change in the Digital Creative Competition winners campaign was undertaken. We found that city-region through more decentralised Andrew Jolly and Kyle Webster received those who have taken the pledge have their prize at the CIS Solar Tower from activity and using more up-to-date Advisory Board member Gary Dodson taken steps to reduce their CO2 with communication-tools. We’re keen to build and Patrick Allen, Marketing Director at 1 The Co-operative. The building features emissions (see chart ), which has helped on these insights and are therefore piloting Europe’s largest photovoltaic array. them to save money (see chart 2 ). The Energy Academy (see page 9). Manchester is my Planet Programme Update 2008/9 13

A carefully-sampled 3,000 people were invited to take part in the evaluation to examine “Manchester is my Planet continues our impact on their behaviour and find out what they thought about some of our main to be one of the region’s most activities. The evaluation was a success with the responses rate exceeding our 10% target. respected and high-profile climate

1 2 3 change projects, exemplifying and Proportion of pledgers who took Has taking the pledge resulted in 17% of those surveyed said they inspiring best practise across the actions listed on the top ten tips. any actions which have saved had contributed to another online you money? campaign or consultation that they whole of the Northwest.” had heard about from us.

4.8 21.5 17 Dan Griffiths Head of Climate Change, NWDA

% % %

Yes Yes 95.2 78.5 Yes 83 No No No

4 5 Encouraging and supporting others. Ratings of our primary communication methods by those who had experience of them.

Email, newsletters The website Reducing home energy use and e-bulletins Taking public transport 16 4 14 2

71.6 % % Climate Change Pledgers give their 53.1 feedback on the programme at 79 84 Manchester is my Planet Think Tank event, May 2008. 0 25 50 75 100 Very Good or Good Average Very Poor or Poor manchesterismyplanet.com/thinktank Manchester is my Planet 14 Programme Update 2008/9 Sharing the learning

Manchester is my Planet is true to the Manchester is my Planet was supported ethos of its host organisation, Manchester: by partners from Manchester’s Green Knowledge Capital, in supporting City Team and Rite2Know in presenting innovation and cascading new learning local action on climate change to a throughout the city-region and beyond. delegation of over 30 Members of the European Parliament. The event was The past year has seen a number of notable hosted by Manchester Museum in the presentations to international audiences. dramatic setting of the Fossil Hall in October 2008. In June 2008 the programme was presented to a high-level delegation from The inaugural meeting of the policy board the Vietnamese Ministry of Environment for the Changing Behaviour project was in Manchester and was subsequently hosted by Manchester: Knowledge singled out by them for praise. Capital in October. Representatives of national policy organisations from participating EU states heard of the challenges and success of the Manchester is my Planet programme.

Local activity included regular updates to

Manchester is my Planet featured as a local authority partners, and regional Best Practice Case Study on the Homes colleagues through the Northwest Climate and Communities Academy Website. www.hcaacademy.co.uk Change Partnership. Manchester is my Planet Programme Update 2008/9 15

The Manchester is my Planet programme Building the capacity of local people to “The presentations were all very features in Defra’s best-practice guide for take action on climate change was the informative and satisfactory to us; designing and operating Climate Change aim of a series of training events run by especially, the presentation on the Pledge Schemes, published in June 2008. initiative ‘Manchester is my Planet’ Manchester is my Planet in 2008. Over was of great interest to the 60 people benefited from courses run by delegation.” experts from the Climate Outreach and Information Network (COIN) in climate Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment delegation change awareness and speaker training. in Manchester, June 2008

The appetite of attendees to volunteer their time in supporting the climate change agenda inspired the development of the Energy Academy pilot project (page 9), due to be launched in 2009.

Manchester is my Planet has also provided high quality 12-month placement opportunities for undergraduates from Manchester Metropolitan University. Over The programme has also featured as a Manchester: Knowledge Capital has and above providing additional capacity key online case study for the Homes helped shape CABE’s new guidance for for programme delivery, this has helped practitioners working to develop and Communities Academy’s best- sustainable cities in the UK. practice showcase. strengthen links with the academic sector. www.sustainablecities.org.uk Learning together across Europe

Through our work on Changing Behaviour and PEPESEC, Manchester is my Planet works in partnership with organisations across the European Union.

Manchester: Knowledge Capital Churchgate House 56 Street Manchester M60 7HJ t +44 [0] 161 237 4643 f +44 [0] 161 237 4650 e [email protected] w www.manchesterismyplanet.com