At around five square miles in total it is one of the biggest estates of its type in the world.

At around 700,000 tonnes per year it is one of the biggest emitters of CO₂ in the region.

But the businesses of Trafford Park, which employ around 35,000 people from all boroughs of Greater Manchester and beyond, are aware of their responsibility to respond to the climate crisis.

Trafford Council, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Growth Company are supporting these businesses to become net zero with the support scheme Bee Net Zero.

Messenger Newspapers: The launch of Bee Net Zero

Tom Ross, the council's leader and the GMCA's lead for the Green City-Region, addressed stakeholders at the launch of this support scheme at the Growth Company's Green Skills Academy.

Cllr Ross said: "Around 150 years ago we were in a deer park. 

"All there is left is the lake across the way [at the Ecology Park].

"A lot of heavy industries came to Trafford Park and it contributed to the economy, it contributed to the employment, but it contributed to carbon emissions. 

"As time went on these heavy industries went into decline and we were in the position of 'Now what happens to Trafford Park?' Now we look to the future."

Messenger Newspapers: The launch of Bee Net Zero

Bee Net Zero is about supporting businesses to develop with a sustainable strategy rather than stopping businesses from developing at all or, in other words, decarbonisation over deindustrialisation.

The support scheme involves identifying the potential problems for a business on a case-by-case basis then introducing the potential solutions to the business from the partnership's pool of providers.

Cllr Ross said: "We have a very, very strong vision as a borough which matches the very, very strong vision as a Green City-Region in Greater Manchester. 

"We recognise the potential Trafford Park has as a platform for change and as an example of the green economy and the future green economy. We should be proud of what we do in Greater Manchester."

Messenger Newspapers: The launch of Bee Net Zero

One business with a headstart over the others in the region is Creamline Dairies whose milk from farmers within a 30-mile radius, delivered by an electric fleet and in glass bottles, lends itself to sustainability.

Chris Swallow, its managing director, said there was still work to be done after the installation of LED lighting and an additional investment into its electric fleet.

Mr Swallow said: "Our goal is to be the greenest retailer in the North West. We've always had green in our DNA what we've managed to do is immerse it in every corner of the business.

"There is demand from customers to be as green as possible. It is high on our customers' agendas and if we are compatible with our customers' agendas we we be successful in the future."

For information on Bee Net Zero go to beenetzero.co.uk/trafford-park.


This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.