The Carbon Neutral Action Plan

The Carbon Neutral Action Plan (CNAP) sets out how Trafford aims to become carbon neutral by 2038. 

It includes actions across transport, energy, buildings, and the natural environment, and is refreshed regularly with input from local partners. 

You can track our progress towards carbon neutrality on the data lab.

Overview

Chapters of the CNAP with relevant actions.

Governance, engagement, and collaboration

  • The Trafford Climate Change Network (TCCN) meets quarterly and brings together a range of stakeholders with an interest in addressing the climate crisis in Trafford.
  • We held a Citizens Panel in 2021, involving over 30 voluntary residents selected to match the borough’s demographic profile. The outcomes were used to develop the Carbon Neutral Action Plan.
  • We are running the Carbon Literacy programme in the Council, providing Council staff and Councillors with the information needed to address the Climate Crisis and create individual action plans.
  • Council reports include considerations of carbon reduction, ensuring this is factored into the decision-making process across services and departments.

Production and consumption of resources

  • We are regularly improving household recycling and composting.
  • We are launching a Food for Thought Campaign, helping residents reduce waste and make savings on household food bills.
  • Trafford was the first borough in Greater Manchester to install borough-wide “recycling on the go” on-street trio bins, allowing recycling of litter in public spaces.

Transport and travel

  • We made great progress in installing electric vehicle charging points throughout Trafford.
  • We provided electric bikes for our Adult Health and Social Care staff to enable ultra-low carbon journeys.
  • We developed a Walking, Wheeling, and Cycling Strategy and are delivering a range of cycling and walking infrastructure to promote active lifestyles. View the strategy.
  • We set up six school streets that temporarily close roads outside schools to encourage families to travel actively, whilst increasing safety and cutting carbon.

Heat and energy

  • Work is progressing to develop heat networks in the Trafford Civic Quarter and across the proposed North Trafford Heat Zone.
  • A Local Area Energy Plan was carried out in 2022, taking a whole system approach to the planning and design of net-zero local energy systems in Trafford. Read the plan.
  • We undertook a Trafford Park Low Carbon study, creating a roadmap detailing how Trafford Park can transform into a net-zero carbon business location. View the study.
  • The Bee Net Zero Trafford Park Partnership is supporting Trafford Park businesses to develop decarbonisation plans.
  • Carlton Power is developing a Green Hydrogen Production Facility on the Carrington Low Carbon Energy Park.

Natural environment

  • We are implementing the exciting People, Place and Nature project at Longford Park, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
  • We have explored where Green Infrastructure can be installed across Trafford Park to improve air quality, sustainable urban drainage, encourage active travel, and create space for recreation.
  • We are working with partners to explore the development of wetland habitats at William Wroe Meadows.
  • We worked with GMCA and other GM districts to develop the GM Local Nature Recovery Strategy, which sets out a long-term vision to work towards a resilient network for nature across Greater Manchester.
  • We have eliminated the use of Glyphosate from all but essential uses where alternative options are not possible.
  • We have reduced the frequency of grass verge cuttings and increased the planting of wildflower meadows across the borough to enhance biodiversity.
  • Since 2023, we have planted 13,584 trees in partnership with City of Trees.

Skills and green growth

  • We set up the Trafford Green Skills Working Group, chaired by Groundwork, to coordinate green skills-related activity in the Borough.
  • We held our first Green Skills Jobs Fair in 2024, at Stretford Public Hall.

Homes, workplaces and buildings

  • We are working with GMCA and partners to support our residents in home energy efficiency and cutting carbon.
  • Across Greater Manchester, the Your Home Better service offers a whole-house approach for residents wishing to install measures for an energy-efficient, healthier, and comfortable home.
  • We are working to decarbonise our public buildings, including the newly opened decarbonised Altrincham Leisure Centre and future fully decarbonised Trafford General Hospital. Worthington Primary School has also become the first school to install solar panels as part of Greater Manchester’s Powering our Schools programme.