Schools across Greater Manchester awarded eco grants to champion climate action
- Twenty-nine schools across Greater Manchester awarded up to £2,000 each for sustainability initiatives.
- Projects focus on waste reduction, climate education, and tackling food waste.
- Grants empower young people to lead environmental action in schools and local communities.
Young people will be at the forefront of sustainability projects as 29 schools across Greater Manchester receive grants of up to £2,000 for climate and waste reduction initiatives.
The scheme, which launched in October 2024, aims to empower pupils to bring their eco-ideas to life and drive real change within their communities.
Projects funded by the GMCA will focus on key environmental themes such as reducing waste and promoting reuse, encouraging sustainable lifestyles and climate education, and improving access to sustainable food while cutting food waste.
The 29 successful schools will now begin planning and delivering their initiatives over the next 12 months, giving pupils the opportunity to lead projects not only benefitting the environment but also supporting learning, building confidence, and promoting wellbeing.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:
“It’s inspiring to see young people across our city-region leading the way on sustainability. These grants are about giving pupils the tools and support they need to make a difference in their communities. Whether it's reducing food waste, promoting recycling, or educating others about climate change, these projects will help to build a greener future for Greater Manchester.”
The funding will enable pupils to explore ideas such as creating composting systems, launching uniform reuse schemes, running peer education campaigns, or working with local businesses to promote sustainability.
All projects are designed to extend beyond the classroom, encouraging collaboration with families and the wider community while developing practical skills and a lifelong commitment to environmental responsibility.
Councillor Tom Ross, GMCA Portfolio Lead for the Green City-Region, said:
“The Eco Grants programme is a brilliant way of putting sustainability into the hands of the next generation. The enthusiasm and creativity shown by these school communities is exactly what we need to tackle environmental challenges at a local level. Congratulations to the 29 schools, we can’t wait to see what you achieve.”
Louise Thompson, Head teacher at Parochial CE Primary School in Tameside, said:
“The grant money from GMCA has allowed our children to become involved in a 'real life' project. They are watching their ideas and plans come to fruition with the building of our large chicken coop and run, and they’re busy learning what we need to provide for the ex-battery hens to settle well into their new surroundings.
The grant has allowed the children to see the amount of thought and planning that goes into animal care and their learning on food production is just beginning. The grant has opened up an opportunity for our children to learn beyond the curriculum.”
The Eco Grants for Schools in Greater Manchester are part of GMCA’s wider commitment to reaching net zero by 2038 and creating a greener, fairer city-region for all.
Article Published: 18/06/2025 17:03 PM