How Green Tech Can Help Manchester Reach Ambitious Zero Carbon Goal

By Sarah Lawless, Flawless Comms

Last week, industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers gathered to explore how green tech and AI are shaping the future of sustainability. Hosted by pro-manchester, the Green Tech Conference brought together experts from diverse sectors to discuss the opportunities and challenges in achieving the region’s ambitious plans to make Manchester the world’s first zero carbon city by 2038.

Sponsored by Kao Data, Bruntwood SciTech, and Sustainable Ventures, the event highlighted the transformative role of data, AI and cutting-edge technology in building a greener, more sustainable future for the region and beyond.

Steve Connor from Creative Concern chaired the event and set the scene for the conference. He commented that just as Manchester was central to the industrial revolution, we now need to lead the charge when it comes to tackling the climate crisis we are facing.

The conference saw panel discussions on a range of topics, from ESG considerations for tech start-ups, to accessing sustainable finance, building a sustainable supply chain and harnessing green tech for net zero buildings.

Mark Atherton (GM Combined Authority) outlined the city’s updated Five-Year Environment Plan, focusing on decarbonising energy and transport, improving air quality and developing a circular economy. Key initiatives include expanding renewable energy, developing ten heat networks and increasing electric vehicle adoption. However, public and business engagement is crucial. He stressed that while 56% of businesses currently have plans to reduce their carbon emissions, the goal is for this to hit 100% by 2038.

Kao Data’s Scott Manton delivered a keynote speech focussing on the company’s development of their new data centre in Stockport. As a disrupter in an industry which has historically been particularly energy-hungry, Scott shared the ways in which Kao Data were proud to be breaking the mould and putting sustainability at the heart of their ethos and operations.

The conference ended with a lively panel discussing how green tech is supporting the shift to sustainable transport. Amer Gaffar built on his engaging keynote speech, in which he shared his place-based approach to Hydrogen fuel production and outlined the challenges around how we make, move and use this emerging fuel source. While he said we don’t have to choose between hydrogen and electrification, he also commented he wouldn’t rather be in a plane powered by hydrogen, rather than an electricity, because “if a battery runs out…where are you going?” Co-panellist Sophie Zienkiewicz who is the founder of Carbon Neutral Fuels had been sharing her work on sustainable aviation fuel and quickly retorted that he could try using her fuel instead!

Despite the playful rivalry however, the message was clear, collaboration is key. Whether it’s cutting-edge AI only working with intelligent human input, or tech giants working in innovation clusters with universities and local authorities, sustainability cannot be achieved in silos. Collaboration across industries, investment in green skills and community engagement will be essential to driving meaningful change.

With Manchester at the forefront of green innovation, and so much talent and energy driving the agenda, the city is perfectly positioned to lead the transition to a sustainable future.

For those keen to stay ahead of the tech curve, tickets are now available for the upcoming Trailblazing Tech Conference which is taking place on 20^th June 2025.