Residents and communities

If you want to support climate and nature in Stockport, there are lots of things you could think about doing. Remember, we’re all unique and only you can choose actions that are right for you.

Here are some ideas to get you thinking.

Save money on your energy bills

You can save money and reduce energy demand at the same time.

Think whether you could:

  • check that the settings and timings on your thermostat are right for you. Lowering the temperature by 1 degree could help save you money. 18 degrees is recommended as the minimum temperature in winter
  • draught-proof your windows and doors with easy-install measures. Things like no-sew draught excluders can be made at home
  • install radiator reflector to keep heat inside
  • use LED bulbs
  • if buying new appliances, check the energy-efficiency rating on the label. These go from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient)
  • Defrost your freezer and bleed your radiators to help them to work more efficiently
  • find out if you can benefit from a flexible energy use tariff from your supplier

Improve your home

If you own your home, you could find out about home improvements that will increase the energy-efficiency of your home, improve air ventilation, reduce damp, and help to keep it warm in winter and cool in summer.

To get tailored support, you can check your eligibility for home improvement grants by visiting the GMCA Retrofit Portal. You might be eligible for a grant that will fully-fund measures like insulation. If you're not eligible for a grant, you can still get a free home assessment.

Contact the property owner

If you rent your home, the property owner might be able to get a grant to do home improvements. These benefit their property in the long run. They can check their eligibility by visiting the GMCA Retrofit Portal.

Help reduce flooding

The Unpave the Way campaign encourages people to reduce flood risk to their home by having more ‘permeable’ surfaces that water can get through; for example, grass instead of hard paving.

Join the Stockport Green Network

Connect with like-minded people and get involved with local nature and climate action. The group meets up monthly for chats, campaigning and events. For more information, contact the Stockport Green Network.

Apply for funding for your community climate or nature project

Looking to make a positive impact in Stockport? Sector 3 has put together a helpful list of funding opportunities available for Stockport residents.

Power up your climate action through Carbon Literacy training

This one day, action-focused course can kickstart or energise your climate action and teach you how to make high-impact change in your community.

There are courses available for individuals, communities, schools and all kinds of businesses on the Carbon Literacy Project website.

Support your local park

Join a ‘Friends Of’ park or orchard group to get involved in or support your local greenspace. Lots are listed in our communities directory.

Spend time in nature

We have beautiful parks and nature all over Stockport. Let’s spend some time appreciating all the different flowers, plants, insects and animals that we see. Find out more on our parks and outdoors webpages.

Create a space for nature

There are lots of big and small ways to enhance nature in Stockport. For example:

  • creating wildlife friendly gardens at home or in the community
  • creating a bug hotel
  • creating hedgehog highways
  • installing bird or bat boxes
  • making a mini pond
  • planting a tree
  • committing to no-mow May
  • collecting rain water for watering plants
  • avoiding using weedkillers
  • looking after a green space in your community
  • supporting community food growing

Help reduce pollution

Choose the most healthy and sustainable way to travel that you can.

You could:

  • think about walking, cycling, scooting or wheeling more if you can
  • think about taking public transport if you can
  • lift share with friends, family or colleagues
  • if you use a car, consider electric vehicle options
  • reduce pollution from idling; turn your car engine off when stationary

Enterprise Car Club

Enterprise Car Club is the official car club provider in Stockport, providing sustainable and cost-effective travel for local businesses and residents. Find out more about hiring pay-as-you-go cars and vans.