At The Bridgewater Hall, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact and playing our part in lowering carbon emissions wherever possible. To support this, we have a Sustainability Group with representatives from across the organisation. The group meets regularly to discuss, monitor, and deliver actions that help us operate more sustainably.
Our approach is guided by three core principles: reduce, reuse, recycle. These sit at the heart of our Environmental Policy, which can be viewed via the link on the right. Environmental awareness is promoted across all levels of the organisation. We are currently working towards Manchester City Council and Groundwork’s Environmental Business Pledge and have achieved the Silver Award.
Achievements so far
- An ongoing programme is underway to replace lighting throughout the building with low-energy LED lamps and fittings. 25% of the building has now been converted.
- Our industry is highly reliant on portable battery powered equipment. We have reduced our reliance on single-use batteries by introducing rechargeable alternatives wherever possible, including radio microphones and security wands. In the Box Office, headsets are now powered by mains supplies rather than disposable batteries.
- We have also made a significant shift from printed tickets to digital delivery. An average of 75% of tickets are now delivered digitally, reducing the need for hard stock ticket printing, postage, and associated materials. This change helps cut paper use, while offering a more convenient experience for audiences.
- A junk mail removal system is in place to reduce unnecessary paper waste.
- Air-handling is carefully monitored through our Building Management System, which has been refined over time to optimise settings, schedules, and performance, helping to reduce overall energy consumption.
- Glass, plastic bottles, paper, cardboard, light bulbs, paper towels, and batteries are all recycled across the venue.
Current aims
- We aim to register with and begin working towards Julie’s Bicycle.
- All staff will be trained on carbon literacy and sustainability as part of their induction process.
- Improve the carbon footprint of our wesbite through removal of orphaned and outdated images.
Waste and recycling
We are proud that 100% of our waste is diverted from landfill. Waste generated across the venue is carefully managed and separated to maximise recycling and recovery, ensuring that nothing is sent to landfill. The chart below shows a breakdown of how our waste was processed in 2025.
Bridgewater Basin Floating Ecosystems
The Bridgewater Basin has been transformed through the introduction of floating active ecosystems designed to improve biodiversity, water quality, and the overall character of this important waterside space.
The project was developed in partnership with Manchester City Council, CityCo, The Bridgewater Hall, the Petersfield Group, and Canal & River Trust, with funding support from the Clean City Fund. Internationally renowned aquatic scientists Biomatrix were commissioned to design and deliver a network of floating ecosystems tailored specifically to the Basin.
Why floating ecosystems?
The aim of the project was to enhance both our green spaces (parks and gardens) and blue spaces (rivers, canals, and water bodies). Prior to the installation, the Basin offered limited visual interest and ecological value. The floating ecosystems were introduced to breathe new life into the water, improve its appearance, and create a thriving habitat for wildlife in the heart of the city.
How do they work?
Above the water, the planting provides colour, texture, and seasonal interest, while offering a valuable food source for bees and other pollinators. These insects, in turn, support birds and bats in the surrounding area.
Below the surface, the ecosystems are just as active. One of the challenges in the Basin was a lack of shelter for fish and invertebrates. Each floating island is fitted with “dynamic media” – flexible nylon strands that act like artificial roots. These create safe spaces for fish to hide and spawn, while also encouraging beneficial bacteria to colonise, helping to improve water quality and reduce pollution.
Designed to adapt
The floating islands are attached to vertical risers, allowing them to rise and fall naturally with changes in water level. This ensures they continue to function effectively throughout the year, whatever the conditions.
Longevity and maintenance
Biomatrix floating ecosystems are built using durable materials designed to last for at least 20 years. Much like a raised garden bed, once the plants are established they require minimal intervention. Ongoing maintenance is limited and includes occasional cutting back, supported by volunteers.
Plant selection and inspiration
Plant choices were developed with expert input from designers BDP and the National Trust’s Head Gardener at Dunham Massey. The final selection includes a mix of native and non-native species chosen for both ecological value and visual impact. The planting was inspired by the concept of synaesthesia – where sound evokes colour – reflecting the musical heritage of The Bridgewater Hall and aiming to create a sense of spectacle akin to a musical composition.
Flowering is staggered throughout the year to provide ongoing interest and continuous support for pollinators, with the ecosystems taking around a year to become fully established.
Ongoing care of the Basin
Alongside the floating ecosystems, the Bridgewater Basin is cared for through regular monthly litter picks. These bring together staff from The Bridgewater Hall, local businesses, Manchester City Council, and the Canal & River Trust to work collaboratively to keep this important waterside space clean, welcoming, and well maintained.
The Basin features on the Manchester Green Spaces trail, so why not plan a visit?
Find out more about the Bridgewater Basin and Manchester’s canals here.