Rochdale Borough Council will be hosting this year’s GREENFLEET Live! event at the prestigious Grade I-listed Rochdale Town Hall in a bid to help drive the nation towards a net zero future.
On Thursday, 2 October 2025, councillor Tricia Ayrton, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate change and environment, will join industry experts to help fleet, transport and sustainability managers transition to zero emissions.
Rochdale was chosen to host the annual net zero roadshow for its superb location, magnificent surroundings and strong environmental practices in place across the borough.
The council already operates 29 electric vehicles in its growing fleet to cut emissions and support sustainability, making it one of only a few Greater Manchester authorities with such a large number of electric vehicles in daily operation.
Rochdale Borough Council’s Waste Manager Karl Bircher (left); joins Councillor Tricia Ayrton (second from left); and waste crew in electric bin wagon trial.
In addition, trials have been conducted with electric bin wagons and a shift to electric grounds equipment. The council is also looking at converting their diesel specialist vehicles, trialling Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), which could potentially reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%.
Councillor Ayrton said:
“What an opportunity this is to be hosting the GREENFLEET Live! event at our newly refurbished Rochdale Town Hall, which boasts many of its own green credentials, including an air source heat pump and LED lighting inside and out to ensure our magnificent building has been futureproofed for the changing climate.
“We’re dedicated to achieving ways to reduce carbon emissions and alongside our extensive electric fleet, we work extremely hard to look at ways we can make a difference to the future of our borough, to ensure our residents have a cleaner and greener place to live, work and play.”
Colin Boyton, Events Manager, PSi Limited and GREENFLEET, added:
“When we look at venues for our GREENFLEET Live! event, we assess towns, cities and regions that are leading the way in fleet decarbonisation themselves and have sustainability at the top of their agenda, and 2025 is no different. We’re delighted to be collaborating with Rochdale Borough Council this year, who are not only well on the way to fleet electrification, but are also looking at the wider sustainability picture.
“And the venue they are providing, Rochdale Town Hall, epitomises that vision. A huge thanks to everyone for making us welcome. We’re very much looking forward to getting together and helping drive the decarbonisation strategy forward.”
Visitors to the event will have the opportunity to take part in keynote presentations, participate in expert Q&A panels, experience vehicle test drives, and engage in informative breakout sessions as well as guided tours of the town hall.