The Proud Trust: Building a Sustainable Future for Manchester’s Youth
- Posted By The Growth Company
he Proud Trust, a leading LGBT+ youth charity, has placed sustainability at the heart of its operations. Since the 2022 rebuild of its flagship centre, The Proud Place, the organisation has integrated eco-conscious practices into every part of its infrastructure, programmes and daily activities, demonstrating how community services can lead by example.
When The Proud Place was redesigned, sustainability guided every decision. The building received a BREEAM-equivalent rating of ‘Excellent’ following an independent assessment by ARUP, highlighting its energy-efficient features and emphasis on wellbeing.
The space includes thorough insulation, triple-glazed windows and an air source heat pump for efficient heating and cooling. These measures reduce energy consumption and align with the charity’s broader mission of supporting both people and planet through responsible building design.
Sustainability doesn’t stop at the front door. The organisation works with environmentally responsible suppliers to maintain the space, ensuring ethical procurement and low-impact operations.
Events hosted at The Proud Place are designed with sustainability in mind. Clothes swaps, bike maintenance sessions and gardening workshops are regular features, giving attendees practical tools to reduce waste and live more sustainably.
Young people are at the centre of The Proud Trust’s sustainability efforts. The charity’s youth programmes include projects such as gender-affirming upcycling, where participants repurpose clothing in creative, meaningful ways. These initiatives promote self-expression while actively reducing textile waste, proving sustainability can also be em