Innovative governments
Bristol: Britain’s greenest city
Bristol’s eco-friendly credentials were confirmed in 2008 when it was shortlisted as a European Union Green Capital finalist and named Britain’s most sustainable city. However, Bristol’s commitment to sustainability stretches back 20 years.
An eco first for Britain
In 1991, Bristol City Council set up a self-funded Energy Management Unit followed by the launch of its Climate Protection & Sustainable Energy Strategy.
Since 1996, this plan has helped the city to improve the energy efficiency of its overall housing stock by 23% and it now boasts the largest installed renewable heat capacity in the South West of England.
Bristol was also Britain’s first Cycling City – a movement which encouraged people to leave their cars at home. The city has revealed details plans to double the number of regular cyclists in Greater Bristol.
Winning the war on waste
At the very heart of Bristol’s eco efforts lies recycling. It’s home to the nationwide Community Recycling Network and the Furniture Network (as well as numerous other eco-oriented initiatives).
Since 2005 Bristol has overhauled its recycling services and now sports the most comprehensive doorstep collection service of any major UK city.
Its initiatives have also resulted in a waste reduction of 18% per person over a five year period, and a recycling rate of over 36%.
Making green lungs greener
According to the EU Green Capital judges, Bristol’s Parks and Green Space Strategy deserves special mention. It aims to maximise the positive effects of the city’s 450, parks and green spaces, or “green lungs”, (green spaces in urban areas that can assist in improving air quality) to help tackle climate change, and as part of this the city began a campaign to plant another 10,000 trees by 2015.
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