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Bristol makes Green Capital bid in Brussels

A team from Bristol Green Capital have travelled to Brussels to present the city’s bid to become European Green Capital 2014.

The team is lead by Councillor Simon Cook, Leader of Bristol City Council, and included a host of other figures from across the city.

In support of the bid, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “Bristol is the first UK city to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award which I think it is a fitting tribute to the work that has been done over a number of years to promote a green and sustainability agenda across the city…

“The UK Government recognises the significance of the ECGA and, if Bristol is successful, would work closely with the City Council in order to maximise the opportunities that this would create for Bristol and the UK.”

Simon Cook, added: “Nick Clegg backing the bid is official recognition of the green achievements Bristol has already made and the ambitious targets we’ve set ourselves for the future.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be getting political support at a national level. If Bristol wins the bid, we want to ensure that the UK as a whole benefits from the award.”

Richard Benyon MP, DEFRA Minister, said: “Bristol has a fantastic reputation as a green city, from its high recycling rate, managing air and noise pollution and cutting carbon emissions.

“We want to see what is happening in Bristol copied by other cities as we move towards a green economy, and with the same involvement of local communities and businesses who will feel the benefit.

“As the only British city to ever be shortlisted for this prestigious award, I wish them every success.”

Frankfurt and Copenhagen were also shortlisted for the title, which will be announced at an award ceremony in Vitoria-Gastiez, Spain, at the end of the month.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .