19th June 2013 – Bristol has been crowned European Green Capital 2015, as announced at the Award Ceremony hosted by the current European Green Capital, Nantes, last Friday evening, 14th June 2013. For Bristol, it is third time lucky as the British green city has entered the European Green Capital award for the third time this year. It is a testament to the city and its citizens that their years of hard work have finally paid off resulting in the achievement of this prestigious European recognition.

Bristol was awarded the European Green Capital 2015 by European Commissioner for the Environment, Janez Potočnik, drawing warm applause from everyone. The city located in South West England received special praise from the Jury for its achievements, notably in terms of tackling climate change, improving air quality and reducing noise pollutions, and most importantly its commitment to act as a true role model for the green economy, in Europe and beyond. It’s exceptionally promising communication and social media strategy was also commended as a true call to action for its citizens.

The European Green Capital 2015 has a strong social media presence. A bespoke web page is available on the Bristol Green Capital website , which allows visitors not only to learn about the green initiatives and projects carried out by the city and its citizens but also to check out the latest news about the city – always seeking Bristolians engagement. Bristol is holding its BIG Green Week this week, showing a shining example of citizen involvement and teaching inhabitants about steps that need to be taken towards sustainable development.

Bristol was shortlisted alongside Brussels, Glasgow and Ljubljana. Each city was shortlisted for the award in its own unique way and the Jury had a tough challenge in selecting an overall winner from such a high standard of applicants. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all shortlisted cities and invite all unsuccessful applicants to apply again in 2016.

 

Source: European Green Capital, press release by European Commission, 19/06/2013