2015 is upon us and it promises to be a momentous year. The big positive is European Green Capital which will take off with the opening event on 23rd, followed by a media 'spectacle’ on 24th. There is a remarkable programme of events and projects throughout the year, leading up to our presence at the Paris UN Climate Change summit at the end of the year. The downside is that we are entering local and national elections which mean that we are faced with some negativity from those intent on taking pot shots – some of which are clearly aimed at smearing the 2015 project as a way of getting at me! This is a continuing challenge as it can be damaging and is very difficult to answer everything however outrageous it may be.
With this in mind I am determined that we step up communications via all media. I have, rather reluctantly, let Zoe take over as Director of Communications at Bristol 2015, which she has now been doing for nearly 3 months and is doing a great job, as you would expect. However it does mean that I have been without any ‘political’ assistance and I have missed her support. The good news is that I have now appointed Steve Hynd to take on her role as Head of Mayor’s Office for the next year, starting
on 9th Februaryafter he returns from Uganda where he is running a pan-African charity. He previously worked for Bath MP Don Foster who recommended both of us to each other!
Suddenly May 2016 seems rather close – so we shall, with Fi’s help, start building the campaign before we are faced with real candidates when the parties get their acts together after the 2015 elections. It is going to be very different running as the incumbent rather than the challenger – with the advantage of a higher level of recognition but also a much higher level of controversy. I really don’t know how it will turn out but I do know that all of you play an essential part in the outcome.
A big thanks – George
George Ferguson CBE
Mayor of Bristol
BRISTOL’S AMBITIONS FOR EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL YEAR
- ENERGY – for Bristol to become the UK’s first city for sustainable energy, leading the way towards smart energy efficiency, affordable warmth and 100% renewables, with a thriving low carbon sector delivering solutions for the city and across the world.
- FOOD – for Bristol to be the sustainable food capital of the UK by 2020, a city renowned for the vibrancy and diversity of its food culture, where good food is visible and celebrated in every corner.
- NATURE – to make Bristol a world leading, nature rich (biophillic) city where people are connected to a landscape rich in wildlife.
- RESOURCE – to make Bristol a leading circular economy city, where people are focussed on reducing their residual waste (through waste prevention, reuse and recycling) and businesses are engaged in adopting circular economy business models.
- TRANSPORT – to make Bristol a world leading city in active travel, where 4 out of 5 journeys under five miles are made by foot, bike and public transport.
BRIEFING NOTES
- Bristol has also pledged to cut carbon emissions by 40% by 2020.
- The city has committed a budget of £500m for transport improvements and up to £300m for energy efficiency and renewable energy by 2020.
- Bristol has doubled the number of cyclists in recent years and is committed to doubling the number again by 2020, despite being one of the hilliest cities in the UK.
- European Green Capital (EGC) expected to create over £100m in economic benefits over 3 years through investments, additional business turnover, exports and tourism.
- The low carbon economy employs 9,000 in companies like the Soil Association, Environment Agency, Triodos Bank and Sustrans. 50,000 residents involved in eco activities day-to-day.
- Special Green Capital Bristol Pound to be produced.
- Drinking fountains to be reinstated in Bristol (to help eliminate use of plastic bottles)
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George to take part in sponsored sleep-out for Bristol charities
27 Feb. Pip ‘n’ Jay Church www.bcan.org.uk/sleepout/
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http://www.bristol1st.com/
