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FOREWORD
At the start of the year, we outlined three overarching
objectives for our time as European Green Capital: to
empower Bristolians; to build our international profile; and
to demonstrate our sustainability leadership. I could give
many examples to illustrate how we have achieved these
objectives through education, science and technology,
through art and music, in business and in the community;
we did it in Bristol and at COP21 in Paris. There is no room
here for such a detailed account. I invite you to read this
review in order to obtain a much fuller picture.
Instead of attempting a summary I want to recount one
story that, for me, encapsulates the very essence of what
we were trying to achieve and says a lot about Bristol’s
journey towards sustainability, and our bright green future.
Andrew Garrad I recently watched a collection of short films, one made
for each of the 14 Neighbourhood Arts Programme
Chair of Bristol 2015 Ltd projects (see pages 66-71). One of them features a girl,
perhaps 12 years old, who was involved in the Dundry
During 2015 I had a terrific Slopes project. That project encourages people to get
opportunity to learn more out and explore this beautiful, relatively undiscovered
landmark. The girl tells us how she went to help with the
about what makes this city project while wearing her new Converse tracksuit. She
great – from its hundreds got it muddy. At first, she was annoyed about the dirt, but
of grassroots projects, to then she realised that, while the mud would wash out,
the experience had given her memories that would last a
its beautiful green spaces, lifetime. It brought a tear to my eye!
to its world-class science,
innovation and enterprise. For me, this story symbolises three things. First, that real
progress requires real connections with real people –
whether it is helping a young girl discover the pleasure of
And I can say, without doubt, playing on a nearby hill, or enabling a social entrepreneur
that the people of Bristol to connect with investors.
should feel proud. Second, it says that change is always about action. From
the countless volunteer hours given in support of Bristol’s
year in the spotlight, to the thousands of people who
pledged to make small, sustainable changes to their daily
habits through our Do15 in 2015 campaign, I have seen
time and again that Bristol people walk the talk.
Finally, of course, it is a story about our future. Our world is
facing serious challenges, and cities around the world just
like Bristol are a vital part of the solution. As we move into
2016 and beyond, I ask all of you to think of the Dundry
girl in her muddy tracksuit, and to remember why this
journey to sustainability matters quite so much.
6 BRISTOL EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL 2015 CITYWIDE REVIEW
