Bristol, located in Southwest England, has a population of 441 300 (2011) and ranks as England’s sixth and the United Kingdom’s eighth most populous city. By 2015, Bristol committed EUR 500 million towards transport improvements and allocated up to EUR 300 million for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects by 2020, including a confirmed EUR 100 million investment in renewable energy initiatives. Since 2005, carbon emissions in Bristol have steadily decreased, even as its local economy has continued to grow.
Bristol aspires to become a leading European hub for low-carbon industries, aiming to create 17 000 new jobs in the creative, digital and low-carbon sectors by 2030. In 2012, the city recorded a 4.7% growth in its green economy. Beyond economic achievements, Bristol is recognised as the UK’s greenest city, boasting excellent air quality and accessibility.
Bristol has shown great potential to serve as a role model not only for the UK but also for Europe and the wider world. An agreement with the UK Foreign Office to promote the European Green Capital Award through British embassies globally is set to raise both the city's and the award's profiles. Bristol’s ‘Laboratory for Change’ tagline reflects its focus on innovation, learning and leadership. Through social media and an innovation lab, including live lab conferences, Bristol aims to connect with Europe while minimising or eliminating its carbon footprint.
The jury concluded that Bristol demonstrates high levels of achievement across various sectors. The city stands out as an innovator in the green economy, supported by a robust communication strategy and the dedication required to position itself as a model for Europe. Since 2000, Bristol has maintained a long-term commitment to environmental improvement and reducing its contribution to climate change. This commitment is reflected in the development and implementation of various strategies and action plans, such as the Bristol Climate Protection and Sustainable Energy Strategy and a local transport plan for 2026. The city has also engaged its residents in environmental planning, notably by incorporating their noise perceptions into the quality-of-life survey.
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For more insights into Bristol’s sustainability journey and achievements, explore Bristol's application, which details the city’s environmental strategies and commitments. The Bristol 1-Year Report provides an overview of the city’s progress during its tenure as European Green Capital, while the Winning City Leaflet 2015 highlights the key factors behind Bristol’s recognition. To relive some of the city’s proudest moments, you can view the photos from the 2013 award ceremony and watch the Bristol video showcasing its green initiatives. Additionally, the ‘Thank You Bristol’ video captures the city’s gratitude and reflections on its sustainability accomplishments.