Bristol 2015, the company established to facilitate the city’s year as European Green Capital, has welcomed the addition of Skanska UK as a major sponsor.
The announcement was made at the United Nations (UN) Climate Summit in New York last week, where George Ferguson, Mayor of Bristol and Bristol 2015 board member, shared his ambitious plans for the city. Elizabeth Heider, Chief Sustainability Officer, Skanska USA, and the mayor shook hands on the sponsorship agreement at the Empire State Building, where Skanska has created an environmentally-efficient office on the 32nd floor.
Skanska’s sponsorship will make a significant contribution to the success of Bristol’s year as European Green Capital, supporting and enabling sustainable living in the city and helping to create a lasting legacy.
George Ferguson said: “This substantial sponsorship from Skanska is a tremendous endorsement of the importance of European Green Capital 2015 from an international company with a strong environmental agenda. This support gives a further boost to the city as a global leader in sustainable urban living, and will help to make Bristol a happier, healthier city for all.”
Skanska’s support will be central to the delivery of a range of initiatives, activities and projects, including:
- the Bristol 2015 grant funding programme, which supports neighbourhood, community and local business sustainability initiatives
- a sustainable living programme in UK schools
- a volunteer programme that will embrace SMEs and frontline businesses
- a series of international high–profile summits on climate change
- a year-long international green technology festival.
Terry Elphick, managing director, Skanska UK, said: “Bristol is an outstanding green city and Skanska is known as one of the greenest companies in the UK – and the world. Supporting Bristol as the European Green Capital 2015 is a natural fit for us.
“We’ve been building and investing in sustainable buildings and infrastructure in Bristol for many years, bringing our green expertise and values to the city in numerous ways.
“In the future, cities will only be one colour, and that’s green. As a global company, Skanska is keen to share the sustainability expertise we have gained around the world to support Bristol in achieving its ambitious aims. We’re looking forward to working together over the coming year and inspiring other cities to follow its lead.”
The confirmation of Skanska’s support follows the announcement of £7 million of government funding earlier this year, which will help Bristol 2015 to explore new ideas in sustainable innovation and set the agenda in the run up to the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in 2015.
Skanska joins KPMG and First Group as a major sponsor.
Bristol is the first UK city to win this prestigious award. Further information can be found on www.bristol2015.co.uk