A project that aims to make Southampton a cleaner, greener and healthier city is in line for a top award. Southampton City Council has announced that the Green City Charter has been shortlisted for one of the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) accolades. The scheme is among the entries in the Best Climate Action Initiative category.
A council spokesperson said: “Being shortlisted for this award recognises Southampton’s commitment to becoming a cleaner, greener, healthier and more sustainable city and enhances Southampton’s aim to be an exemplar of good practice in this field.”
The charter was created after a public consultation was carried out in 2018.
Civic chiefs are planning to increase the number of charging points for electric vehicles, plant 5,000 trees and create 25 urban meadows over the next few years.
Set in motion by the council leader, Cllr Christopher Hammond, the charter outlines ways in which the city can tackle the challenges presented by climate change.
Since March of last year more than 70 businesses, including the Daly Echo, organisations and individuals have signed and agreed action plans to support the initiative.
The council spokesperson said: “The council’s Green City Plan was created to fulfil the aspirations set out in the charter across five key theme – sustainable energy and carbon reduction; delivering clean air; the natural environment; resources, waste and water management and sustainable travel. Within each theme, we have established our own sets of goals and deliverables and supports our sustainable green growth. This includes ambitious targets such as planting 5,000 trees on council land and achieving net-zero carbon by 2030. The plan is even supported by a tracker developed by the Energy and Climate Change Division (ECCD) at the University of Southampton.”
Cllr Steve Leggett, cabinet member for green city and place, added: “After a tough year, being shortlisted for this award is such an honour. Being recognised for our vision, effort and commitment to tackling climate change, just a few months into a ten-year plan is a huge accolade for Southampton, not just the city council but the organisations supporting it, our residents, communities and other businesses.”
Article originally appeared on Daily echo.
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