Highland Council submits European Green Leaf Award for Inverness
The Highland Council is submitting an application on behalf of the City of Inverness to the European Green Leaf Award.
The European Green Leaf is a new initiative, based on the European Green Capital Award, for smaller cities with populations of between 50,000 and 100,000. It recognises commitment to better environmental outcomes, with particular focus on efforts that generate “green” growth and new jobs.
Inverness has shown leadership and innovation in promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. The European Green Leaf application highlights the range of environmental activities being carried out in Inverness, and how much progress has been made to date in integrating environmental awareness into everyday life in the city. This includes:
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The installation of renewable energy technology, such as solar panels on the roof of the Victorian Market.
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Steps to protect and improve local biodiversity with the creation of Merkinch Local Nature Reserve, and through continuing work of the local Green Gym participants who volunteer there.
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Improving public and active travel options with Stagecoach’s new fleet of electric buses, Safer Routes to Schools projects and the Millburn Road Cycle Corridor.
The application has been prepared by The Highland Council’s Climate Change, Energy and Sustainability, Environmental Health and Waste teams, with input from HiTRANS, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Scottish Provincial Press, and the Highland Biodiversity Partnership.
Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Drew Hendry said “Applying for the European Green Leaf Award shows the leading role Inverness is taking on a wide range of environmental issues, from climate change to biodiversity to reducing waste. It underlines the commitments made under the Carbon CLEVER initiative to make Inverness carbon neutral by 2025.”
Highland Council Depute Leader, Councillor David Alston said: “With strategic leadership from The Highland Council, and our partnership work with other organisations and local communities, Inverness is becoming an even more environmentally aware and sustainable place to live.”
Convener of The Highland Council, Councillor Jimmy Gray added: “Let’s not forget that Inverness and the Highlands has an outstanding environment which provides a fantastic place to live, work and play. This application for a European Green Leaf Award reinforces the outstanding environment that we have and our commitment to maintain and improve it. ”