Green-led Brighton & Hove is world's first 'One Planet Living' programme city

18 April 2013

Green politicians nationally are celebrating as Green-led Brighton & Hove City Council, the first Green-led council in the UK, became the world's first planned 'One Planet City'.

The city's Sustainability Action Plan officially received independent accreditation from BioRegional for its plans to enable residents to live well within a fairer share of the earth's resources.

BioRegional is an award winning charity with an international reputation for developing sustainable solutions.

The Action Plan sets out how the city can meet all the international targets under BioRegional's recognised 'One Planet Living' principles, identifying achievable goals for the city to meet a more sustainable target – using just one planet's worth of resources rather than the current three and a half.

BioRegional is working in partnership with One Planet communities across the world, as well as with businesses like B&Q and the Kingfisher Group.

Green councillor Jason Kitcat, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said, "It's a huge achievement for Brighton & Hove to be accredited as the world's first One Planet City and is exactly why a Green-led Council makes a difference.

"It is highly unlikely that this would have been adopted were it not for the Greens leading the council administration.

"If everyone on the planet used the same amount of resources as we do in Brighton & Hove, we'd need three and a half Earths to keep going.

"It's just not sustainable for us or anyone else on the planet to go on at this rate.

"It's a challenging time for the public sector, but we're not going it alone. BioRegional and our partners in the city are working with us to shape a 'One Planet City'.

"Together we can boost the local economy, become more resistant to price hikes in energy, fuel and food, and foster a more equal and healthy city."

Sue Riddlestone, Chief Executive of BioRegional, said: "We are delighted that Brighton and Hove has committed to become the first One Planet City.

"We've been working in the city since 1999, the main project so far being the award winning 'One Brighton' Community in the New England Quarter. Brighton and Hove is a place where you can see the level of innovation and commitment to sustainability all around you, from the City council to the many thriving enterprises and community activists.

"This Action Plan is the next step on the way to a happy and prosperous future."

Vic Borrill, Director Brighton & Hove Food Partnership agrees that  it is imperative for everyone to work together to achieve the One Planet Living Action Plan, she said, "It is fantastic to see the city making a commitment to reducing our ecological footprint."

The Sustainability Action Plan is a practical three year plan that has been put together by the council, BioRegional, the city's partnerships and other leading organisations in the city.

It outlines both short term actions and longer term ambitions for the council and the city to improve local quality of life, reduce impacts on the environment, save money and make Brighton & Hove more resilient.

For more information please contact the Green Party of England & Wales press office on 020 7549 0315 or e: press@greenparty.org.uk