Sustainable Swansea Council gets thumbs-up from voters

Swansea Council has picked up its second major sustainability award in a month.

Hot on the heels of being named the UK’s most sustainable public sector organisation at an event in London, the council has also now won the sustainable public sector award at the Cynnal Cymru Sustain Wales Awards in Cardiff.

The Cynnal Cymru Sustain Wales Awards were determined by public vote. Over 5,000 online votes were cast across eight categories.

Some of the council’s initiatives that led to the award included its wild flower scheme, the keep it to three recycling campaign and its work alongside community groups in regenerating local parks.

The Safer Swansea Partnership also won the most sustainable project of the year category for the Purple Flag scheme – an accreditation that’s been awarded to the city centre for all the progress made in raising the standard of the night-time economy.

Cllr Clive Lloyd, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Transformation and Performance, said: “In April next year, the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act comes into force in Wales. The first law of its kind in the world, it will ensure that public bodies consider sustainable development in everything they do, from setting budgets and procuring goods to decision-making and planning strategies.

“But here in Swansea, we’re already leading the way by embedding sustainable development as one of our central organising principles. This latest award is yet more recognition for the huge amount of work being done in Swansea to get the best of all our resources today, while making sure we have plenty left for tomorrow.”

Cllr Mark Child, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Healthy City, said: “The successful application for Purple Flag status earlier this year was a major boost for Swansea city centre, so this award is further recognition for all that continues to be done to develop the quality and diversity of our nightlife.

“Developing a sustainable night-time offer in the city centre that has something for everyone is an important goal as we now strive to further improve the city’s health, vitality and prosperity.”

Other organisations shortlisted for a Cynnal Cymru Sustain Wales Award included Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, Cardiff’s Millennium Centre and the Snowdonia National Park Authority.