Brighton & Hove is home to the country’s only Green MP, was the first UK location to be awarded the prestigious Gold Sustainable Food Place Award and has pledged to be Carbon Neutral by 2030.

The city is part of the Brighton & Lewes Down UNESCO Biosphere region also known as The Living Coast. There are many businesses in the area which share the values of the Biosphere and are committed to preserving and sustaining the environment for future generations. For example, Slake Spirits use local botanicals to provide a unique flavour however they only use ingredients that are common enough to provide a reliable source without negatively impacting the natural environment. We love Tom at Slake’s comment that: “Sustainability is not a destination, it’s more a mindset… of continuous improvement”. Similarly Depot in Lewes have committed to Sustainability and have invested in a living roof at the cinema which is not only good for insulation but also attracts a wide range of wildlife such as bees & butterflies.

Brighton & Hove Gold City Award

Brighton & Hove was the first city in the UK to be awarded the prestigious Gold Sustainable Food Place Award in recognition of the pioneering work around good food. We would like to say a huge thank you to the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership whose inspiring bid led to the city’s victory. In response to the award chef, writer, and campaigner Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall observed that the city has: “hugely improved access to affordable good food and nurtured a food system that promotes people’s health and livelihoods while protecting the local and global environment.”

Carbon Neutral by 2030

Brighton & Hove City Council has pledged to become Carbon Neutral by 2030 to protect our communities, our nature and to create a sustainable world for the next generation. You can read more about the planned programme to become Carbon Neutral by 2030 on the Brighton & Hove City Council website. As a visitor to the city there are small actions you can take to help us achieve this goal such as using public transport to get here and to get around during your stay. There are also sustainable activities, experiences, and workshops you can enjoy during your visit such as foraging for forest feasts or a silent disco beach clean. You can learn to make your own jewellery or simply enjoy shopping at our independent traders & eating delicious local produce.