Earlier in the summer, Exeter launched its ‘Sustainability Awards’:
New for 2022, the awards are a way to celebrate, support and recognise the sustainable practice and commitment of the businesses, organisations and individuals driving change across Exeter.
It is rather official:
Princesshay, Exeter City Futures, Exeter City Council, Exeter University, In Exeter, Devon Contract Waste and the Exeter Magazine are launching The Exeter Sustainability Awards.
New sustainability awards launched in Exeter – Exeter City Council News
If not rather top-down:
A panel of judges will be looking for environmental and social best practice, innovation, sustainable energy use and climate resilience. Judges include Councillor Phil Bialyk, Leader of Exeter City Council, Will Page, Head of Charity, Ride On Exeter; Jo Yelland, Director, Exeter City Futures; Simon Almond, Managing Director at Devon Contract Waste, Ann Hunter BID Manager for InExeter and Andy Seaman, Head of Environment & Climate Emergency Team, University of Exeter.
NEW SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS FOR EXETER – Exeter Chamber
It looks very inspiring, as the official website demonstrates:
With Exeter City Council declaring a commitment to make Exeter carbon neutral by 2030, these awards will recognise and champion those who are making strides in this area, whether it’s a business, community group or school, or an individual going the extra mile in their community.
However, as the investigative journalist website the Exeter Observer notes, Exeter is not actually doing very well:
Exeter City Council abandons city 2030 decarbonisation “ambition” – Exeter Observer
Exeter cycling & walking strategy five years late and counting – Exeter Observer
To what degree, then, should the Exeter Sustainability Awards be seen as a piece of self-promotion by Exeter City Council? Especially considering some of the transparency and governance issues…
Exeter City Futures secondment decision may be unlawful – Exeter Observer