International design and engineering group Arup was today named as the latest business to sponsor Bristol’s year as European Green Capital 2015.
The firm, which employs 280 people in Bristol and has been involved in many of the city’s major building projects, will be ‘built environment for future cities’ sponsor, providing strategic advice on transport, energy, smart cities and water.
It joins transport operator FirstGroup and accountants KPMG in supporting the Green Capital year.
Arup is making an undisclosed contribution along with what it called value-in-kind support to help put Bristol on the global map for forward-looking cities, particularly in areas such as sustainability, and create a powerful legacy from 2015.
The firm has promised to “engage, inspire and educate” through its involvement, contributing its leadership in sustainability, future cities and cities resilience, along with its extensive experience in working on major projects.
However, questions were immediately raised over Arup’s suitability, with critics pointing out that the firm has been employed by the shale gas industry to help prepare for planning applications for fracking sites and counts Cuadrilla as a client.
Speaking to the Bristol24/7 website, assistant mayor and Green Party councillor Gus Hoyt, who has campaigned against fracking, said Bristol must remain “frack free” and warned Arup against attempting to “buy green credentials”.
Arup, known for its strong ethos of sharing ideas and best practice, celebrates 40 years in Bristol this year during which it has been instrumental in many iconic projects in the city including the redevelopment of Harbourside, the Colston Hall foyer, M Shed and Pero’s Bridge – the result of a unique collaboration with architect Eilis O’Connell and Bristol City Council.
It is currently working on the re-development of Temple Meads railway station and the strategic master planning of the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone.
Pero’s Bridge, which opened in 1999, was chosen as the location for the official launch of Arup’s sponsorship deal with Bristol 2015, the company set up to facilitate Bristol’s year as European Green Capital.
The event was attended by Mayor of Bristol and Bristol 2015 board member George Ferguson, Arup Bristol director Phil Wood and Simon Power, Arup director for Bristol 2015.
Mayor Ferguson said: “Arup has been involved in many important projects across Bristol over the last 40 years, helping to transform the city and its surroundings. Their major commitment to sustainability and resilient cities makes them a perfect fit for Bristol 2015 and I am looking forward to developing this relationship over the course of the year and beyond.”
Mr Power added: “We are truly honoured to have been selected to work on this fantastic initiative that we anticipate will be a huge success in 2015 and beyond.
“Through our contribution and value in kind sponsorship we hope to not only build on existing relationships with the city, but with cities nationally and internationally. This will help Bristol as the European Green Capital to inspire others and deliver a lasting legacy.
“We will make it our aim to contribute towards improving the environment, economy and quality of life in growing urban populations. As someone born and brought up in the city, I am personally delighted to now be contributing to its future.”
The confirmation of Arup as a Bristol 2015 sponsor today coincides with the first United Nations World Cities Day, which promotes the international community’s interest in global urbanisation. The general theme of the event this year, which is taking place in Shanghai, is Better City, Better Life.
Arup, which employs 11,000 planners, designers, engineers and consultants across its 91 offices in 39 countries, was founded in 1946 with a set of values that foster a distinctive culture and encourages collaborative working.
Pictured: Bristol Mayor George Ferguson flanked by Phil Wood, left, and Simon Power of Arup
