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Home > Live in Cardiff > Environment > Green Cardiff

Green Cardiff

In 2008 Cardiff was named one of Britain's most sustainable cities in a survey that examined how well the Environment is cared for and measures to limit climate change. It looked at recycling, biodiversity, how cities were addressing climate change and quality of life for residents. More recently new environmental changes to the city including the new Cardiff Central Library with its ecological roof prove that Cardiff is a green giant.

Sustainability

The carbon footprint is an increasingly important issue for the region. In today’s climate, it is important not only for organisations but for individuals who visit and live in the region. Cardiff is committed to reducing waste and promotes recycling as something that everyone should be doing daily. Sustainability is promoted in all aspects from new developments and using local products to car sharing and walking. The region is committed to creating a sustainable future.

Transport - cycling

Cardiff is committed to a more sustainable transport and developments have recently been made to ensure safe, convenient and attractive routes for pedestrians to make walking a real alternative to the car for many short journeys.

New to Cardiff is the Smart Bike scheme which is run by OYBike and sponsored by the Council and the Welsh Assembly Government. The Paris-style scheme, will allow visitors to register to use one of a fleet of 70 specially branded and recognisable bikes that will be located at 35 bike stations situated at key points around Cardiff city centre and Cardiff Bay. Find out more about Smart bikes here.

Cycling can be one of the quickest and easiest ways to get around Cardiff. The city's easy gradients and large green parks make it ideal for exploring by bike. The historic Taff Trail cycle path runs North to South along the banks of the river Taff, linking Castell Coch, the city centre, Cardiff Castle, the National Museum of Wales and Cardiff Bay. In addition, the recently created Rhymney Trail provides 3.5 kilometers of shared pedestrian and cycle route.

Cardiff LibrarySustainable developments

Cardiff Library is set to become the city's most sustainable, as well as one of the most iconic buildings. It achieves the highest ratings for sustainable development, energy and water efficient services. One of its features is a sedum turf roof which will help insulate the 55,000sq ft six-storey building in the winter and keep it cool in the summer.

The low-growing mossy-type covering, which does not need mowing, will help the brass and glazed building on The Hayes achieve the highest energy efficiency rating of any building in the city centre.

Fair Trade Capital

In March 2004 Cardiff was designated as the world’s first FairTrade Capital City in recognition of its support for the scheme. FairTrade products can now be found in the majority of cafes in the city as well as numerous stores and restaurants.

Try Ozone in Charles Street or The Plan in Morgan Arcade for FairTrade and organic food and drink. For FairTrade gifts head to Shared Earth in Royal Arcade or Fair Do's Siopa Teg in Canton, and for the latest FairTrade and organic fashions, visit Oyster in Castle Arcade.

Local Produce & Farmers’ Markets

For locally produced, organic and FairTrade food and products, visit the weekly Riverside Real Food Market, held on the Taff embankment opposite the Millennium Stadium every Sunday between 10am and 2pm. Recently voted the 5th best Farmers Market in the UK by the Times, this market offers great produce and stunning views.

Alternatively, the the Vale of Glamorgan Farmer’s Market takes place in the grounds of the National History Museum at St Fagans on the second Sunday of every month between 10am and 1pm.