Birmingham named the least environmentally-friendly city

Bristol has been named the most environmentally-friendly city in the UK, and Birmingham has been named the worst, according to research conducted by property buyers Good Move. 

The researchers compared all UK cities for their carbon emissions, recycling rates, gas consumption, green party seats and the amount of green space.

They found that Bristol ranked top in three of these five categories, outperforming all other cities with regards to its carbon emissions, recycling rates and gas consumption.

Bristol residents recycle or compost almost half (47%) of their household waste, this is 6% more than any other city.

Bristol is also the only city in the UK to consume less than 3,000 kW/h of gas a year.

Edinburgh was ranked the second most eco-friendly city, this was mainly due to the large areas of publically available green space, more than any other city in the UK.

In comparison, Birmingham has been named the least environmentally-friendly city largely due to its poor recycling rates.

Only 22% of Birmingham residents recycle their waste, this is the lowest of any UK city.

The researchers also found that London performs poorly in most categories, producing more carbon emissions (29,709 tonnes) and using more gas (62,546 kW/h) than the other nine major cities combined.

Ross Counsell, director at Good Move said: ‘The world is finally waking up to the dangers of climate change and the impact that our lifestyles are having on the planet.

‘Our research has highlighted which UK cities are particularly guilty of being unsustainable, while also praising those who are taking steps to address the issues.

‘However, progress can only be made if the country works together as a whole, making informed changes on a national scale.’

In related news,  Bristol City Council has received £10m of government funding to expand the city’s low-carbon heat network.

The Heat Network Investment Project (HNIP) will see the city’s heat network broadened, meaning that low-carbon heat will be available to more properties in the city.

Photo Credit – Pixabay