London’s EV charging availability has helped it to top the UK’s greenest city leader-board, in a new study by Project Solar UK.
The project analysed locations across Britain to put together a list of the ‘greenest’ cities, evaluating them in four categories – Nature, Transport, Emissions and Sustainability.
It looked at the amount of green space available, analysing parks per 10,000 of the population. The study also considered the Uswitch data for EV charging provisions alongside levels of air pollution and recycling levels.
Furthermore, its team measured the investment into solar energy, judged by the investment per million pounds of council budget. Investment includes any expenditure on construction or maintenance of any new or existing solar energy projects.
The findings put London at the top due to its £149,126.52 per million pounds of council budget in solar energy, a high ration of green spaces and availability of EV charging hubs.
Bristol was not far behind, with the most EV charging points for drivers, at only 914 drivers per charger. Birmingham came bottom of the table however, Project Solar explained that EV drivers would have to “battle it out” for access with 6,997 of them per charging station.
According to the study, the Scottish capital Edinburgh has the lowest air pollution levels with Swansea, Wales providing the most green park space per population.
Simon Peat, CEO of Project Solar UK, said: “While this research highlights that local authorities are working hard to fulfil their commitments around moving towards net zero, we also note that individuals and communities are taking critical steps towards carbon zero.
“From planting trees and setting up communal composting areas to installing solar panels and purchasing electric vehicles, our communities are addressing environmental problems in their local areas.
“Together their proactive moves, such as choosing renewable energy sources and tackling waste, alongside those of local authorities, all help in addressing the climate emergency.”
