Cambridge crowned UK’s most sustainable city for second year running

Image credit: University of Cambridge

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Cambridge is the UK’s most sustainable city for the second year running, new data has revealed.

According to the analysis from BNP Paribas Real Estate’s Next X data tool, released to coincide with Earth Day (22 April), Cambridge stands out due to its strong environmental policies, efficient infrastructure, and high levels of access to open space.

Next X’s Green City Index evaluates locations outside of London based on five fundamental themes, including sustainable lifestyle behaviours, local infrastructure, real estate environmental credentials, access to open space and pollution/emissions.

Cambridge topped the list for the second year running, ahead of Exeter and Bristol (second and third respectively).

Josh Arnold, Next X Research at BNP Paribas Real Estate said that Cambridge performed strongly across all five of the sustainability themes evaluated. “The city’s commitment to green space preservation, sustainable transport, and long-term carbon reduction strategies continues to set a high benchmark for other locations,” he said.

Arnold added that a “noticeable divide” exists between north and south, with eight of the top 10 cities located in the south. York is the only northern city in the ranking. However, local plans up and down the country are being re-drafted to incorporate encouraging policy targets and initiatives which should help towards evening the playing field.

Donna Rourke, Head of ESG and Sustainability at BNP Paribas Real Estate commented: “Local authority initiatives can spur significant change to cities in the drive for delivering more sustainable places to live and work.

“Cambridge and Bristol are great examples of the environmental success that can be achieved through localised action, whether it be focusing on greener transport initiatives, or through the delivery of more energy efficient property.”