Sustainability was a massive buzz word before the pandemic. Then there were lockdowns, and then a cost of living crisis. However, despite these very big distractions, the push towards a sustainable, green economy persists. Those who want to live in a world where they can breathe clean air, live in harmony with the environment, and do their part to mitigate the worst of the climate crisis are growing in number.
It’s only natural to move where your values are represented. The good news is that there are actually many sustainable cities in the UK to choose from.
Living holistically, where you can easily make decisions to support climate and social-positive businesses is one of the best things you can do for your quality of life, and for the wider world. Ready to learn more about the most sustainable destinations in the UK? Let’s get started:
What Makes a City Sustainable?
Before we get into which cities in the UK are sustainable, let’s first outline just what makes a city sustainable. Know this information, and you can find pockets of community almost everywhere, which in turn opens up your options massively.
When looking for a sustainable community, you’ll want to check:
1. Carbon Efficiency
How carbon efficient is the city? Are there renewable energy initiatives? Public transport? Waste reduction? These programs will be city-wide. A great example is London’s investment in green-energy busses, which produce far less CO2 than their older counterparts.
2. Green Spaces
Green spaces are so incredibly important. They are great for mental health, social health, and, most importantly, biodiversity. There are plenty of initiatives out there supporting that biodiversity, including efforts to restore the UK’s meadows. See what green spaces are in the city, and what biodiversity initiatives that area has invested in, to get an idea on how healthy that area’s green spaces are.
3. Public Transportation
Regardless of how carbon efficient public transportation is, it is always better than every individual driving a car. That’s why the most sustainable cities always have a robust public transportation infrastructure. This will include a mix of trains, busses, and even bike lanes.
4. Community Engagement
A truly sustainable city wants its citizens to join in on sustainability initiatives. A great example of this was London’s drinking water program, which put together a list of businesses offering free water refills for reusable containers and free water fountains at all train stations. However, this initiative has died down due to the pandemic.
5. Circular Economy
Yes, this is a business focus, but it’s very important for developing a lasting sustainable city. See what grants and other support networks a city offers to encourage a circular economy. This can be something as simple as offering rebates for circular businesses.
Why Choose a Sustainable City?
Living in a sustainable city is great for absolutely everyone, even if you personally don’t invest too much time or effort in living sustainably yourself. This is because living in a sustainable city offers these benefits:
- Improve your health and wellbeing
- Save on energy bills and transportation bills
- Enjoy a stronger sense of community
- More diversity thanks to emphasis on small businesses
- Breathe in cleaner air
- Enjoy a more positive outlook for future generations
What are the UK’s Most Sustainable Destinations?
Now that you know more about what makes a city sustainable, and why they’re such great options for you to move to, let’s get into the most sustainable destinations in the UK today:
· Bristol
Bristol comes in at #1. When it comes to choosing a sustainable city, Bristol is the shining example. You can see it as the UK’s green capital. This is because of its great cycle paths, its wonderful green paces, and its focus on renewable energy. So many wonderful eco-friendly and green initiatives make it a hub for sustainable development.
Not only that, but Bristol has been in the lead for almost 10 years, meaning that many of its residents have eco-friendly and sustainable mindsets. If you’re one of them, you’ll find your community here.
· Brighton and Hove
Another great close-knit, sustainable community is in Brighton and Hove. This seaside community is very eco-friendly, with waste-reduction initiatives, great public transport, and renewable energy efforts. The area also boasts many protected environments, which is wonderful for biodiversity and mental health.
· London
London is a massive city, so its sustainability efforts aren’t as widespread as other areas. That being said, the ULEZ program, massive public transport infrastructure, and large number of green spaces actually make it a sustainable city. Does it still have a long way to go? Yes, but the mayor is committed to making London a more sustainable, healthy place for all. It’s also home to some very eco-friendly communities, mostly located in East London.
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