Green database shows London's environment improved over past decade

An unprecedented amount of information on London's environment has been published together online for the first time, to help Londoners find out more about the capital's waste, water, air quality, energy and wildlife.

The data on a range of environmental factors is contained in a new report entitled ‘London’s Environment Revealed - State of the Environment Report’. It is the first time a state of the environment report has been produced as a collaboration between the key organisations in London responsible for the environment. The report uses information held by each organisation - the Greater London Authority, the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Forestry Commission to assess performance across 28 environmental indicators, including waste, water, air quality, energy and wildlife.

The report shows that since 2000 the capital's environment is improving, despite increasing challenges from climate change and a growing population. In 21 of the 28 indicators contained in the report, improvements have been made, whilst setting out the challenges that lie ahead. For example, Londoners now produce 10 per cent less waste per household than in 2000, and the amount of waste produced per household is lower than any other region in England. Residents are recycling and composting more of their rubbish than ever – 32 per cent of all the household waste produced.

Wildlife habitats in London have been restored and enhanced over the past 10 years. Among improvements already made, 10.5 kilometres of river habitat has been improved, 228 hectares of coastal and floodplain grazing marsh has been added to London’s green spaces and 7.5 hectares of reed beds have been added along the city’s watercourses.

However, the report also highlights that more needs to be done. Household water use is still at a similar level to 2000/01, approximately 167 litres per person per day. This is 14 per cent more than the England and Wales average, despite London being in one of the driest parts of the country. And while significant steps have been taken to reduce the amount of household waste that goes to landfill, it still accounts for half (49 per cent), with almost two million tonnes of waste being land filled. London's CO2 emissions per person are 5.9 tonnes per year, well below the UK average of 7.1 tonnes but energy use in London homes has remained at similar levels since 2000 and accounts for around 42 per cent of London’s total consumption. By making their homes more energy efficient, Londoners will reduce the amount of energy used in their homes and reduce energy bills. 

Download the report

See the environment information on London Datastore

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