Oxford is ‘leading the way for urban wellness’ in air pollution study

With many countries, governments and businesses being handed a 2050 deadline to reach net zero, Solopress delved into which UK cities have the least work to do to hit their target.

They revealed the greenest cities in the UK, as well as the most and least wasteful cities.

Asthma emergency admissions plunged as lockdown improved air, Oxford study finds. “First study to tally asthma exacerbations with air pollution during pandemic finds numbers admitted to A&E fell 41% in 2020.” https://t.co/NJ7ms5F0yO pic.twitter.com/EdcNZTmujQ

— Brent Toderian (@BrentToderian) February 11, 2024

Mike Hales, Purchasing & Compliance Manager at Solopress comments: “It’s surprising how making several small steps can improve your business’ sustainability and increase profitability. Consider the choices you have and make a plan of action. Here are my top five tips to make your business more sustainable: 

• Look at industry-specific certifications
• Talk to competitors or trade bodies 
• Calculate your carbon footprint 
• Create green solutions for your customers, staff and suppliers
• Make your offices and factories more energy-efficient”

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Here are some key findings from their study: 

Milton Keynes ranks as the greenest city in the UK with the lowest air pollution out of all the cities analysed, scoring 17.05 (out of 100). The city also has the best traffic conditions in the country, scoring 88.42 on the index. 

Oxford ranks fourth with an air pollution score of 20.45 (out of 100) and a green space score of 88.24.

Wolverhampton is the least green city in the country, scoring the lowest for the quality of its green space and parks (50.00). The city also has the second-highest rating for air pollution (68.75).