Oxford is leading the way on tackling the climate emergency after it was announced as England's greenest city for a second year.
The ranking comes from the ENDS Green Cities Index 2024 which ranks the country’s largest urban centres and after considers their green credentials using more than 30 environmental factors.
According to the data by ENDS Report, Oxford was ranked top for green behaviour and public realm.
Oxford also showed one of the highest recycling rates in the country, is among the top 10 cities with the closest access to public green space, and has the largest proportion of adults who engage in cycling or walking for any purpose at least five times per week.
READ MORE: Train lines blocked as emergency incident causes delays
Oxford has a rich diversity of parks and green spaces with 126 playgrounds, 150 sports pitches, and 26 countryside sites.
Green spaces such as Port Meadow have a history of 1,000 years of grazing, while Shotover has a mix of ancient trees interspersed with heather, and the Lye Valley is home to internationally rare fen habitat.
The maintenance of these sites is supported by “Friends of” groups and other volunteers that help to protect and enhance Oxford’s green spaces alongside Oxford City Council’s parks team.
Oxford has also been leading the way in tackling air pollution through the introduction of the Zero Emission Zone Pilot in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council in February 2022.
Data from Oxford City Council published last month has found that in 2023 Oxford’s air pollution levels decreased by 14 per cent on average, compared with a 9 per cent average reduction across the UK.
Businesses are also working to reduce emissions by working with local zero emission delivery couriers.
Oxford City Council has been working with Velocity on an electric cargo bike service for local businesses, and the University of Oxford’s Mail Service is now using an electric cargo bike for many of their deliveries around Oxford.
The city also hosted the EV Summit at the Saïd Business School on July 15 -16.
Finally, Oxford has one of the highest recycling rates according to the latest figures.
Oxford scored a recycling rate of 48.8 per cent, making it the top performing city council in England.
As well as saving money, recycling also reduces energy and water use. Oxford has an extensive household recycling system, and most items can be recycled in the blue bin. You can find information on what goes in each bin at www.oxford.gov.uk/recycling
Councillor Anna Railton, deputy leader and cabinet member for Zero Carbon Oxford, said: “It is fantastic news that Oxford has been named England's greenest city once again.
"There are many exciting initiatives happening around our city to tackle climate change, and I am proud of the hard work of the Oxford City Council for helping us achieve this title for a second year.
READ MORE: New homewares shop to open at the Westgate
"I also want to thank the residents of Oxford for their efforts in making a positive impact - it goes to show that every little step can help make a difference."
The Oxford Mail and Oxford City Council are seeking nominations for the Oxford Climate Awards 2024 to celebrate the city's climate heroes and individuals or groups who champion environmental sustainability.
Across multiple categories – including innovation in climate action, sustainable business and green transport – we want to discover those incredible people who go above and beyond.
The entries will be judged by an independent panel and the winners revealed at a black tie event at Oxford Town Hall on October 17.
The closing date for nominations is August 11. For more information and to nominate, go to www.oxfordmail.co.uk/climate-awards
Help support trusted local news
Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe/
As a digital subscriber you will get:
- Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website
- Advert-light access
- Reader rewards
- Full access to our app
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here