Edinburgh named UK's greenest city

For the third year running, Edinburgh has ranked first in a poll of the UK's greenest cities, providing the best quality of life for its residents and the lowest pollution levels. The capital’s results score above Glasgow, who came in eleventh out of fifteen cities for quality of life and ranked only 9th in the air pollution stakes.

The annual survey by Real Estate Advisors, Cushman and Wakefield, bases its findings on 21 varying factors that help determine the most desirable city in terms of relocation and corporation success. Although Glasgow seems to be lacking in terms of environmental awareness, the city scored higher overall than Edinburgh, ending up in 6th place next to Edinburgh in 7th.

David Reynolds, of Cushman and Wakefield Real Estate Solutions, told The Journal: “Edinburgh is a very attractive place to live, it just feels green and is a pleasant place to be. 11 per cent voted Edinburgh, putting it well ahead of the pack.” London came in second as the greenest city, scoring seven per cent , followed closely by Bristol with five per cent.

The annual poll revealed, however, that Glasgow was a more desirable city in terms of transport systems and business success: “Being green and clean and a nice place to live doesn't necessarily attract business corporations,” Reynolds said.

Dr Richard Dixon, director of the World Wildlife Federation in Scotland, has praised Edinburgh for its environmental awareness, but has also emphasised the importance of maintaining the city's "green" enthusiasm in order to sustain its current high placing. He told the Edinburgh Evening News: “Edinburgh has made good progress but the failure to go for congestion charging means the city will have to do a lot more on transport – as well as air pollution, energy use and recycling – before it can really claim to be the greenest in the UK.”

However, there are programmes in Edinburgh which are designed to maintain the city's eco-friendly reputation.

The tram system, currently being constructed throughout the city, has faced criticism for delays that road works have caused but will act as a greener transport option. Trams are the only motorised transport that can be powered by renewable energy, and are aimed at cutting car use and reducing congestion. The system itself is supported by over 75 per cent of Edinburgh's businesses, and according to the City of Edinburgh Council, aims to have full revenue service running by 2011.

The Marchmont and Sciennes Smart Shopping Project is another recent proposal funded by the council's Waste Action Grant programme in a bid to create an environment free of plastic bags. Florist Monica Higgins, Marchmont & Sciennes Business Association chairperson, explained the reasons behind the project to the council: “For some time we have been recycling plastic bags in our shops but wanted to actively do more. We realised that between just four local shops we were generating 46,000 plastic bags a month and found it to be a shocking reality.”

It is hoped that schemes such as this will promote environmental awareness throughout the city. Dr Dixon expressed a desire to pursue further environmental plans. Speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News, he said: “Serious action on climate emissions and decentralising energy are being considered, so Edinburgh could become a real green leader among UK cities.”