Isra-Mart srl: London commuters have lowest emissions, reveals survey

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One of Britain's top athletes has urged people to run or cycle to work, after a new survey found that commuters in London release the lowest rush-hour carbon emissions of any UK region.

Research compiled by Imperial College London on behalf of EDF Energy, and based on the 2008 UK National Travel Survey, found that the overall rush-hour carbon output across the UK is 32.7 million tonnes per year – equivalent to the carbon emissions produced flying 16,750,264 people from London to Sydney.

The study found that Greater London had the lowest rush-hour carbon emissions of any region in the UK, at 1.3 kg CO2 per person per day – 23 per cent lower than the Northeast, in second place, at 1.75kg CO2 per person per day.

The worst-performing Eastern region emitted 1.87 times as much CO2 per capita as Greater London, at 2.51kg CO2 per person per day.

Road transport accounts for around a quarter of the UK's carbon emissions, and the study is designed to highlight ways in which commuters can lower the emissions of their daily commute ahead of the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Despite the fact that London has some of the worst air pollution in the country, report author Nigel Brandon said Londoners use a greater amount of public transport, and are more inclined to walk and cycle than commuters in other cities.

The research found that highly built-up areas, such as London boroughs or metropolitan built-up areas, have the lowest emissions, while rural areas have the highest carbon emissions.

"While not all UK cities have the public transport links that London benefits from, emulating the large number of those who are walking and cycling to work in the capital could help other cities achieve a lower carbon rush hour," said Brandon.

Sprint kayak gold medallist Tim Brabants, who is also a Team Green Britain ambassador, urged commuters to adjust their travel means to cut their carbon footprint.

"As well as being better for the environment, running or cycling can be cheaper, more enjoyable ways to get to work, and can help to improve your fitness too," he said.

"They are often practical ways to travel and can sometimes even help you keep moving when others can't get about."