Sustainable Living: Your Guide to a Greener London
London is now officially one of the greenest cities in Europe. 47% of the city consists of green spaces, and 60% designated as open space; you are never far from a park or a quiet garden. In fact, London became the world’s first National Park City in 2019, boasting 35,000 acres of green space.
As a student in the city, you are part of an urban centre that is constantly evolving to protect its environment. Since 2016, over 476,000 trees have been planted across the capital to help clean the air and provide shade in the summer.
| Key Green Fact | London Status |
| National Park City Status | First in the world (achieved in 2019) |
| Tree Canopy | 476,000+ new trees since 2016 |
| Carbon Goal | Net zero by 2050 (Mayor targeting 2030) |
| Green Space | 47% of the city |
What Does ‘Carbon Zero by 2050’ Mean?
The UK government has set a legal target for the country to be net zero by 2050. This means that any greenhouse gas produced by the country has to equal the amount of carbon removed from the atmosphere. To achieve this, London is focusing on a few major areas:
- Clean Transport: The entire transport system, including buses and taxis, is transitioning to zero emissions.
- Green Energy: Moving away from gas boilers and using more renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
- Better Buildings: Improving insulation in homes and student accommodation to reduce the energy needed for heating.
While the national target is 2050, the Mayor of London is working towards an even more ambitious goal for the city to reach net zero by 2030 through the ‘Accelerated Green’ pathway.
How Can You Live Sustainably in London?
Living in a big city does not mean you cannot have a positive impact. There are plenty of small changes you can make while studying at one of the many great universities in the city.
- Walk: Simple, really. London is designed for walking and cycling. Use the cycle superhighways to walk between campuses to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Shop Local: Visit local markets for plastic-free groceries. Many areas in London now have ‘zero waste’ shops where you can refill your own containers.
- Be Energy Aware: Simple habits in your student room, like turning off lights when you leave and not overfilling the kettle, make a collective difference.
Insider Tips for Eco-Students
- Explore the Green Belt: Take the tube to the end of the line and explore the 35,000 acres of protected green space that surrounds the city.
- Join a Community Garden: Many boroughs have local gardening projects where you can help grow vegetables and meet neighbours.
- Download ‘Refill’: This app shows you where you can refill your water bottle for free across the city, helping you avoid single-use plastics.
Greener London Living
Now you know how London is changing its outlook on green initiatives, it’s time for you to do your bit. Browse our range of London student accommodation today and secure your base for a greener London lifestyle.
Related Questions
Where are the best green spaces for students in London?
Major spots like Hyde Park and Regent’s Park are popular, but smaller spaces like Hampstead Heath offer a more wild experience. These are excellent, free locations for studying or relaxing outdoors.
How can I recycle in London student accommodation?
Your Homes for Students property will have designated recycling bins for paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, and cans. Check the signage in your building’s bin store to ensure items are clean and correctly sorted before disposal.