What we're doing to improve air quality
Air pollution is the biggest environmental risk to health in the UK, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. In Royal Greenwich, it’s estimated that over 100 deaths each year are linked to poor air quality.
Our Air Quality Action Plan sets out our priorities to improve air quality between 2023 and 2027.
Download our Air Quality Action Plan:
What we’re doing now
We’re actively working to improve air quality and protect health in the borough.
Upgrading council vehicles
Over 30 of our fleet vehicles are now electric, and nearly 90% meet the latest emissions standards. We’re aiming for a fully zero-emission fleet by 2030.
Expanding electric vehicle charging
We’ve installed more than 300 public EV charge points, including 48 rapid chargers. We’re planning more to meet future demand.
Improving walking and cycling routes
We’re investing in safer, greener streets, especially in the south and east of the borough, and around town centres and public transport hubs.
Supporting schools
We’ve made 4 School Streets permanent and we’re trialing 7 more. These reduce traffic and pollution at school gates during drop-off and pick-up times.
Planting trees
We’ve already planted over 2,000 trees and aim to plant 5,000 more by 2026. A borough-wide tree canopy survey is helping us target areas most in need.
Cleaner construction
We enforce a Code of Construction Practice and require developers to meet strict air quality standards, including using low-emission machinery.
Retrofitting buildings
We’re working with partners to deliver energy efficiency upgrades to homes and workplaces, including through the Retrofit Accelerator and Sustainable Warmth schemes.
Raising awareness
We’re working with schools, GP surgeries and community groups to help people understand the health impacts of air pollution and how to reduce exposure.
What we’ve achieved so far
As part of the London Local Air Quality Management (LLAQM) system, we publish our air quality status report every year. It shows:
- a detailed overview of air quality in the borough
- how we’re meeting our action plan
- data from our monitoring stations
We’re making progress in many areas.
Falling air pollution levels
Monitoring shows a steady drop in nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), PM10 and PM2.5 across the borough. All sites are currently below UK legal limits, though many still exceed WHO guidelines.
Cleaner council fleet
Our fleet is on track to meet our zero-emissions target.
School engagement
Twenty-four schools have achieved gold accreditation through the TfL STARS programme for promoting sustainable travel.
Innovative projects
We’ve installed a water-source heat pump at Ernest Dence Estate and trialed Low Emission Neighbourhoods in Greenwich West and the Peninsula.
Monitoring network
We have a large air quality monitoring network, with 10 automatic stations and over 40 diffusion tube sites. We’re also trialing solar-powered sensors at schools.
Green infrastructure
We’ve invested £1 million in parks and open spaces and are developing a Green Infrastructure Strategy to support cleaner air and healthier communities.