Back
News

Three UK cities make top 10 in climate resilience ranking

Three UK cities have ranked among Europe’s top 10 for their resilience to the impact of climate change, according to the latest research from CBRE.

Birmingham, London and Manchester were found to be some of the best performers for climate resilience on the continent.

The report, called European city sustainability study 2024, evaluated the performance of 42 cities across Europe in relation to a number of factors, from transition risk, building performance standards and level of air pollution, to future flood risks and ability to implement renewable energy.

Out of 42 cities assessed, the top 10 were:

  • Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  • Birmingham, United Kingdom
  • Gothenburg, Sweden
  • Helsinki, Finland
  • London, United Kingdom
  • Manchester, United Kingdom
  • Oslo, Norway
  • Paris, France
  • Rotterdam, The Netherlands
  • Stockholm, Sweden.

Researchers found that real estate exposure to climate risk varied significantly across Europe, as does the challenge to decarbonise the built environment.

CBRE UK head of research Jennet Siebrits said: “By improving the understanding of Europe’s key cities in terms of climate readiness, we hope to galvanise not only the property industry and investors, but also broader stakeholders, to take note of the need to prepare against the worst effects of climate change.

“While many cities may regard themselves as being leaders, this survey holds some surprises and warns against complacency.”

Kaela Fenn-Smith, managing director of CBRE’s sustainability and ESG consultancy, said: “UK cities have performed particularly well, with Birmingham, London and Manchester all appearing in the top ten.

“This is testament to efforts so far to prepare for the inevitable effects of climate change. However, there is much work to be done and no room for complacency if we are to deliver against the country’s much needed net-zero targets.”

Common factors

According to the study, the 10 most resilient cities had several factors in common.

In terms of transition risk, more than half have set city-level net-zero carbon targets earlier than 2050.

More than half had prime capital values higher than the sample median, making relative refurbishment costs lower. And over half were found to have some degree of minimum energy efficiency regulation, preventing the lease of energy inefficient stock.

Regarding physical climate risk, most had lower historic damages from climatic hazards than the sample average and a low future flood risk assessment.

Half had low baseline water stress, and almost all had air pollution lower than the sample average.

Where mitigation and adaptation measures were concerned, all showed increased use of renewable energy over the past five years. Additionally, most have certified more than a fifth of their total office buildings.

Siebrits said: “Under our analysis, markets that set more ambitious targets and introduce environmental regulation are more resilient to climate risks.

“Likewise, markets at threat from physical risks which have invested in defence systems and adaptation early are more resilient.

“In terms of mitigating climate change, the generation of renewable electricity and use for building heating is one of the most significant steps a market can make. This provides lessons for markets hoping to become more resilient to climate risks where there remains a huge opportunity to make an impact.”

To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@eg.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @EGPropertyNews

Photo © London From The Rooftops/Bav Media/Shutterstock

Up next…