Barking and Dagenham has once again been named the lowest carbon‑emitting borough in London, according to the latest figures from the Greater London Authority’s London Energy and Greenhouse Gas Inventory.

The annual report measures emissions linked to electricity, gas, transport, homes and industry, and helps the Mayor and boroughs track progress towards net‑zero targets. 

The new data, reflecting 2023 emissions, shows that Barking and Dagenham produced 477 kilo‑tonnes of greenhouse gases – the lowest of all 32 London boroughs. It also marks a 21% reduction in local emissions since 2016.

Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. The fall in emissions across London – down 23% since 2016 – is driven by improvements such as more efficient heating systems, cleaner public transport, and the decarbonisation of the national electricity grid.

Councillor Kashif Haroon, Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Climate Change, welcomed the news. He said:

“These results show that Barking and Dagenham Council continues to lead the way in reducing carbon emissions and improving our local environment.

Over the last five years, we’ve secured almost £60 million in grants, developer contributions and external funding, which we’ve invested in low‑carbon heat networks, electric vehicle charging, retrofitting homes, schools and public buildings, as well as major tree‑planting and park improvements.

This work is already making a real difference, and we’ll continue to take the action needed to build a cleaner, greener future for our borough.”