Press release: New research highlights the areas of England with the strongest foundations for a green economic recovery

The top five green economies per capita in 2018/19 were in south east England(1), Greater Manchester and the Leeds City Region. 

The top 5 areas achieved approximately £7,000-£11,000 green economy sales per capita, contrasting with an average of less than £2,000 for the other 34 areas across England.  London ranks sixth, with other parts of south and south east England making up the rest of the top ten.

The new benchmark is based on an area’s proportion of annual sales of low carbon, renewable energy and environmental goods and services(2) per total population.  In this new research by clean growth consultants Accelar in partnership with kMatrix data services, the benchmark was used to compare the pre COVID-19 health of the green economy in different areas of England. 

The gap in relative performance between the top five and other areas highlights the extent of untapped potential of the green economy to help to rebalance local economies and create quality jobs.  In the context of Brexit, it is also notable that the green economy also has a different export market to many other sectors. Only one of the top 12 UK export partner countries for the green economy is in the EU, making it potentially more resilient to the UK’s exit(3).

The research also illustrates the hidden depths of the green economy in areas where local businesses are making significant contributions to the local economy that are however less visible as they sit further down the supply chain (e.g. in component design and engineering).

Accelar’s Managing Director, Chris Fry, commented “the green economy is dynamic and diverse, and its growth in many areas in recent years bodes well for the future.  The research reveals how the green economy is positioned to contribute to local economic recovery and new jobs during 2021.  It should also be the engine room for tackling climate change and the recovery of natural systems for decades to come.”

The research, including interactive charts and maps such as the one below, is published here.

- ENDS –

Notes:

(1)   Specifically, the Enterprise M3, Coast to Capital and South East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) areas.  

(2)   Sometimes known as “LCEGS”.

(3)   According to the London Low Carbon market snapshot, 2019.

Supporting information

Accelar Limited is a strategy and sustainability consultancy with a purpose to help accelerate the clean growth transition. With hubs in Birmingham, London, Hampshire and Edinburgh, Accelar helps companies and public sector clients to grasp the opportunities associated with reducing carbon emissions, improving climate resilience and enhancing natural capital. 

For more information please visit www.accelar.co.uk

For all press enquiries, please contact Chris Fry via +44 7986 555168 or cfry@accelar.co.uk