Carbon emissions in London dropped by 29% during the pandemic compared to the year before, according to analysis compiled by Lloyds Banking Group in partnership with the Carbon Trust.

The analysis considered the impact on carbon emissions resulting from changing consumer spending behaviour across six categories: food and drink, fuel, commuting, airlines, electrical stores and clothing stores.

Restrictions on international and domestic travel as well as the increase in working from home have been significant factors in the drop in carbon emissions. Emissions from commuting reduced by 63%, and emissions from fuel fell by 17% compared to the year before the pandemic. At the same time, international travel restrictions meant that the carbon emissions from airlines dropped by nearly three quarters (72%) compared to the previous year.

As the capital prepares to emerge from lockdown, public support for the environment remains strong in London with nearly two thirds (64%) of the public ranking the environment as a top priority for post pandemic recovery.

However, it appears that ‘going green’ is a struggle as nearly one in five (19%) were not able to reduce their carbon footprint in the third lockdown, the research revealed.

How the pandemic has impacted behaviour change in the UK

Many Britons are planning to make greener choices once restrictions lift, with seven in 10 (72%) saying they will make a conscious effort to cut their carbon footprint after lockdown.

Environmental reasons are also a factor for people thinking about a return to work, with almost three in 10 (29%) full-time employees citing this as a reason in their plans to work from home at least two to three times a week.

Generational differences can be seen in these emerging environmental behaviour changes. Nearly half (49%) of over 55s are planning to continue shopping locally compared to just 27% of younger generations (18–24 year olds). Older generations are also more likely to limit their car use than younger generations (36% and 23% respectively) and make improvements to their home’s energy efficiency (16% and 7% respectively).

Thrifty under 25s are planning to buy more items second-hand or upcycle them than older generations (35% and 22% respectively) and are focused on changing their diets to reduce emissions (23% and 13% respectively).

Ed Thurman, Group Ambassador for London at Lloyds Banking Group, said:

“Our analysis of how Londoners spent their money shows a sharp decline in commuting, air travel and fuel usage since the first lockdown in March last year.

“That led to a massive fall in carbon emissions of 29% in a year – more than any other region.

“Now restrictions are lifting again, the challenge will be to keep the momentum going and find ways to continue cutting our carbon emissions. People in the capital clearly value the environment and see it as a priority for economic recovery.

“We want to help and support our businesses, communities and customers to play their part in tackling climate change and make it not just simple but also cost effective to do so.”

Myles McCarthy, Director at the Carbon Trust, said:

“It is encouraging to see that the environment remains top of mind for two thirds of people in post pandemic recovery. Lockdown has disrupted our lives in many aspects, challenging people from turning aspirations into action, while encouraging more sustainable habits like homeworking and local shopping.

“As lockdown eases, and in the run-up to COP26, it is time for consumers, citizens, businesses and governments to come together and build the enabling environment that will help turn climate ambitions into long-term impact.”