Dundee has been ranked as the UK’s leader in environmental health, scoring highest in air and drinking water quality in a new study by Waste Direct.
The city achieved a composite score of 82.00, making it the healthiest place in the UK to breathe and drink. Its green spaces, which scored 80, and high public accessibility further highlight Dundee’s strong environmental credentials.
Exeter claimed second place with a composite score of 81.25. Known for its urban cleanliness and tidiness, the city also scored highly in air and drinking water quality. Exeter’s plentiful green spaces and comfortable public areas contributed to its standout performance, earning one of the highest individual scores of 88.
Milton Keynes took third place with a composite score of 79.86. It is among the least polluted cities in the UK and boasts the highest-rated parks and green spaces. Its air quality score of 85.71 and strong ratings for drinking water quality further cemented its position in the top three.
Other notable mentions include Chester in fourth place, with its perfect score of 100 for comfortable public spaces and strong air and drinking water quality. Durham rounded out the top five, excelling in cleanliness and green space accessibility while offering higher air quality than Exeter.
The study emphasised the importance of strong environmental standards, with air quality carrying the most weight in the rankings. Waste Direct spokesperson Evie Graham noted that the findings highlight how urban areas with well-maintained green spaces, clean air and water, and thoughtful planning contribute to both physical and social well-being.
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