Woking named among most sustainable cities in England to run a business in and this is why

As companies across England look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and make greener choices, location can play a surprisingly big role. But have you ever wondered which English cities are the most sustainable places to run your business?

To find out where businesses can flourish while keeping green credentials intact, the research team at Rubbish.com analysed 100 major areas in England, examining how they perform across a range of environmental and business-related factors.

The study looked at seven key sustainability indicators: the number of BREEAM-certified office buildings (which measure eco-friendly construction), greenhouse gas emissions per capita, recycling rates, business survival rates, electric vehicle (EV) charging points per 100,000 people, cycling as a form of commuting, and energy consumption per household.

Each metric was assigned a specific weight to produce a total score for every city: BREEAM-certified buildings (20%), greenhouse gas emissions (20%), recycling rates (10%), business survival (15%), EV chargers (15%), cycling levels (10%), and household energy consumption (10%). The data came from sources including BREEAM, the Office for National Statistics (ONS), and the UK Government.

Landing in fourth place is Woking, with a total score of 52.72. Though smaller than the cities ahead of it, Woking punches well above its weight. It’s known as one of the UK’s pioneering eco-towns, having invested early in low-carbon energy systems. The city ranks 6th for recycling at 55.8%, and its 94.2% business survival rate places it 7th, making it a strong performer both environmentally and economically.

Woking’s GHG emissions of 3.5 tonnes per capita (27th) and energy use of 241 kWh per household (26th) are solid mid-table results, while its EV charging network of 107.8 devices per 100,000 (14th) supports its residents’ growing shift toward electric mobility. Although only 0.9% of locals cycle to work (46th), the town’s long-term sustainability strategy and track record in renewable energy make it a standout for businesses looking to go green.

Topping the list, London (1st) remains the clear leader, boasting over 6,000 BREEAM-certified buildings and 1,021 EV chargers per 100,000 people, followed by Cambridge (2nd), the country’s cycling stronghold with 8.1% of residents commuting by bike. Oxford (3rd) blends its academic charm with green habits, from a 4.8% cycling rate to a 48.6% recycling record. Wokingham (5th) and Cheltenham (6th) also impress, particularly with energy-efficient homes and business survival rates above 94%.

Meanwhile, Bracknell (7th) continues to climb thanks to 54.5% recycling and one of the lowest emissions rates in the top 10. Poole (8th) proves coastal towns can be climate-friendly with 3.4% cycling and over 50% recycling, while Reading (9th) and Watford (10th) stand out for their EV charging coverage and solid green infrastructure.

Meanwhile, other notable rankings include Lincoln (29th), Manchester (30th), and Brighton and Hove (40th), all strong regional performers. On the other end of the scale, Luton, Rugby, Stockton-on-Tees, Stoke-on-Trent, Nuneaton, Lancaster, Dartford, Ipswich, Hartlepool, and Birmingham ranked among the bottom ten, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing economic activity with environmental responsibility.

Top 20 and bottom 10 list of best and worst sustainable cities to run a business in: