Module 24 – Index of Multiple Environmental Deprivation (IMED)

The Index of Multiple Environmental Deprivation (IMED) is a composite national dataset identifying areas experiencing cumulative environmental burden across England. The index combines multiple environmental indicators into sub-domains representing pollution burden, climate risk burden, and nature deficit burden, which are then integrated into a single comparable environmental deprivation score, referred to as the domain score.

The dataset is produced at a 100m grid resolution and is provided as both continuous scores and decile rankings. The deciles identify areas experiencing the greatest and least relative environmental pressure across England, from the 10% most environmentally burdened areas to the 10% least burdened areas.

IMED is intended as a strategic screening and prioritisation tool to support national and local decision-making. It should not be interpreted as an absolute measure of environmental risk, health impact, or regulatory exceedance.

The indicators

The IMED indicators represent individual environmental pressures and conditions across England, including air pollution, noise, flood risk, extreme heat, greenspace accessibility, and habitat deficit. Each indicator provides a nationally consistent measure of a specific environmental factor and forms the building blocks of the broader IMED sub-domains and overall domain index.

24.1 Indicator: Particulate Matter PM2.5 (2021–2023)

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The ‘Indicator: Particulate Matter PM₂.₅ (2021–2023)’ layer presents modelled annual mean concentrations of fine particulate air pollution across England, representing long-term exposure to PM₂.₅ at a local scale. PM₂.₅ refers to very small airborne particles that are widely recognised as one of the most harmful forms of air pollution to human health due to their ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.

The dataset is derived from nationally consistent modelled air quality data and has been standardised to a 100m grid resolution. Values have been normalised to a 0–10 scale to support comparison and integration with other environmental indicators within the framework.

This layer is intended to provide a strategic representation of relative air pollution exposure across England and supports the identification of areas experiencing higher environmental burden. It should not be interpreted as a direct measure of personal exposure or regulatory exceedance at an individual location.

What data was used?

Particulate Matter 2.5µg (PM2.5) – Defra UK-Air

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

IMED score (0-10). 10 experiencing the most pressure and 0 experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents relative long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM₂.₅) using nationally modelled air quality data and is intended for strategic screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only. The dataset uses modelled annual mean concentrations to provide a nationally consistent representation of air pollution exposure across England, but it does not represent personal exposure at an individual location or time.

The layer does not account for short-term pollution episodes, indoor air quality, occupational exposure, local street canyon effects, or individual activity patterns that may influence actual exposure levels. As the dataset is modelled rather than directly measured at every location, some localised sources or micro-scale variations in air pollution may not be fully captured.

As a screening-level dataset, the layer inherits limitations from the original source data, including modelling assumptions, spatial resolution, and update frequency. While the dataset provides a nationally consistent overview of relative PM₂.₅ exposure, it should not be used for regulatory assessment, statutory determination, or as a substitute for detailed local air quality monitoring and assessment.

Ground-truthing and supplementation with local data, local evidence, and professional judgement are strongly recommended.

24.2 Indicator: Pollution-Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) for 2021-2023

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The ‘Pollution – Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) 2021–2023’ layer presents modelled annual mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide across England, representing long-term patterns of air pollution exposure at a local scale. NO₂ is a pollutant primarily associated with road traffic and combustion sources and is widely recognised as having harmful effects on human health, particularly in urban areas.

The dataset is derived from Defra’s nationally modelled Pollution Climate Mapping (PCM) air quality data and has been standardised to a 100 m grid resolution. Values have been normalised to a 0–10 scale to support comparison and integration with other environmental indicators within the framework.

Using modelled annual mean concentrations provides a stable and nationally consistent measure of exposure across England, reducing the influence of short-term fluctuations and ensuring all areas are assessed using the same methodology.

This layer is intended as a strategic indicator of relative environmental burden and should not be interpreted as a direct measure of personal exposure or regulatory exceedance at an individual location.

What data was used?

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) – Defra UK-Air

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

IMED score (0-10). 10 experiencing the most pressure and 0 experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents relative long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) using nationally modelled air quality data and is intended for strategic screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only. The dataset uses modelled annual mean concentrations to provide a nationally consistent representation of NO₂ exposure across England, but it does not represent personal exposure at an individual location or time.

The layer does not account for short-term pollution events, indoor air quality, local traffic fluctuations, street canyon effects, meteorological variability, or individual movement patterns that may influence actual exposure levels. As the dataset is modelled rather than directly measured at every location, some localised sources and fine-scale variations in air pollution may not be fully captured.

As a screening-level dataset, the layer inherits limitations from the original source data, including modelling assumptions, spatial resolution, and update frequency. While the dataset provides a nationally consistent overview of relative NO₂ exposure, it should not be used for regulatory assessment, statutory determination, or as a substitute for detailed local air quality monitoring and assessment.

Ground-truthing and supplementation with local data, local evidence, and professional judgement are strongly recommended.

24.3 Indicator: Pollution-Noise

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The ‘Indicator: Pollution - Noise’ layer presents a combined measure of cumulative environmental noise exposure across England, integrating noise from road traffic, railways, and aviation sources into a single indicator. The layer is designed to represent areas experiencing higher relative levels of environmental noise burden.

The dataset has been standardised to a 100m grid resolution and normalised to a 0–10 scale to support comparison and integration with other environmental indicators within the framework.

This layer is intended as a strategic representation of relative environmental noise exposure and should not be interpreted as a direct measure of individual experience, indoor noise levels, or regulatory exceedance at a specific location.

What data was used?

Strategic noise mapping (Rail and road noise data) - DEFRA

Aviation noise data - https://noise-map.com/

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

IMED score (0-10). 10 experiencing the most pressure and 0 experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents relative environmental noise exposure using nationally available strategic noise mapping datasets and is intended for strategic screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only. The dataset combines road, rail, and aviation noise into a single cumulative indicator and therefore simplifies the complexity of how noise is experienced in different environments and by different individuals.

The layer does not account for factors such as building insulation, local topography, temporary noise sources, time of day, indoor noise exposure, or individual sensitivity to noise. Noise levels are modelled estimates rather than direct measurements and may not fully capture localised conditions or short-term variations in noise exposure.

As a screening-level dataset, the layer inherits limitations from the original source data, including modelling assumptions, spatial resolution, and update frequency. While the dataset provides a nationally consistent overview of relative NO₂ exposure, it should not be used for regulatory assessment, statutory determination, or as a substitute for detailed local air quality monitoring and assessment.

Ground-truthing and supplementation with local data, local evidence, and professional judgement are strongly recommended.

24.4 Indicator: Climate-Flood Risk from Rivers & Seas

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The ‘Indicator: Climate-Flood Risk from Rivers & Seas’ layer presents a measure of relative flood exposure across England associated with flooding from rivers and coastal sources. The layer is derived from Environment Agency flood risk classifications and identifies areas with a higher likelihood of flooding from fluvial and tidal processes.

The source datasets classify flood likelihood into categories including Very Low, Low, Medium, and High risk. These classifications were converted to an evenly spaced 0–10 scale to support comparison and integration with other environmental indicators within the framework.

The dataset is produced at a 100m grid resolution and is intended as a strategic screening and prioritisation tool. It should not be interpreted as a site-specific flood assessment or a substitute for detailed flood modelling and local flood risk management information.

What data was used?

Flood Map for Planning - Flood Zones – Environment Agency

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

IMED score (0-10). 10 experiencing the most pressure and 0 experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents relative flood exposure based on nationally available flood risk classifications and is intended for strategic screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only. The dataset simplifies flood likelihood into broad national categories and does not account for local factors such as the condition or performance of flood defences, drainage capacity, recent land use change, or small-scale hydrological variation. The layer also does not represent flood depth, velocity, duration, or the potential consequences of flooding.

As a screening-level dataset, the layer inherits limitations from the original source data and does not capture all factors influencing flood risk. Spatial accuracy, resolution, and update frequency may vary between source datasets. While the layer provides a nationally consistent overview of relative exposure to flooding from rivers and the sea, it should not be used for regulatory assessment, site-specific decision making, statutory determination, or as a substitute for detailed flood risk assessment, hydraulic modelling, or local flood management information.

Ground-truthing and supplementation with local data, local evidence, and professional judgement are strongly recommended.

24.5 Indicator: Climate-Flood Risk from Surface Water

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The ‘Indicator: Climate-Flood Risk from Surface Water’ layer presents a measure of relative exposure to surface water flooding across England. The layer is derived from Environment Agency flood risk classifications and identifies areas that may be more susceptible to flooding caused by intense rainfall flowing over the land surface or overwhelming local drainage systems.

The source dataset classifies flood likelihood into nationally consistent categories including Very Low, Low, Medium, and High risk. These categories were converted to an evenly spaced 0–10 scale to support comparison and integration with other environmental indicators within the framework.

The dataset is produced at a 100m grid resolution and is intended as a strategic screening and prioritisation tool. It should not be interpreted as a site-specific flood assessment or a substitute for detailed flood modelling and local flood risk management information.

What data was used?

Risk of Flooding from Surface Water – Environment Agency

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

IMED score (0-10). 10 experiencing the most pressure and 0 experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents relative exposure to flooding from surface water using nationally available flood risk classifications and is intended for strategic screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only. The dataset identifies areas that may be more susceptible to surface water flooding resulting from intense rainfall overwhelming drainage systems or flowing across the land surface.

The layer simplifies flood likelihood into broad national categories and does not account for local factors such as drainage infrastructure condition and capacity, sewer performance, recent development, local mitigation measures, temporary blockages, or small-scale topographic variation. The dataset also does not represent flood depth, velocity, duration, frequency of individual events, or the potential consequences of flooding.

As a screening-level dataset, the layer inherits limitations from the original source data and does not capture all factors influencing flood risk. Spatial accuracy, resolution, and update frequency may vary between source datasets. While the layer provides a nationally consistent overview of relative exposure to flooding from rivers and the sea, it should not be used for regulatory assessment, site-specific decision making, statutory determination, or as a substitute for detailed flood risk assessment, hydraulic modelling, or local flood management information.

Ground-truthing and supplementation with local data, local evidence, and professional judgement are strongly recommended.

24.6 Indicator: Climate-Projected Increase in Summer Days >28 °C (2030s vs 1980s) Normalised

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The Projected Increase in Summer Days Greater Than 28 °C (2030s versus 1980s) layer presents the projected change in the frequency of very hot summer days across England under future climate conditions. The layer estimates how the number of days exceeding 28 °C during the summer period is expected to increase in the 2030s compared with a historical 1980s baseline.

The dataset is derived from nationally consistent climate projection modelling using a medium future emissions scenario using near-surface temperatures, representing a pathway where greenhouse gas emissions stabilise over time but do not reduce rapidly enough to meet the most ambitious climate targets. The layer is designed to identify areas expected to experience the greatest relative increase in extreme summer heat, rather than to predict exact future temperatures

The dataset has been standardised to a 100m grid resolution to support comparison and integration with other environmental and vulnerability indicators within the framework.

This layer is intended as a strategic screening and prioritisation tool to support climate resilience planning and the identification of areas potentially more vulnerable to increasing heat exposure. It should not be interpreted as a site-specific weather forecast or a precise prediction of future temperature conditions at an individual location.

What data was used?

CHESS-SCAPE: Future projections of meteorological variables at 1 km resolution for the United Kingdom 1980-2080 derived from UK Climate Projections 2018 - CEDA Archive

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

IMED score (0-10). 10 experiencing the most pressure and 0 experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents projected relative changes in extreme summer heat based on climate model outputs and is intended for strategic screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only. The dataset identifies areas where the frequency of very hot summer days is expected to increase relative to a historical baseline, but it does not predict exact future temperatures or specific weather events.

The projections are based on a medium future emissions scenario and therefore represent one possible future pathway rather than a definitive outcome. Actual future climate conditions may differ depending on future greenhouse gas emissions, climate variability, policy interventions, and advances in climate modelling. As with all climate projections, uncertainty increases at finer spatial and temporal scales.

The layer does not account for localised influences on heat exposure such as shading, building materials, ventilation, vegetation cover, indoor overheating, behavioural adaptation, or future land use and urban development change. The dataset also represents projected climatic conditions rather than direct impacts on human health or infrastructure

As a screening-level dataset, the layer inherits limitations from the original climate model data, including modelling assumptions, spatial resolution, and update frequency. While the dataset provides a nationally consistent overview of projected relative heat increase across England, it should not be used for regulatory assessment, detailed engineering design, site-specific climate risk assessment, or operational forecasting.

Ground-truthing and supplementation with local data, local evidence, and professional judgement are strongly recommended.

24.7 Indicator: Nature - Lack of Access to Greenspace

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The Lack of Access to Greenspace layer presents a measure of relative accessibility to publicly accessible green infrastructure across England. The layer identifies areas where people may have more limited access to a range of greenspaces in their everyday lives and is based on Accessible Green Infrastructure (AGI) Scenario 7.

Scenario 7 combines multiple accessibility standards by requiring households to meet the Neighbourhood standard (access to a greenspace of at least 10 hectares within 1 km) and at least one smaller Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard (ANGSt), either Doorstep or Local. This combined approach provides a more balanced and realistic assessment of greenspace accessibility by avoiding overestimation based solely on either small local spaces or larger destination greenspaces.

The dataset has been standardised to a 100 m grid resolution and normalised to a 0–10 scale to support comparison and integration with other environmental indicators within the framework.

This layer is intended as a strategic screening and prioritisation tool to support the identification of areas potentially experiencing lower levels of accessible green infrastructure provision. It should not be interpreted as a measure of greenspace quality, biodiversity value, accessibility for all users, or the suitability of individual sites for recreation or health outcomes.

What data was used?

Access to Greenspace Official Statistics (Lower Super Output Area) – Natural England

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

IMED score (0-10). 10 experiencing the most pressure and 0 experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents relative access to publicly accessible greenspace using nationally available accessibility modelling and is intended for strategic screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only. The dataset identifies areas where access to a range of greenspaces may be more limited based on distance-based accessibility standards, but it does not measure how individuals actually use, experience, or benefit from greenspaces

The indicator is based on Accessible Green Infrastructure (AGI) Scenario 7 and therefore reflects the assumptions and limitations of the underlying accessibility methodology. The layer considers proximity to greenspaces meeting specified size thresholds but does not account for factors such as greenspace quality, biodiversity value, facilities, safety, maintenance, cultural relevance, accessibility barriers, opening restrictions, route quality, or differences in mobility and personal circumstance.

The dataset also does not capture informal greenspaces, temporary access restrictions, future greenspace provision, or local variations that may not be represented within the national source data. As a screening-level dataset, the layer inherits limitations from the original source data, including spatial accuracy, completeness, and update frequency.

While the dataset provides a nationally consistent overview of relative access to greenspace across England, it should not be used as a substitute for detailed local green infrastructure assessment, accessibility audits, or site-specific planning decisions.

Ground-truthing and supplementation with local data, local evidence, and professional judgement are strongly recommended.

24.8 Indicator: Nature - Quality Habitat Deficit

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The Quality Habitat Deficit layer presents a simple national measure of areas with limited presence of priority habitats across England. The layer is based on the Priority Habitat Inventory (PHI) and identifies locations where priority habitat is absent, providing an indication of relative habitat deficit within the landscape.

In this first iteration of the IMED, all Priority Habitat Inventory habitat types are treated equally to provide a clear and nationally consistent baseline measure suitable for integration within a composite environmental index. The approach was intentionally simplified to avoid introducing complex ecological weighting or subjective assumptions regarding the relative value of different habitat types.

The dataset has been standardised to a 100m grid resolution and normalised to a 0–10 scale to support comparison and integration with other environmental indicators within the framework.

This layer is intended as a strategic screening and prioritisation tool to support the identification of areas with more limited priority habitat presence. It should not be interpreted as a direct measure of habitat condition, biodiversity quality, ecological connectivity, species richness, or wider ecosystem function.

What data was used?

Priority Habitats Inventory (England) – Natural England

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

IMED score (0-10). 10 experiencing the most pressure and 0 experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents a simplified measure of relative priority habitat deficit based on the presence or absence of habitats mapped within the Priority Habitat Inventory (PHI) and is intended for strategic screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only. The dataset identifies areas where priority habitats are absent but does not assess the ecological quality, condition, extent, rarity, connectivity, fragmentation, or functionality of habitats.

In this first iteration of the IMED, all priority habitat types are treated equally to provide a nationally consistent baseline measure. The layer therefore does not differentiate between habitat types, ecological significance, biodiversity value, or the relative importance of different habitats for species and ecosystem services.

The dataset also does not capture habitats outside the Priority Habitat Inventory, recent habitat creation or loss, management condition, accessibility, or local ecological variation that may not be reflected in the national source data. As a screening-level dataset, the layer inherits limitations from the original source data, including mapping accuracy, completeness, spatial resolution, and update frequency.

While the dataset provides a nationally consistent overview of relative habitat deficit across England, it should not be used as a substitute for detailed ecological survey, habitat condition assessment, biodiversity appraisal, or site-specific environmental decision-making.

Ground-truthing and supplementation with local ecological data, local evidence, and professional judgement are strongly recommended.

The Sub-Domains

The IMED sub-domains group together related environmental indicators to represent broad themes of environmental burden across England. The Pollution Burden, Climate Risk Burden, and Nature Deficit Burden sub-domains combine multiple aligned indicators into composite scores that highlight areas experiencing comparatively greater cumulative environmental disadvantage within each thematic area.

24.9 Sub-Domain: IMED Pollution Burden

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The ‘Sub-Domain: IMED Pollution Burden’ layer presents a combined measure of relative environmental pollution burden across England. The layer integrates multiple pollution-related indicators, including air pollution and environmental noise, into a single composite score representing the cumulative exposure to pollution pressures within an area.

The dataset is produced at a 100m grid resolution and provides a nationally consistent representation of relative pollution burden across England. Higher scores indicate areas experiencing comparatively greater cumulative exposure to pollution-related environmental pressures.

This layer is intended as a strategic screening and prioritisation tool to support the identification of areas experiencing multiple pollution burdens. It should not be interpreted as a direct measure of individual exposure, health outcome, or regulatory exceedance, and is not intended for site-specific assessment or statutory determination.

What data was used?

Indicator: Pollution-Particulate Matter 2.5µg (PM2.5) for 2021-2023

Indicator: Pollution-Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) for 2021-2023

Indicator: Pollution-Noise

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

IMED score (0-10). 10 experiencing the most pressure and 0 experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents a composite measure of relative pollution burden derived from multiple nationally available environmental indicators and is intended for strategic screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only. The dataset combines pollution-related indicators into a single sub-domain score to identify areas experiencing comparatively greater cumulative pollution pressures across England.

As a composite index, the layer simplifies complex environmental processes and does not capture all sources, pathways, or experiences of pollution exposure. Individual indicators may vary in spatial accuracy, modelling assumptions, temporal coverage, resolution, and update frequency, and the combined score inherits the limitations and uncertainties associated with the underlying source datasets.

The sub-domain score represents relative environmental burden rather than absolute pollution concentration, regulatory exceedance, or direct health impact. The methodology also assumes equal contribution between included indicators within the sub-domain and does not account for potential interactions, cumulative physiological effects, or differing sensitivities between populations and locations.

While the dataset provides a nationally consistent overview of relative pollution burden across England, it should not be used for regulatory assessment, statutory determination, detailed health risk assessment, or site-specific environmental analysis.

Ground-truthing and supplementation with local data, local evidence, and professional judgement are strongly recommended.

24.10 Sub-Domain: IMED Nature Deficit Burden

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The ‘Sub-Domain: IMED Nature Deficit Burden’ layer presents a combined measure of relative environmental disadvantage associated with limited access to natural assets and priority habitats across England. The layer integrates multiple nature-related indicators, including accessibility to greenspace and priority habitat deficit, into a single composite score representing areas experiencing comparatively lower levels of environmental natural capital.

The dataset is produced at a 100m grid resolution and provides a nationally consistent representation of relative nature deficit burden across England. Higher scores indicate areas where access to natural assets and priority habitats may be comparatively more limited.

This layer is intended as a strategic screening and prioritisation tool to support the identification of areas potentially experiencing lower levels of environmental benefit associated with greenspace and habitat provision. It should not be interpreted as a direct measure of biodiversity quality, ecological condition, recreational use, or individual wellbeing outcomes, and is not intended for site-specific ecological assessment or statutory determination.

What data was used?

Indicator: Nature - Lack of Access to Greenspace

Indicator: Nature - Quality Habitat Deficit

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

IMED score (0-10). 10 experiencing the most pressure and 0 experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents a composite measure of relative nature deficit derived from multiple nationally available environmental indicators and is intended for strategic screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only. The dataset combines indicators relating to greenspace accessibility and priority habitat presence into a single sub-domain score to identify areas where environmental natural assets may be comparatively more limited across England.

As a composite index, the layer simplifies complex ecological, environmental, and social relationships and does not capture all dimensions of access to nature or environmental quality. Individual indicators may vary in spatial accuracy, source methodology, resolution, completeness, and update frequency, and the combined score inherits the limitations and uncertainties associated with the underlying datasets.

The sub-domain score represents relative environmental disadvantage rather than direct ecological condition, biodiversity value, habitat quality, accessibility for all users, or realised health and wellbeing benefits. The methodology also assumes equal contribution between included indicators within the sub-domain and does not account for differences in habitat significance, greenspace quality, cultural value, ecological connectivity, or patterns of use and accessibility.

While the dataset provides a nationally consistent overview of relative nature deficit burden across England, it should not be used for detailed ecological assessment, statutory determination, biodiversity net gain assessment, or site-specific planning and environmental decision-making.

Ground-truthing and supplementation with local data, local evidence, and professional judgement are strongly recommended.

24.11 Sub-Domain: IMED Climate Risk Burden

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The ‘Sub-Domain: IMED Climate Risk Burden’ layer presents a combined measure of relative environmental disadvantage associated with climate-related hazards across England. The layer integrates multiple climate risk indicators, including flood risk and projected extreme heat exposure, into a single composite score representing areas experiencing comparatively greater climate-related environmental pressures.

The dataset is produced at a 100m grid resolution and provides a nationally consistent representation of relative climate risk burden across England. Higher scores indicate areas experiencing comparatively greater exposure to climate-related environmental risks such as flooding and increasing extreme heat

This layer is intended as a strategic screening and prioritisation tool to support the identification of areas potentially more vulnerable to climate-related environmental pressures. It should not be interpreted as a site-specific climate risk assessment, flood assessment, or operational climate forecast, and is not intended for statutory determination or detailed engineering analysis.

What data was used?

Indicator: Climate-Flood Risk from Rivers & Seas

Indicator: Climate-Flood Risk from Surface Water

Indicator: Climate-Projected Increase in Summer Days >28 °C (2030s vs 1980s) Normalised

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

IMED score (0-10). 10 experiencing the most pressure and 0 experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents a composite measure of relative climate-related environmental burden derived from multiple nationally available indicators and is intended for strategic screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only. The dataset combines indicators relating to flood exposure and projected extreme heat into a single sub-domain score to identify areas experiencing comparatively greater climate-related environmental pressures across England.

As a composite index, the layer simplifies complex climate and environmental processes and does not capture all dimensions of climate vulnerability, resilience, or adaptive capacity. Individual indicators may vary in spatial accuracy, modelling assumptions, temporal coverage, resolution, and update frequency, and the combined score inherits the limitations and uncertainties associated with the underlying source datasets.

The sub-domain score represents relative environmental burden rather than absolute climate risk, probability of impact, or realised consequences for people, infrastructure, ecosystems, or property. The methodology also assumes equal contribution between included indicators within the sub-domain and does not account for local mitigation measures, flood defences, urban design, behavioural adaptation, socio-economic resilience, or future land use change.

Climate projection indicators represent one possible future climate pathway based on modelled scenarios and should not be interpreted as precise forecasts of future weather or environmental conditions. Flood indicators similarly provide broad national representations of relative exposure rather than detailed hydrological or hydraulic assessment.

While the dataset provides a nationally consistent overview of relative climate risk burden across England, it should not be used for regulatory assessment, statutory determination, detailed climate adaptation planning, engineering design, or site-specific risk assessment.

Ground-truthing and supplementation with local data, local evidence, and professional judgement are strongly recommended.

The Domains

The IMED domain combines the Pollution Burden, Climate Risk Burden, and Nature Deficit Burden sub-domains into a single composite measure of relative environmental deprivation across England. The domain provides an overall continuous score, normalised to a 0–10 scale, representing cumulative environmental burden by integrating multiple environmental pressures and deficits into one nationally consistent index.

The IMED decile domain then ranks these overall domain scores into ten equal groups across England to support comparison and interpretation at a national scale. Decile 1 represents the 10% most environmentally burdened areas, while Decile 10 represents the 10% least environmentally burdened areas.

24.12 Domain: Overall Score for IMED

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The IMED Overall Domain Score layer presents a composite measure of relative environmental deprivation across England. The layer combines the Pollution Burden, Climate Risk Burden, and Nature Deficit Burden sub-domains into a single continuous score representing cumulative environmental pressures and deficits experienced within an area.

The dataset is produced at a 100m grid resolution and provides a nationally consistent representation of relative environmental deprivation. Higher scores indicate areas experiencing comparatively greater cumulative environmental burden across multiple environmental themes.

This layer is intended as a strategic screening and prioritisation tool to support national and local understanding of environmental inequality and cumulative burden. It should not be interpreted as a direct measure of individual risk, health outcome, or regulatory exceedance, and is not intended for site-specific assessment or statutory determination

What data was used?

Sub-Domain: IMED Climate Risk Burden

Sub-Domain: IMED Nature Deficit Burden

Sub-Domain: IMED Pollution Burden

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

IMED score (0-10). 10 experiencing the most pressure and 0 experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents a composite measure of relative environmental deprivation derived from multiple nationally available environmental indicators and is intended for strategic screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only. The dataset combines multiple environmental pressures and deficits into a single overall score to identify areas experiencing comparatively greater cumulative environmental burden across England.

As a composite index, the layer simplifies complex environmental processes and relationships and does not capture all environmental pressures, pathways, or local circumstances. Individual indicators and sub-domains may vary in spatial accuracy, modelling assumptions, temporal coverage, resolution, and update frequency, and the overall domain score inherits the limitations and uncertainties associated with the underlying source datasets.

The overall score represents relative environmental deprivation rather than absolute environmental quality, regulatory exceedance, or direct health impact. The methodology also assumes equal contribution between included sub-domains and indicators unless otherwise specified and does not account for differing sensitivities, exposure pathways, cumulative physiological impacts, or local adaptive capacity.

While the dataset provides a nationally consistent overview of cumulative environmental burden across England, it should not be used for regulatory assessment, statutory determination, detailed environmental risk assessment, or site-specific decision-making.

Ground-truthing and supplementation with local data, local evidence, and professional judgement are strongly recommended.

24.13 Domain: Overall Score Deciled for IMED

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The IMED Overall Decile layer presents the overall environmental deprivation domain score ranked into ten equal groups across England. The layer combines the Pollution Burden, Climate Risk Burden, and Nature Deficit Burden sub-domains into a single composite measure of cumulative environmental burden and then classifies the resulting scores into national deciles to support interpretation and comparison.

The decile classification represents the relative distribution of environmental deprivation across England rather than absolute environmental conditions. Decile 1 identifies the 10% most environmentally burdened areas, while Decile 10 identifies the 10% least environmentally burdened areas.

The dataset is produced at a 100m grid resolution and provides a nationally consistent representation of relative environmental deprivation patterns across England.

This layer is intended as a strategic screening and prioritisation tool to support national and local understanding of environmental inequality and cumulative burden. It should not be interpreted as a direct measure of individual risk, health outcome, or regulatory exceedance, and is not intended for site-specific assessment or statutory determination.

What data was used?

Domain: Overall Score for IMED

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

IMED Decile (1–10): A national ranking of the overall IMED score grouped into ten equal categories across England. Decile 1 represents the 10% most environmentally burdened areas, while Decile 10 represents the 10% least environmentally burdened areas.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This dataset is a relative ranking of environmental deprivation and does not represent absolute environmental quality, exposure, health impact, or regulatory exceedance. The layer combines multiple environmental indicators and sub-domains into a single composite deciled score and therefore simplifies complex environmental processes and relationships.

Individual indicators and sub-domains may differ in spatial accuracy, modelling methodology, temporal coverage, resolution, and update frequency.

The overall deciled score inherits the limitations and uncertainties associated with the underlying source datasets.

Deciles represent relative ranking across England and should not be interpreted as mixed thresholds of environmental quality, deprivation, or risk.

Areas with similar underlying scores may fall into different deciles due to the classification process.

The methodology assumes equal contribution between included sub-domains unless otherwise stated and does not account for differing sensitivities, cumulative impacts, adaptive capacity, or local mitigation measures

Some indicators are derived from modelled datasets and may not fully reflect local conditions or individual experience.

The dataset is intended for strategic-scale screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only and should not be used for regulatory assessment, statutory determination, or site-specific environmental assessment.

Ground-truthing and interpretation alongside local evidence, local knowledge, and professional judgement are strongly recommended.

24.14 Domain: Overall Score Deciled for IMED - Population Weighted by 100m

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

This layer shows the population-weighted overall Indices of Multiple Environmental Deprivation (IMED) score for England at a 100 metre grid resolution. The layer combines multiple environmental indicators relating to pollution, climate risk, and nature deficit into a single relative index of environmental disadvantage.

The dataset has been population-weighted using WorldPop 2021 gridded population estimates. This means that environmental conditions are weighted according to the relative distribution of population within each Lower Layer Super Output Area (LSOA), helping to emphasise areas where larger proportions of people may be exposed to environmental burdens.

The layer is derived from continuous 0–10 normalised environmental indicators which are combined into thematic sub-domains and subsequently aggregated into an overall domain score. Final outputs are presented as deciles aligned with the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), where:

• Decile 1 represents areas experiencing the greatest relative environmental disadvantage.
• Decile 10 represents areas experiencing the lowest relative environmental disadvantage.

The dataset is intended to support strategic-scale analysis, screening, comparison, and spatial planning activities across England.

What data was used?

• Regions (December 2023) Boundaries EN BFE – Office for Official Statistics (ONS) – OGL
• Rural Urban Classification (2021) of Output Areas in EW – Office for Official Statistics (ONS) – OGL
• Output Areas (December 2021) Boundaries EW BGC – Office for Official Statistics (ONS) – OGL
• Lower layer Super Output Areas (December 2021) Boundaries EW BFC (V10) – Office for Official Statistics (ONS) – OGL
• OS Open Built Up Areas – Ordnance Survey (OS) – OGL
• Modelled Background Pollution Data - PM2 – DEFRA UK Air - OGL
• Modelled Background Pollution Data - NO2 – DEFRA UK Air – OGL
• OS British National Grids – Ordnance Survey (OS) – OGL
• Strategic noise mapping (2017) - Rail Lden – DEFRA - OGL
• Flight Noise - Nawar Halabi – OGL
• Flood Map for Planning - Flood Zones – Environment Agency (EA) - OGL
• Risk of Flooding from Surface Water – Environment Agency (EA) - OGL
• CHESS-SCAPE: Future projections of meteorological variables at 1 km resolution for the United Kingdom 1980-2080 derived from UK Climate Projections 2018 – CEDA Archive - OGL
• MODIS/Terra Land Surface Temperature/Emissivity 8-Day L3 Global 1km SIN Grid V061 – NASA – OGL
• National Trees Outside Woodland Map – Forestry Commission (FC) - OGL
• National Forest Inventory England 2024 – Forestry Commission (FC) – OGL
• Priority Habitats Inventory (England) – Natural England (NE) – OGL
• Access to Greenspace Official Statistics (Lower Super Output Area) – Natural England (NE) – OGL
• Mortality statistics - underlying cause, sex and age – Office for Official Statistics (ONS) OGL
• Population estimates – Office for Official Statistics (ONS) – OGL
• Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) - Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) – OGL
• Population Counts - Population Counts / Individual countries 2015-2030 (100m resolution) R2025A v1 – WorldPop Hub - OGL

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

Decile Classification – Values range from 1 to 10:

1 = areas experiencing the greatest relative environmental disadvantage.

10 = areas experiencing the lowest relative environmental disadvantage.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This dataset is a relative measure of environmental deprivation and does not represent absolute environmental quality, regulatory exceedance, exposure, or direct health impact. The layer is intended for strategic-scale screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis and should not be used as the sole basis for regulatory assessment, statutory determination, or site-specific decision-making.

The dataset combines multiple environmental indicators into a single composite score and therefore simplifies complex environmental processes, relationships, and local conditions.

Individual indicators and sub-domains may differ in spatial accuracy, temporal coverage, resolution, modelling methodology, and update frequency.

The overall domain inherits the limitations and uncertainties associated with the underlying source datasets.

The methodology assumes equal contribution between included indicators and sub-domains unless otherwise stated and does not account for differing sensitivities, exposure pathways, cumulative impacts, or local adaptive capacity.

Deciles and scores represent relative ranking across England and should not be interpreted as fixed thresholds of environmental quality or deprivation.

The dataset does not capture all environmental pressures or local circumstances and should be interpreted alongside local evidence, local knowledge, and professional judgement.

Ground-truthing and supplementation with local data are strongly recommended.

24.15 Domain: Overall Score Deciled for IMED - Population Weighted by LSOA

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

This layer shows the population-weighted overall Indices of Multiple Environmental Deprivation (IMED) score aggregated to Lower Layer Super Output Area (LSOA) geography across England.

The dataset is derived from the underlying 100 metre population-weighted IMED grid. Mean values for all 100 metre cells within each LSOA are calculated to produce a single representative score for each LSOA area. The approach combines multiple environmental indicators relating to pollution, climate risk, and nature deficit into a single relative index of environmental disadvantage.

Population weighting is applied using WorldPop 2021 gridded population estimates to better reflect the relative distribution of population within each LSOA when calculating environmental burden.

Outputs are presented as deciles aligned with the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), where:

• Decile 1 represents areas experiencing the greatest relative environmental disadvantage.
• Decile 10 represents areas experiencing the lowest relative environmental disadvantage.

The LSOA aggregated layer is intended to support strategic analysis, comparison with other LSOA-based datasets such as IMD, and broader policy, planning, and reporting applications where standard statistical geographies are required.

What data was used?

• Regions (December 2023) Boundaries EN BFE – Office for Official Statistics (ONS) – OGL
• Rural Urban Classification (2021) of Output Areas in EW – Office for Official Statistics (ONS) – OGL
• Output Areas (December 2021) Boundaries EW BGC – Office for Official Statistics (ONS) – OGL
• Lower layer Super Output Areas (December 2021) Boundaries EW BFC (V10) – Office for Official Statistics (ONS) – OGL
• OS Open Built Up Areas – Ordnance Survey (OS) – OGL
• Modelled Background Pollution Data - PM2 – DEFRA UK Air - OGL
• Modelled Background Pollution Data - NO2 – DEFRA UK Air – OGL
• OS British National Grids – Ordnance Survey (OS) – OGL
• Strategic noise mapping (2017) - Rail Lden – DEFRA - OGL
• Flight Noise - Nawar Halabi – OGL
• Flood Map for Planning - Flood Zones – Environment Agency (EA) - OGL
• Risk of Flooding from Surface Water – Environment Agency (EA) - OGL
• CHESS-SCAPE: Future projections of meteorological variables at 1 km resolution for the United Kingdom 1980-2080 derived from UK Climate Projections 2018 – CEDA Archive - OGL
• MODIS/Terra Land Surface Temperature/Emissivity 8-Day L3 Global 1km SIN Grid V061 – NASA – OGL
• National Trees Outside Woodland Map – Forestry Commission (FC) - OGL
• National Forest Inventory England 2024 – Forestry Commission (FC) – OGL
• Priority Habitats Inventory (England) – Natural England (NE) – OGL
• Access to Greenspace Official Statistics (Lower Super Output Area) – Natural England (NE) – OGL
• Mortality statistics - underlying cause, sex and age – Office for Official Statistics (ONS) OGL
• Population estimates – Office for Official Statistics (ONS) – OGL
• Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) - Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) – OGL
• Population Counts - Population Counts / Individual countries 2015-2030 (100m resolution) R2025A v1 – WorldPop Hub - OGL

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

Decile Classification – Values range from 1 to 10:

1 = areas experiencing the greatest relative environmental disadvantage.

10 = areas experiencing the lowest relative environmental disadvantage.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This dataset is a relative measure of environmental deprivation and does not represent absolute environmental quality, regulatory exceedance, exposure, or direct health impact. The layer is intended for strategic-scale screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis and should not be used as the sole basis for regulatory assessment, statutory determination, or site-specific decision-making.

The dataset combines multiple environmental indicators into a single composite score and therefore simplifies complex environmental processes, relationships, and local conditions.

Individual indicators and sub-domains may differ in spatial accuracy, temporal coverage, resolution, modelling methodology, and update frequency.

The overall domain inherits the limitations and uncertainties associated with the underlying source datasets.

The methodology assumes equal contribution between included indicators and sub-domains unless otherwise stated and does not account for differing sensitivities, exposure pathways, cumulative impacts, or local adaptive capacity.

Deciles and scores represent relative ranking across England and should not be interpreted as fixed thresholds of environmental quality or deprivation.

The dataset does not capture all environmental pressures or local circumstances and should be interpreted alongside local evidence, local knowledge, and professional judgement.

Ground-truthing and supplementation with local data are strongly recommended.

Module 25 – Environmental Equity Index (EEI)

The Environmental Equity Index (EEI) is a composite dataset identifying relative environmental burden and inequality within England’s built-up areas, including towns, cities, and villages. The index combines multiple environmental, socioeconomic, and environmental vulnerability indicators into thematic sub-domains representing pollution burden, climate risk burden, nature deficit burden, and wider environmental inequality, which are then integrated into a single comparable environmental equity score, referred to as the domain score.

The dataset is derived from the Index of Multiple Environmental Deprivation (IMED) and enhanced with additional built-up area specific indicators, including measures relating to urban heat exposure, tree cover deficit, health vulnerability, and socioeconomic deprivation where appropriate.

EEI is produced at a 100m grid resolution within built-up areas only and is provided as both continuous scores and decile rankings. The deciles identify areas experiencing the greatest and least relative environmental burden and inequality across England’s built-up areas, from the 10% most burdened areas to the 10% least burdened areas.

EEI is intended as a strategic screening, prioritisation, and spatial planning tool to support national and local decision-making. It should not be interpreted as an absolute measure of environmental risk, health impact, deprivation, or regulatory exceedance.

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

What data was used?

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

What are the limitations and caveats to content?