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.

The indicators

The EEI indicators represent individual environmental pressures, environmental inequalities, and vulnerability-related conditions within England's built-up areas, including air pollution, noise, flood risk, urban heat exposure, greenspace accessibility, habitat deficit, tree cover deficit, health vulnerability, and socioeconomic deprivation where appropriate. Each indicator provides a nationally consistent measure of a specific environmental or environmental equity factor and forms the building blocks of the broader EEI sub-domains and overall domain index.

25.1 Indicator: Particulate Matter PM2.5 (2021–2023) – Built-up Area ONLY

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) – Built-Up Areas Only' layer presents modelled annual mean concentrations of fine particulate air pollution within England's Built-Up Areas (BUAs), representing long-term exposure to PM₂.₅ in urban environments. 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 spatially constrained to Built-Up Areas to support the Environmental Equity Index (EEI). Values were standardised to a 100m grid resolution and normalised to a 0–10 scale within the built-up area extent to support comparison and integration with other EEI indicators.

By focusing on Built-Up Areas only, the layer is designed to support assessment of relative environmental burden within populated urban environments, rather than across the whole of England. As a result, values are not directly comparable with the England-wide IMED PM₂.₅ indicator, which uses a national normalisation approach across all landscapes.

This layer is intended to provide a strategic representation of relative urban air pollution exposure and supports the identification of built-up areas experiencing comparatively greater 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:

EEI 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) within England's Built-Up Areas 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 urban air pollution exposure, 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.

The dataset has been spatially constrained and normalised within Built-Up Areas to support the Environmental Equity Index (EEI). As a result, the values represent relative variation within urban environments and are not directly comparable with the England-wide IMED PM₂.₅ indicator, which is normalised across all landscapes.

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 within Built-Up Areas, 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.

25.2 Indicator: Pollution-Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) for 2021-2023 – Built-up Area ONLY

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The 'Indicator: Pollution – Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) 2021–2023 (Built-Up Areas Only)' layer presents modelled annual mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide within England's Built-Up Areas (BUAs), representing long-term patterns of air pollution exposure in urban environments. 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 densely populated areas.

The dataset is derived from Defra's nationally modelled Pollution Climate Mapping (PCM) air quality data and has been spatially constrained to Built-Up Areas to support the Environmental Equity Index (EEI). Values were standardised to a 100m grid resolution and normalised to a 0–10 scale within the built-up area extent to support comparison and integration with other EEI indicators.

Using modelled annual mean concentrations provides a stable and nationally consistent measure of urban exposure, reducing the influence of short-term fluctuations and ensuring all built-up 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) within England's Built-Up Areas 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 urban NO₂ exposure, 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.

The dataset has been spatially constrained and normalised within Built-Up Areas to support the Environmental Equity Index (EEI). As a result, the values represent relative variation within urban environments and are not directly comparable with the England-wide IMED NO₂ indicator, which is normalised across all landscapes.

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 within Built-Up Areas, 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.

25.3 Indicator: Pollution - Noise - Built-up Area ONLY

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The 'Indicator: Pollution – Noise (Built-Up Areas Only)' layer presents a combined measure of cumulative environmental noise exposure within England's Built-Up Areas (BUAs), integrating noise from road traffic, railways, and aviation sources into a single indicator. The layer is designed to represent areas experiencing comparatively higher levels of environmental noise burden within urban environments.

The dataset has been spatially constrained to Built-Up Areas to support the Environmental Equity Index (EEI), standardised to a 100m grid resolution, and normalised to a 0–10 scale within the built-up area extent to support comparison and integration with other EEI indicators.

This layer is intended as a strategic representation of relative environmental noise exposure within urban environments 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:

EEI score (0–10). 10 represents areas experiencing the greatest relative environmental pressure within Built-Up Areas, while 0 represents areas experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents relative environmental noise exposure within England's Built-Up Areas 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.

The dataset has been spatially constrained and normalised within Built-Up Areas to support the Environmental Equity Index (EEI). As a result, the values represent relative variation within urban environments and are not directly comparable with the England-wide IMED Noise indicator, which is normalised across all landscapes.

As a screening-level dataset, the layer inherits limitations from the original source data, including differences in spatial accuracy, modelling assumptions, resolution, and update frequency. While the dataset provides a nationally consistent overview of relative environmental noise burden within Built-Up Areas, it should not be used for regulatory assessment, site-specific acoustic analysis, statutory determination, or as a substitute for detailed environmental noise assessment.

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

25.4 Indicator: Climate-Flood Risk from Rivers & Seas – Built-up Area ONLY

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 - Built-Up Areas ONLY' layer presents a measure of relative flood exposure within England's Built-Up Areas (BUAs) associated with flooding from rivers and coastal sources. The layer is derived from Environment Agency flood risk classifications and identifies urban 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 and spatially constrained to Built-Up Areas to support comparison and integration with other Environmental Equity Index (EEI) indicators.

The dataset is produced at a 100m grid resolution and is intended as a strategic screening and prioritisation tool focused on relative urban climate-related environmental burden. 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:

EEI score (0–10). 10 represents areas experiencing the greatest relative environmental pressure within Built-Up Areas, while 0 represents areas experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents relative flood exposure within England's Built-Up Areas 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.

The dataset has been spatially constrained and normalised within Built-Up Areas to support the Environmental Equity Index (EEI). As a result, the values represent relative variation within urban environments and are not directly comparable with the England-wide IMED flood indicators, which are normalised across all landscapes.

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 flood exposure within Built-Up Areas, 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.

25.5 Indicator: Climate-Flood Risk from Surface Water – Built-up Area ONLY

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 - Built-Up Areas ONLY' layer presents a measure of relative exposure to surface water flooding within England's Built-Up Areas (BUAs). The layer is derived from Environment Agency flood risk classifications and identifies urban 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 and spatially constrained to Built-Up Areas to support comparison and integration with other Environmental Equity Index (EEI) indicators.

The dataset is produced at a 100m grid resolution and is intended as a strategic screening and prioritisation tool focused on relative urban climate-related environmental burden. 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:

EEI score (0–10). 10 represents areas experiencing the greatest relative environmental pressure within Built-Up Areas, while 0 represents areas experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents relative exposure to surface water flooding within England's Built-Up Areas using nationally available flood risk classifications and is intended for strategic screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only. The dataset identifies urban 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.

The dataset has been spatially constrained and normalised within Built-Up Areas to support the Environmental Equity Index (EEI). As a result, the values represent relative variation within urban environments and are not directly comparable with the England-wide IMED surface water flood indicator, which is normalised across all landscapes.

As a screening-level dataset, the layer inherits limitations from the original source data, including differences in spatial accuracy, modelling assumptions, resolution, and update frequency. While the dataset provides a nationally consistent overview of relative exposure to surface water flooding within Built-Up Areas, 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.

25.6 - Indicator: Climate – Projected Increase in Summer Days >28°C (2030s vs 1980s) - Built-Up Areas ONLY

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) - Built-Up Areas ONLY' layer presents the projected change in the frequency of very hot summer days within England's Built-Up Areas (BUAs) 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 and has been spatially constrained to Built-Up Areas to support the Environmental Equity Index (EEI). The layer is designed to identify urban 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 and normalised within the built-up area extent to support comparison and integration with other EEI indicators.

This layer is intended as a strategic screening and prioritisation tool to support climate resilience planning within urban environments. 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:

EEI score (0–10). 10 represents areas experiencing the greatest relative environmental pressure within Built-Up Areas, while 0 represents areas experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents projected relative changes in extreme summer heat within England's Built-Up Areas based on climate model outputs and is intended for strategic screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only. The dataset identifies urban 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.

The dataset has been spatially constrained and normalised within Built-Up Areas to support the Environmental Equity Index (EEI). As a result, the values represent relative variation within urban environments and are not directly comparable with the England-wide IMED heat indicator, which is normalised across all landscapes.

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 within Built-Up Areas, 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.

25.7 Indicator: Nature – Lack of Access to Greenspace - Built-Up Area ONLY

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The 'Indicator: Nature - Lack of Access to Greenspace - Built-Up Areas ONLY' layer presents a measure of relative accessibility to publicly accessible green infrastructure within England's Built-Up Areas (BUAs). The layer identifies urban 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 within urban environments.

The dataset has been spatially constrained to Built-Up Areas to support the Environmental Equity Index (EEI), standardised to a 100m grid resolution, and normalised within the built-up area extent to support comparison and integration with other EEI indicators.

This layer is intended as a strategic screening and prioritisation tool to support the identification of urban 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:

EEI score (0–10). 10 represents areas experiencing the greatest relative environmental pressure within Built-Up Areas, while 0 represents areas experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents relative access to publicly accessible greenspace within England's Built-Up Areas using nationally available accessibility modelling and is intended for strategic screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only. The dataset identifies urban 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 has been spatially constrained and normalised within Built-Up Areas to support the Environmental Equity Index (EEI). As a result, the values represent relative variation within urban environments and are not directly comparable with the England-wide IMED greenspace accessibility indicator, which is normalised across all landscapes.

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 greenspace accessibility within Built-Up Areas, 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.

25.8 Indicator: Nature – Quality Habitat Deficit - Built-Up Areas ONLY

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The 'Indicator: Nature - Quality Habitat Deficit - Built-Up Areas ONLY' layer presents a simplified measure of areas with limited presence of priority habitats within England's Built-Up Areas (BUAs). The layer is based on the Priority Habitat Inventory (PHI) and identifies urban locations where priority habitat is absent, providing an indication of relative habitat deficit within built-up environments.

In this first iteration of the EEI, all Priority Habitat Inventory habitat types are treated equally to provide a 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 spatially constrained to Built-Up Areas to support the Environmental Equity Index (EEI), standardised to a 100m grid resolution, and normalised within the built-up area extent to support comparison and integration with other EEI indicators.

This layer is intended as a strategic screening and prioritisation tool to support the identification of urban 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 Habitat Inventory (PHI) – Natural England

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

EEI score (0–10). 10 represents areas experiencing the greatest relative environmental pressure within Built-Up Areas, while 0 represents areas experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents a simplified measure of relative priority habitat deficit within England's Built-Up Areas 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 built-up 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 EEI, 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 has been spatially constrained and normalised within Built-Up Areas to support the Environmental Equity Index (EEI). As a result, the values represent relative variation within urban environments and are not directly comparable with the England-wide IMED habitat deficit indicator, which is normalised across all landscapes.

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 within Built-Up Areas, 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.

25.9 Indicator: Built Environment - Lack of Trees - Built-up Area ONLY

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The 'Indicator: Built Environment - Lack of Tree Cover - Built-Up Areas ONLY' layer presents a measure of relative tree canopy deficit within England's Built-Up Areas (BUAs). The layer identifies urban areas with comparatively limited tree canopy cover using nationally consistent tree canopy datasets.

Tree cover plays an important role in supporting environmental quality within urban environments by helping to reduce heat exposure, improve air quality, manage surface water, and support biodiversity. Areas with lower levels of canopy cover may therefore experience comparatively greater environmental pressure and reduced access to the environmental benefits associated with urban trees.

The dataset uses a simple canopy presence-to-percentage approach to provide a clear and nationally consistent baseline measure suitable for integration within the Environmental Equity Index (EEI). The dataset has been standardised to a 100m grid resolution and normalised to a 0–10 scale within the built-up area extent to support comparison and integration with other EEI indicators.

This layer is intended as a strategic screening and prioritisation tool to support the identification of urban areas with comparatively limited tree canopy provision. It should not be interpreted as a direct measure of tree quality, ecological condition, biodiversity value, species diversity, or wider ecosystem function.

What data was used?

National Trees Outside Woodland Map

National Forest Inventory England 2024

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

EEI score (0–10). 10 represents areas experiencing the greatest relative environmental pressure within Built-Up Areas, while 0 represents areas experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents a simplified measure of relative tree canopy deficit within England's Built-Up Areas using nationally available canopy mapping datasets and is intended for strategic screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only. The dataset identifies urban areas with comparatively lower levels of tree canopy cover but does not assess the quality, condition, age, species composition, health, or structural diversity of trees.

The indicator uses a simple canopy percentage approach and therefore does not differentiate between different types of tree cover or the varying environmental, ecological, and social benefits provided by different tree species, maturity levels, or woodland structures.

The dataset also does not account for factors such as accessibility to tree cover, seasonal variation, private versus public ownership, future planting, tree loss, management practices, or local environmental conditions that may influence the benefits associated with urban trees.

The dataset has been spatially constrained and normalised within Built-Up Areas to support the Environmental Equity Index (EEI). As a result, the values represent relative variation within urban environments and are not directly comparable with wider England-scale environmental indicators normalised across all landscapes.

As a screening-level dataset, the layer inherits limitations from the original source data, including spatial accuracy, completeness, temporal variation, and update frequency. While the dataset provides a nationally consistent overview of relative tree canopy deficit within Built-Up Areas, it should not be used as a substitute for detailed urban forestry assessment, ecological survey, canopy condition assessment, or site-specific environmental decision-making.

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

25.10 Indicator: Built Environment - Urban Heat Island - Built-up Area ONLY

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The 'Indicator: Built Environment - Urban Heat Island - Built-Up Areas ONLY' layer presents a measure of relative urban heat island (UHI) intensity within England's Built-Up Areas (BUAs). The layer identifies urban areas experiencing higher land surface temperatures relative to their surrounding rural environments, providing an indication of relative heat exposure associated with the built environment.

The indicator uses a three-year mean Land Surface Temperature (LST) dataset derived from MODIS 8-day composite imagery to provide a more stable and nationally consistent representation of urban heating patterns. Using multi-year averaged data helps reduce the influence of short-term weather anomalies and isolated extreme temperature events.

For each Built-Up Area, urban land surface temperatures were compared against a locally derived rural baseline to account for regional climate variation across England. This approach ensures that the resulting temperature differences represent the localised urban heat island effect rather than broader geographic differences in background climate conditions.

The dataset has been standardised to a 100m grid resolution and normalised to a 0–10 scale within the built-up area extent to support comparison and integration with other Environmental Equity Index (EEI) indicators.

This layer is intended as a strategic screening and prioritisation tool to support the identification of urban areas experiencing comparatively greater heat-related environmental burden. Land Surface Temperature is used as a proxy for relative heat exposure and does not represent near-surface air temperature, indoor overheating, or individual thermal comfort.

What data was used?

MODIS/Terra Land Surface Temperature/Emissivity 8-Day L3 Global 1km SIN Grid V061 data for years 2022, 2023 and 2024 - NASA

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

EEI score (0–10). 10 represents areas experiencing the greatest relative environmental pressure within Built-Up Areas, while 0 represents areas experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This layer represents relative urban heat island intensity within England's Built-Up Areas using modelled land surface temperature data and is intended for strategic screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only. The dataset identifies urban areas experiencing comparatively higher land surface temperatures relative to their surrounding rural environments, but it does not represent direct measurements of air temperature, individual heat exposure, or human thermal comfort.

The indicator uses Land Surface Temperature (LST) as a proxy for relative heat exposure. Land surface temperatures can differ substantially from near-surface air temperatures experienced by people and may vary depending on surface materials, shading, vegetation cover, building density, and weather conditions.

The layer does not account for localised influences such as building design, indoor overheating, ventilation, shading from structures, behavioural adaptation, or socio-economic vulnerability. The dataset also does not represent the health impacts of heat exposure or the effectiveness of local cooling interventions.

The methodology uses locally derived rural baseline temperatures for each Built-Up Area to isolate the urban heat island effect from wider regional climate variation. While this provides a more robust measure of relative urban heating, the results represent relative variation within urban environments and are not directly comparable with wider England-scale temperature datasets.

As a screening-level dataset, the layer inherits limitations from the original source data, including satellite resolution, temporal averaging, atmospheric conditions, modelling assumptions, and update frequency. While the dataset provides a nationally consistent overview of relative urban heat island intensity within Built-Up Areas, it should not be used for operational heatwave forecasting, detailed urban climate modelling, engineering design, or site-specific thermal risk assessment.

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

25.11 Indicator: Health and Social - Years Life Lost for 2017-2019 - Built-up Area ONLY

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

This layer shows the relative distribution of premature mortality within England's built-up areas using a Years of Life Lost (YLL) approach. The indicator estimates the number of years of life lost where deaths occur before the age of 75 and is used as a broad measure of health inequality and vulnerability within the Environmental Equity Index (EEI).

The dataset is derived from Lower Layer Super Output Area (LSOA) level YLL data and standardised to the 100 m EEI analysis grid to support integration and comparison with other EEI indicators. Values have been normalised to the common 0–10 EEI scale, where higher values indicate relatively greater levels of premature mortality and potential health vulnerability within built-up areas.

The layer is intended to provide strategic contextual information relating to health inequality and vulnerability and should not be interpreted as showing causes of mortality or direct relationships between environmental conditions and health outcomes.

What data was used?

Mortality statistics - underlying cause, sex and age – ONS - OGL

Population estimates – ONS - OGL

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

EEI score (0–10). 10 represents areas experiencing the greatest relative environmental pressure within Built-Up Areas, while 0 represents areas experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This dataset represents overall patterns of premature mortality and does not identify specific causes of death or directly attribute mortality to environmental factors. Years of Life Lost (YLL) values are crude estimates for deaths occurring before the age of 75 and are not age standardised. Spatial patterns may therefore partly reflect differences in population age structure.

Areas with older populations may display higher YLL values due to demographic composition rather than underlying vulnerability, while younger populations may appear less vulnerable despite the presence of risk factors.

YLL estimates are derived from Office for National Statistics mortality data and are subject to disclosure controls, including suppression and rounding of small counts.

Reliable YLL estimates are only available at LSOA level. Resampling values to a 100m grid does not introduce additional spatial detail and assumes an even distribution of values within each LSOA.

Apparent fine-scale variation within the 100m grid may therefore reflect statistical processing rather than true local variation in health outcomes.

The layer is intended for strategic screening and contextual analysis only and should not be used for epidemiological assessment, clinical interpretation, or site-level decision-making.

The dataset should be interpreted alongside local evidence, professional judgement, and other supporting datasets.

25.12 Indicator: Health and Social - Indices of Multiple Deprivation - Built-up Area ONLY

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) provides a nationally consistent measure of socioeconomic disadvantage across England and is used in the EEI to highlight communities experiencing higher levels of social and economic vulnerability. IMD combines multiple domains, including income, employment, health, education, crime, housing and the living environment, into a single deprivation score at Lower Super Output Area (LSOA) level. These values were resampled to the 100m analysis grid and normalised to the 0-10 for the EEI scale to ensure comparability with other indicators. IMD offers a robust and widely recognised baseline for understanding social inequality, making it an essential component of the environmental equity framework.

What data was used?

IMD 2025 - Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government - OGL

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

EEI score (0–10). 10 represents areas experiencing the greatest relative environmental pressure within Built-Up Areas, while 0 represents areas experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

Similarly, the Index of Multiple Deprivation represents relative deprivation at an area level and may mask heterogeneity within communities or changes in socio economic conditions over time. When combined with environmental indicators, health and social vulnerability measures are useful for identifying areas of potential vulnerability and prioritising further investigation, but they should not be interpreted as direct measures of environmental injustice or as evidence of attributable health impacts without more detailed, context specific analysis.

It is also recognised that there is a limited degree of conceptual overlap between IMED/EEI and the Index of Multiple Deprivation, as the IMD Living Environment domain includes indicators related to air quality and noise. However, the Living Environment domain accounts for a relatively small proportion of the overall IMD weighting, and the contribution of air and noise within that domain is further limited. As a result, any potential double counting is expected to have a minor influence on combined interpretations. While air and noise indicators are given greater prominence within IMED and EEI, this overlap is considered proportionate and does not materially affect the use of the indices for strategic screening and comparative analysis.

The Sub-Domains for EEI

The EEI 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.

25.13 Sub-Domain: EEI Pollution Burden

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The 'Sub-Domain: EEI Pollution Burden' layer presents a combined measure of relative pollution-related environmental burden within England's built-up areas. The layer integrates multiple pollution-related indicators, including air pollution and environmental noise, into a single composite score representing the cumulative pollution pressures experienced within an area.

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

This layer is intended as a strategic screening, prioritisation, and spatial planning tool to support the identification of areas experiencing multiple pollution burdens within built-up areas. 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 dataset is a relative measure of pollution burden and does not represent absolute pollution concentrations, regulatory exceedance, exposure, or direct health impact. The layer combines multiple pollution-related indicators into a single composite score and therefore simplifies complex environmental processes, pollution pathways, and exposure patterns.

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

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

The methodology assumes equal contribution between included indicators and does not account for differing sensitivities, cumulative physiological impacts, or interactions between pollutants.

Higher scores indicate comparatively greater relative pollution burden and should not be interpreted as fixed thresholds of environmental quality or risk.

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

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

25.14 Sub-Domain: EEI Nature Deficit Burden - Built-up Area ONLY

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The 'Sub-Domain: EEI Nature Deficit Burden' layer presents a combined measure of relative environmental disadvantage associated with limited access to natural assets within England's built-up areas. The layer integrates multiple nature-related indicators, including accessibility to greenspace, priority habitat deficit, and tree cover deficit, into a single composite score representing areas experiencing comparatively lower levels of environmental natural capital and nature-related benefit.

The dataset is produced at a 100m grid resolution within built-up areas only and provides a nationally consistent representation of relative nature deficit burden across towns, cities, and villages in England. Higher scores indicate areas where access to greenspace, tree cover, and other natural assets may be comparatively more limited.

This layer is intended as a strategic screening, prioritisation, and spatial planning tool to support the identification of areas potentially experiencing lower levels of environmental benefit associated with greenspace, habitat provision, and urban tree cover. 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 dataset is a relative measure of nature deficit burden and does not represent absolute biodiversity value, ecological quality, habitat condition, or access to nature. The layer combines multiple nature-related indicators into a single composite score and therefore simplifies complex ecological processes, ecosystem services, and environmental relationships.

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

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

Higher scores indicate comparatively greater relative nature deficit burden and should not be interpreted as fixed thresholds of environmental quality, biodiversity value, or public accessibility.

The dataset does not account for factors such as site quality, accessibility barriers, biodiversity condition, greenspace usability, safety, or individual perceptions and experiences of nature.

The layer is restricted to built-up areas and should not be interpreted as representing wider ecological conditions across all land areas within England.

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

Ground-truthing and interpretation alongside local evidence, ecological survey data, and professional judgement are strongly recommended.

25.15 Sub-Domain: EEI Climate Burden - Built-up Area ONLY

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The 'Sub-Domain: EEI Climate Risk Burden' layer presents a combined measure of relative environmental disadvantage associated with climate-related hazards within England's built-up areas. The layer integrates multiple climate-related indicators, including flood risk, projected heat exposure, and urban heat island intensity, into a single composite score representing areas experiencing comparatively greater climate-related environmental pressures.

The dataset is produced at a 100m grid resolution within built-up areas only and provides a nationally consistent representation of relative climate risk burden across towns, cities, and villages in England. Higher scores indicate areas experiencing comparatively greater exposure to climate-related environmental pressures such as flooding and increasing heat exposure.

This layer is intended as a strategic screening, prioritisation, and spatial planning tool to support the identification of areas potentially more vulnerable to climate-related environmental pressures within built-up areas. 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 dataset is a relative measure of climate-related environmental burden and does not represent absolute climate risk, flood probability, temperature, or realised impacts on people, infrastructure, ecosystems, or property. The layer combines multiple climate-related indicators into a single composite score and therefore simplifies complex climate, environmental, and urban processes.

Individual indicators may differ in spatial accuracy, modelling assumptions, temporal coverage, resolution, and update frequency.

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

Higher scores indicate comparatively greater relative climate risk burden and should not be interpreted as fixed thresholds of risk or vulnerability.

Climate projection indicators represent modelled future scenarios and should not be interpreted as precise forecasts of future environmental conditions or weather events.

The methodology does not account for local mitigation measures, flood defences, urban design, behavioural adaptation, socioeconomic resilience, or future land use change.

The layer is restricted to built-up areas and should not be interpreted as representing climate-related conditions across all land areas within England.

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

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

25.16 Sub-Domain: EEI Built Environment - Built-up Area ONLY

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The 'Sub-Domain: EEI Built Environment Burden' layer presents a combined measure of relative environmental disadvantage associated with built environment characteristics within England's built-up areas. The layer integrates indicators relating to urban heat island intensity and lack of tree cover into a single composite score representing areas experiencing comparatively greater built environment-related environmental pressures.

The dataset is produced at a 100m grid resolution within built-up areas only and provides a nationally consistent representation of relative built environment burden across towns, cities, and villages in England. Higher scores indicate areas experiencing comparatively greater urban heat exposure and comparatively lower levels of urban tree cover.

This layer is intended as a strategic screening, prioritisation, and spatial planning tool to support the identification of areas potentially experiencing reduced environmental benefit associated with urban greening and increased urban heat pressures. It should not be interpreted as a direct measure of thermal comfort, air temperature, canopy quality, biodiversity value, or individual wellbeing outcomes and is not intended for site-specific assessment or statutory determination.

What data was used?

Indicator: EEI Built Environment - Urban Heat Island - Built-up Area ONLY

Indicator: EEI Built Environment - Lack of Trees - Built-up Area ONLY

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

EEI score (0–10). 10 represents areas experiencing the greatest relative environmental pressure within Built-Up Areas, while 0 represents areas experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This dataset is a relative measure of built environment-related environmental burden and does not represent absolute temperature, heat exposure, tree canopy quality, or environmental condition. The layer combines multiple built environment indicators into a single composite score and therefore simplifies complex urban, climatic, and ecological processes.

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

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

Higher scores indicate comparatively greater relative built environment burden and should not be interpreted as fixed thresholds of environmental quality, heat risk, or urban greening provision.

Urban heat island indicators are derived from land surface temperature data and do not directly represent near-surface air temperature or individual thermal comfort.

Tree cover indicators represent relative canopy presence and do not account for tree quality, species composition, accessibility, cooling effectiveness, or wider ecosystem services.

The methodology does not account for local urban design, shading, building characteristics, ventilation, behavioural adaptation, or future land use change.

The layer is restricted to built-up areas and should not be interpreted as representing conditions across all land areas within England.

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

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

25.17 Sub-Domain: EEI Health and Social Vulnerability Burden - Built-up Area ONLY

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The 'Sub-Domain: EEI Health and Social Vulnerability Burden' layer presents a combined measure of relative health and socioeconomic vulnerability within England's built-up areas. The layer integrates indicators relating to premature mortality and socioeconomic deprivation, including Years of Life Lost (YLL) and the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), into a single composite score representing areas where populations may be comparatively more vulnerable or susceptible to environmental pressures.

The dataset is produced at a 100m grid resolution within built-up areas only and provides a nationally consistent representation of relative health and social vulnerability burden across towns, cities, and villages in England. Higher scores indicate areas experiencing comparatively greater levels of health and socioeconomic vulnerability.

This layer is intended as a strategic screening, prioritisation, and spatial planning tool to support the identification of areas where environmental burdens may spatially overlap with potentially more vulnerable populations. It should not be interpreted as demonstrating causation between environmental conditions and health or socioeconomic outcomes and is not intended for clinical assessment, public health diagnosis, or statutory determination.

What data was used?

Indicator: EEI Health and Social - Years Life Lost for 2017-2019 - Built-up Area ONLY

Indicator: EEI Health and Social - Indices of Multiple Deprivation - Built-up Area ONLY

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

EEI score (0–10). 10 represents areas experiencing the greatest relative environmental pressure within Built-Up Areas, while 0 represents areas experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This dataset is a relative measure of built environment-related environmental burden and does not represent absolute temperature, heat exposure, tree canopy quality, or environmental condition. The layer combines multiple built environment indicators into a single composite score and therefore simplifies complex urban, climatic, and ecological processes.

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

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

Higher scores indicate comparatively greater relative built environment burden and should not be interpreted as fixed thresholds of environmental quality, heat risk, or urban greening provision.

Urban heat island indicators are derived from land surface temperature data and do not directly represent near-surface air temperature or individual thermal comfort.

Tree cover indicators represent relative canopy presence and do not account for tree quality, species composition, accessibility, cooling effectiveness, or wider ecosystem services.

The methodology does not account for local urban design, shading, building characteristics, ventilation, behavioural adaptation, or future land use change.

The layer is restricted to built-up areas and should not be interpreted as representing conditions across all land areas within England.

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

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

The Domains

The EEI domains combine the Pollution Burden, Climate Risk Burden, Nature Deficit Burden, Built Environment Burden, and Health and Social Vulnerability Burden sub-domains into a single composite measure of relative environmental burden and environmental inequality within England's built-up areas. The domains provide an overall continuous score, normalised to a 0–10 scale, representing cumulative environmental pressures and vulnerabilities by integrating multiple environmental, built environment, health, and socioeconomic factors into one nationally consistent index.

The EEI deciled domain then ranks these overall domain scores into ten equal groups across England's built-up areas to support comparison and interpretation at a national scale. Decile 1 represents the 10% most environmentally burdened and vulnerable built-up areas, while Decile 10 represents the 10% least environmentally burdened and vulnerable built-up areas.

25.18 Domain: Overall Score for EEI - Built-up Area ONLY

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The 'Domain: Overall Score for EEI' layer presents a combined measure of relative environmental burden and environmental inequality within England's built-up areas. The layer integrates multiple EEI sub-domains, including pollution burden, climate risk burden, nature deficit burden, built environment burden, and health and social vulnerability burden, into a single composite score representing areas experiencing comparatively greater cumulative environmental pressures and vulnerability.

The dataset is produced at a 100m grid resolution within built-up areas only and provides a nationally consistent representation of relative environmental inequality across towns, cities, and villages in England. Higher scores indicate areas experiencing comparatively greater cumulative environmental burden and vulnerability.

This layer is intended as a strategic screening, prioritisation, and spatial planning tool to support the identification of areas where multiple environmental pressures and vulnerabilities may spatially overlap. It should not be interpreted as an absolute measure of environmental quality, deprivation, health outcome, regulatory exceedance, or individual risk and is not intended for statutory determination or site-specific assessment.

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

What are the layer attributes?

Each 100m grid cell contains:

EEI score (0–10). 10 represents areas experiencing the greatest relative environmental pressure within Built-Up Areas, while 0 represents areas experiencing the least pressure.

What are the limitations and caveats to content?

This dataset is a relative measure of environmental burden and environmental inequality and does not represent absolute environmental quality, deprivation, health impact, exposure, or regulatory exceedance. The layer combines multiple environmental, built environment, health, and socioeconomic indicators into a single composite score and therefore simplifies complex environmental and social processes.

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

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

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

Higher scores indicate comparatively greater relative environmental burden and vulnerability and should not be interpreted as fixed thresholds of risk, deprivation, or environmental quality.

Some indicators are derived from modelled datasets or aggregated geographic data and may not reflect local variation or individual experience.

The layer is restricted to built-up areas and should not be interpreted as representing conditions across all land areas within England.

The dataset is intended for strategic-scale screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only and should not be used for regulatory assessment, statutory determination, clinical interpretation, funding allocation, or site-specific decision-making.

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

25.19 Domain: Overall Score Deciled for EEI - Built-up Area ONLY

Version and date of layer

Version 2026.1. This layer was finalised in February 2026.

What is this layer?

The 'Domain: Overall Score Deciled for EEI' layer presents the overall Environmental Equity Index (EEI) score classified into deciles for England's built-up areas. The layer combines multiple EEI sub-domains, including pollution burden, climate risk burden, nature deficit burden, built environment burden, and health and social vulnerability burden, into a single relative ranking of cumulative environmental burden and vulnerability.

The dataset is produced at a 100m grid resolution within built-up areas only and provides a nationally consistent representation of relative environmental inequality across towns, cities, and villages in England. Deciles are used to group areas according to their relative level of cumulative environmental burden and vulnerability, where:

• Decile 1 represents the 10% most burdened areas.
• Decile 10 represents the 10% least burdened areas.

This layer is intended as a strategic screening, prioritisation, and spatial planning tool to support comparison between areas and the identification of broad spatial patterns of environmental inequality. It should not be interpreted as an absolute measure of environmental quality, deprivation, health outcome, regulatory exceedance, or individual risk and is not intended for statutory determination or site-specific assessment.

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

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 ranking of environmental burden and environmental inequality and does not represent absolute environmental quality, deprivation, health impact, exposure, or regulatory exceedance. The layer combines multiple environmental, built environment, health, and socioeconomic indicators into a single composite deciled score and therefore simplifies complex environmental and social processes.

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's built-up areas and should not be interpreted as fixed thresholds of risk, deprivation, or environmental quality.

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

Some indicators are derived from modelled datasets or aggregated geographic data and may not reflect local variation or individual experience.

The layer is restricted to built-up areas and should not be interpreted as representing conditions across all land areas within England.

The dataset is intended for strategic-scale screening, prioritisation, and comparative analysis only and should not be used for regulatory assessment, statutory determination, clinical interpretation, funding allocation, or site-specific decision-making.

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