Momentum’s annual sustainability impact analysis results rise for second consecutive year: 7,937,039 net kilograms of potential saved carbon emissions for consented developments. 

Momentum Transport Consultancy has today revealed the results of its annual sustainability impact assessment, with a total of 7,937,039 potential net kilograms of CO2e saved yearly from transport modal shift and deliveries consolidation. This number has increased from last year’s figure of 340,207 potential net kilograms of CO2e, which also reflects the greater scale and number of schemes assessed this year. 

The annual sustainability impact assessment highlights the environmental benefits achieved from each project that the company has worked on, that achieved planning consent during the previous year. The assessment captures Momentum’s contribution to the sustainability of the scheme, looking at potential transport carbon emissions savings, infrastructure and public realm provision and delivery consolidation strategies.  

Potential CO2 savings are calculated by taking the proposed (and consented) mode share, and any delivery consolidation strategies, and comparing them to an industry standard baseline for the given land use type. Elements such as the number of trees planted, number of cycle parking spaces, public realm improvements, active travel proposals and EV charging spaces are also summarised.  

In 2023/24 seven major schemes were considered in Momentum’s assessment: 

1. 75 London Wall (City of London) 

2. Portland House (City of Westminster) 

3. Weybridge Innovation Facility (Surrey County Council) 

4. 21 Lombard Street (City of London) 

5. 55 Old Broad Street (City of London) 

6. Shepherd’s Bush Market (London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham) 

7. Harbour Exchange (London Borough of Tower Hamlets) 

These schemes, which have all received planning permission, contributed to a total potential daily saving of 85,161kg of CO2e.  

Kana Nomoto, senior consultant at Momentum who leads the annual sustainability analysis and summary, said: “This is the third year that we’ve used our bespoke assessment tool to enable us to quantify the theoretical CO2e savings that we expect to see coming through when the developments we have worked on are on the ground.  

“Since our first assessment in 2022 we’ve been really encouraged to see the potential carbon emissions savings grow. And while it’s difficult to make a straight year-on-year comparison, due to the number and size of individual schemes looked at in our assessment each year, the final savings figure reflects both the scale and number of projects that have been consented. 

“In particular this year we’ve seen continued potential to achieve carbon savings through modal shift. We’ve noted an ongoing move towards improved infrastructure for active travel, as well as the use of cargo bike deliveries in proposed delivery and servicing strategies. Additionally, two of the projects assessed had significant additional public realm proposed as part of their planning applications. These two projects alone will generate nearly 3000 sqm of new public realm space, with nearly two thirds of that space in the City of London.” 

Will Durden, managing director at Momentum said: “We’ve always been passionate at Momentum about making an impact on the sustainability of our cities and urban spaces. Seeing the potential net CO2e savings number grow each year makes us incredibly proud to have worked on some of London’s – and beyond’s – biggest development projects, and to be making life better for the people who live and work there.” 

About Momentum

Momentum is a leading integrated, people-first transport consultancy. Founded in 2012 the company creates transport strategies and solutions that inform, integrate with and are integral to every aspect of the built environment today and for the future. Focusing on the emerging, universal and critical issues facing development Momentum works with clients to address the multi-faceted challenges of the industry and to create forward-looking solutions.

The company’s three core areas of specialism in planning, insight & analytics and engineering are bound together by a shared vision to improve the environments we live, work and play in. The company works in markets including commercial, cultural and heritage, education, major events, masterplanning, public realm, residential, retail and stadia and venues.

Momentum was the winner of the CIHT ‘Employer of the Year’ 2022 award, the CIHT ‘Team of the Year’ 2023 award and is a signatory to the CIHT Diversity Charter.