As part of Impacts, Savills global thought leadership programme, the international real estate advisor has examined air quality as a core pillar of city resilience, with direct implications for health, wellbeing and productivity.

PM2.5 levels in China’s C40 cities have fallen by 44% since 2014, the United States has recorded a 37% decline since 2000, and Europe now reports the lowest levels worldwide. Despite this, only 17% of cities met WHO PM2.5 guidelines in 2024, based on IQAir analysis of global air quality data measured, although this has risen from 9% in 2023, which shows significant progress. Air pollution remains particularly severe in Africa and South Asia, where wildfires, drought and dust storms continue to worsen conditions, despite efforts to reduce emissions from buildings, transport and industry.

Savills says that improved air quality is also increasingly influencing real estate decision making. Developers and city authorities are placing greater emphasis on the provision of green and blue infrastructure, recognising the role of outdoor space and urban nature in supporting mental health and mitigating environmental impact. Occupiers are likewise considering air quality in location strategies due to its links with employee wellbeing, absenteeism and long term health. Buildings play a part too, with enhanced air filtration systems able to improve internal air quality for occupants. They can also support reductions in outdoor air pollution by cutting car use through the provision of end‑of‑journey facilities and support for public transport and active travel becoming standard expectations.

According to Savills, cities achieving the fastest improvements typically combine targeted transport policies, cleaner energy transitions and tighter industrial regulation. Examples include London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, Seoul’s Green Transport Zone and the expansion of low emission areas across Europe, while New York’s Central Business District Tolling Program represents a major new congestion reduction measure in the US.

Dan Jestico, Director of Sustainable Design at Savills, says, “Air quality is a core pillar of city resilience, impacting health, wellbeing and productivity. This is being increasingly prioritised by governments as major cities are still exceeding the World Health Organisation’s air quality thresholds. However, London’s experience shows how quickly positive change can be delivered. The combination of the congestion charge, ULEZ and the shift to lower emission public transport has significantly improved local air quality. When paired with measures to encourage walking, cycling and other active travel modes, these interventions demonstrate a pathway to healthier populations, lower carbon emissions and greater long term urban resilience.”

Paul Tostevin, Head of Savills World Research, adds, “Air pollution levels are just one aspect we analysed to give cities an environmental resilience rating as part of our wider research. While they provide some indication of how well climate change may be being addressed, they’re also an important proxy of whether a city offers the lifestyle and atmosphere to attract and retain residents. A sustainable population flow is a crucial part of a location’s ongoing resilience, as its appeal to talented individuals. We know many people will consider wellbeing factors when choosing where to locate, so it’s important for both regulators and the real estate industry work together to continue to drive levels down.”