The London Borough of Redbridge has been given the green light to host a list of new environmental projects after it was ranked amongst one of the best for energy efficiency across the country.  

An academic study called 'Benchmarking urban energy efficiency in the UK' by Imperial College London, has put Redbridge as the eighth most energy efficient local authority in the UK.

The council has introduced a range of measures to help residents such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and upgrading heating systems to incorporate efficient boilers and modern controls.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Transportation & Crime, Cllr Shoaib Patel said, "This report show that Redbridge is making great progress and we are very proud of this achievement.

"Energy efficiency, along with recycling, sustainable travel and a host of other measures are all helping to make Redbridge a cleaner and greener place to live.

"With this in mind we are also happy to announce a range of new projects to build on our successes."

The Enivonmental Development Reserve Fund for 2013/14 will pay for the agreed environmental projects.

These include, £5,000 towards a community litter clean-up programme, £12,000 for two new allotments at John Bramston Primary School in Ilford, and Coppice Primary School in Chigwell.

The council will also £16,100 towards discounted compost bins for all Rebridge residents, a contribution of £10,000 for a tree planting project, and nearly £7,000 towards a new play park with 'green spaces' in Vicarage Lane, Ilford.