Research and analysis

Using the Environmental Indicator Framework

Published 1 December 2025

Applies to England

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Using the framework

The Environmental Indicator Framework is designed to be adaptable for multiple uses. For example, it can be used to communicate environmental change or to support management of natural capital. By presenting a wide variety of data in a single location, the framework enables a comprehensive approach to analysis of environmental issues and decision making.

Natural capital approach

The concept of natural capital was used to develop the framework. Natural capital is defined as the elements of the environment which provide valuable goods and services to people such as clean air, clean water, food, and recreation. A natural capital approach is advocated by the Environmental Improvement Plan as it accounts for all the different ways the environment benefits society and so can inform better decision making. A natural capital framework sets out the need to:

  • reduce pressures on natural capital (for example, pollution or plant disease)
  • improve the state of natural assets (including air, water, land and seas)
  • increase the benefits that we get from those assets

The 66 outcome indicators can be considered as either a measure of (a) the drivers or pressures on natural capital assets, (b) the extent or condition of natural capital assets or (c) the services or benefits associated with natural capital assets. This classification is not always straightforward since the condition of one natural capital asset (for example, air quality) may place a pressure on another (for example, wildlife habitat).

It is important to recognise that multiple interactions occur across the indicators and categories. By classifying these indicators in this way, we can also show which direction of change in the indicator reflects an improvement to the environment (that is a downward trend for pressures and an upward trend for the condition of an asset or the provision of a benefit).

Monitoring and evaluating these indicators can inform appropriate actions with an ultimate goal of maximising a healthy environment, economy and society.

The indicators that can be considered drivers or pressures on natural capital assets are:

The indicators that can be considered extent or condition of natural capital assets are:

The indicators that can be considered services or benefits associated with natural capital assets are:

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