As cities race to become cleaner and more sustainable, one North American destination is leading the way. New data from the sustainability experts at Reinders Corporation names Vancouver the greenest city in the world, topping a global ranking based on access to green spaces and environmental performance.
The study evaluated cities using six core indicators, including green space per capita, renewable energy usage, air quality, public transportation efficiency, and bikeability. These metrics were combined to calculate an overall Green City Index score, offering a snapshot of where sustainable urban living is thriving right now.
Vancouver claimed the number one spot with a Green City Index score of 101.71. The city stood out for its massive amount of green space, with 119 square meters per person, nearly all of its energy coming from renewable sources, and extremely low air pollution levels. Its PM2.5 reading of 4.2 micrograms per cubic meter tied for the cleanest air in the study.
Not far behind, Oslo ranked second thanks to high renewable energy use and strong public transit, while Stockholm took third with standout transportation efficiency.
The United States also made the list. San Francisco ranked eighth overall with a Green City Index score of 76.58. While its green space per capita is lower than many European cities, San Francisco posted the highest public transportation efficiency score in the study and matched Vancouver for the cleanest air.
The top 10 greenest cities in the world
Oslo, Norway Morten Falch Sortland / Getty Images
Vancouver, Canada
Oslo, Norway
Stockholm, Sweden
Munich, Germany
Zurich, Switzerland
Copenhagen, Denmark
Montreal, Canada
San Francisco, United States
Toronto, Canada
London, United Kingdom