This Coastal City Was Just Named the ‘Greenest’ in the World

A lot of factors go into calling a destination eco-friendly from farm-to-table restaurants to public transportation, recycling programs, and bicycle rentals, but some cities are greener than others. And in a recent study, Vancouver outshone the rest.

The Canadian city came out on top thanks to its abundance of green space, great air quality, and use of renewable energy, according to the study by Reinders Corporation, a climate solutions company, that was shared with Travel + Leisure. Overall, Vancouver boasts more than 1,200 square feet of green space per capita, uses 98 percent renewable energy as of 2022, had a public transportation efficiency rate of 58.1 out of 100 and a bikeabilty rate of 50.3 out of 100.

“With climate change and urban growth, understanding which cities excel in sustainability has never been more critical,” Gerrit Jan Reinders, the company’s CEO, said in a statement shared with T+L. “This study highlights where residents and travelers alike can benefit from cleaner air, abundant green spaces, and efficient transport systems, demonstrating that eco-friendly living and vibrant, modern city life can thrive together.”

To get at the heart of the survey, the company looked at six key indicators: green spaces per capita, renewable energy share, low air pollution, public transportation efficiency, bikeability, and the presence of a tourist tax.

After Vancouver, the city of Oslo, Norway, came in second place, ranking favorably across all categories, and even higher than Vancouver when it comes to renewable energy, decreased air pollution, public transportation efficiency, and bikeability. The cities of Stockholm, Sweden; Munich, Germany; and Zurich, Switzerland, rounded out the top five.

San Francisco was the only city in the United States to make the top 10 at No. 8. Residents there have access to 226 square feet of green space per capita and good, effective public transportation with a score of 68.4 out of 100. The city has also invested in renewable energy with 68 percent converted to it as of 2022.

“By ranking cities on factors such as renewable energy usage, bikeability, and air quality, it provides a clear picture of which urban centers are leading the way in creating healthier, more resilient communities,” Reinders said. “It also serves as a benchmark for other cities, showing that environmental responsibility and high quality of life can go hand in hand.”

This is the top 10 list of green cities, according to the Reinders Corporation.

1. Vancouver, Canada
2. Oslo, Norway
3. Stockholm, Sweden
4. Munich, Germany
5. Zurich, Switzerland
6. Copenhagen, Denmark
7. Montreal, Canada
8. San Francisco, U.S.
9. Toronto, Canada,
10. London, United Kingdom