Top 10 Sustainable Cities in the US 2022
Estimated reading time: 14 minutes
Are you hoping to make your next eco-friendly vacation to a big city? What makes a city sustainable? It takes more than you think to become one of the top-ranked sustainable cities in the United States. Find out which one is the nation’s greenest city below!
Each of these green cities in the United States on this list has already begun to achieve goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in green buildings implementation, and ensuring all communities have access to city services and sustainable green spaces. But that alone is not enough to become one of the greenest cities in the U.S.
In this article, I’ve outlined at least one outstanding initiative that each of America’s most sustainable cities has implemented. I have also suggested some green activities to do when you visit. As a sustainable digital slomad, I have only visited two (and the two Canadian cities mentioned), but I hope to one day see them all!
The list was determined by the folks over at The Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index 2022. The index ranks the top 100 cities in the world for economic, social and environmental sustainability. If you want to find out if your city is in the top 100 or how the ASCI determines rank for sustainability, hop on over to their website and download the report for yourself!
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Sustainable U.S. City #10
Dallas, Texas – Ranked 39 out of 100
Aside from the approaches mentioned in the introduction, Dallas has also focused on nature-based solutions to address societal challenges.
The program Forward Dallas aims to bring more green spaces such as rain gardens, pocket prairies and urban parks to benefit its people and the environment through eco-friendly urban planning. This has helped Dallas become one of the most eco-friendly cities in the U.S.
A couple of fun, sustainable activities you can try while visiting the “Big D” are:
- Pay a visit to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. On Thursday evenings, they host an adults-only event if you’re looking for something sans kids.
- Try some local wine at a vineyard nearby. The state even hosts an annual Texas Sustainable Wine-growing Competition, so you can check out their past winners to help you choose!
Sustainable U.S. City #9
Tampa, Florida – Ranked 30 out of 100
You may know Tampa for its cigar industry and the Cuban sandwich, but the “Big Guava” wants to claim its place as one of the most sustainable cities in the U.S.
Tampa has a unique project in the works located at the Howard F. Curren Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. The electrical facility will use anaerobic digesters (micro-organisms) to produce electricity and heat that can be used to power the equipment at the plant. Now that’s what I call a symbiotic relationship!
Check out one of these sustainable activities after you try one of those famous sandwiches:
- Plan a visit to the TECO Manatee Viewing Centre – a state and federally-mandated sanctuary that is just one small part of the Florida Conservation and Technology Centre.
- Take advantage of public transit by enjoying a ride on one of the historic street cars rather than hailing a cab!
Sustainable U.S. City #8
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Ranked 29 out of 100
Leave it to the “City of Brotherly Love” to recognize that projects that engage individuals directly are the most successful and community-supported.
One such project is TreePhilly, which has encouraged residents to help reach the city’s goal of a 30% tree canopy in all neighbourhoods. Another is Green City Clean Waters, which has kept almost twelve billion litres of pollution from reaching the waterways by installing green tools. Protecting historically underserved communities is also high on Philly’s list.
Here are some sustainable activities to try while visiting Philly:
- Take a bike break at Triple Bottom Brewing Company, a Certified B Corporation committed to building a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
- Catch a game at the Wells Fargo Centre, which is supplied by 100% renewable energy sources.
Sustainable U.S. City #7
Phoenix, Arizona – Ranked 25 out of 100
When you think of Phoenix and sustainability, water shortage in the desert may come to mind. Although this city has struggled with sustainability in the past, they are making a comeback.
Big on their minds is climate action, and they have incorporated a new plan that includes community-wide use of low-carbon fuels and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions for municipal operations by 2030. These eco-conscious city policies are leading them to a goal for the city to see a 50% reduction in residents living below the poverty line by 2030.
Here are a couple of sustainable activities worth looking into when visiting the self-titled “Valley of the Sun”:
- Take a trip to The Desert Botanical Garden, where the conservation of desert plants is part of their mission.
- Be part of a socially sustainable movement, and head to the Heard Museum, whose mission is “to be the world’s preeminent museum for the presentation, interpretation and advancement of American Indian art.”
Sustainable U.S. City #6
Washington, DC – Ranked 20 out of 100
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the nation’s capital finds itself on this list of top sustainable cities in the U.S. Number six on the list of America’s greenest cities, it’s been over a decade since they started to implement the Sustainable DC Act of 2012.
Although Washington DC has many other sustainability actions, it bears mentioning that this city was the first to enact a Green Building Act. This policy has required all private buildings to acquire green building certification since 2006. This has led to more LEED-certified buildings than any other city in the U.S. DC can also brag that a healthy tree canopy covers 38% of the city.
Explore the capital city of the U.S. with these sustainable activities:
- Renew your love of nature and the Earth at the National Geographic Museum.
- Rent a bike and cover as many of the city’s 140 miles of bike lanes as you can!
Sustainable U.S. City #5
Boston, Massachusetts – Ranked 22 out of 100
The home of every runner’s Mount Everest, the Boston Marathon, Bean Town has nestled right in the middle spot of the most environmentally friendly cities at number five.
Likely its most lofty goal regarding sustainability is Boston’s Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO). The ordinance requires that all large buildings achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The hope is to cut back on 70% of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions that are due to buildings.
Take America’s first subway line to arrive at one of these sustainable activities:
- This city hosts Boston GreenFest – the annual signature event of the local nonprofit Foundation for a Green Future. Held in August at the popular green space Rose Kennedy Greenway.
- Hungry? The Chef’s Collaborative is a Boston-based nonprofit that withholds their vision of sustainable practices being second nature for every chef in the U.S. The Green Restaurant Association maintains a regularly updated list of members.
Sustainable U.S. City #4
New York City, New York – Ranked 15 out of 100
The nation’s largest city, The Big Apple, has procured a lousy reputation regarding food waste in the last few years. In 2017, 18% of NYC’s solid waste was food waste. Sustainable waste management in U.S. cities is a must if you want to make this top ten list!
On top of an extensive plan for Urban Agriculture and Gardening, NYC implemented a state-wide food waste ban in January 2021. The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) is one option to help businesses like restaurants and grocery stores re-direct food waste in the city.
New York City is also starting to implement programs for individuals, such as the organic waste pick-up program that began as a pilot in Queens in October 2022.
After you’ve accomplished the “typical” NYC tourist tasks, here are some sustainable activity options for you:
- Volunteer for the Billion Oyster Project, which aims to restore one billion oysters to the New York Harbour.
- Marvel at the 6.75-acre sedum rooftop of the Javits Center in Hell’s Kitchen. Rooftops are becoming popular places to incorporate more green space in large cities.
- Take a stroll to Bryant Park Beekeeping to learn about the vital role these pollinators play in the environmental quality of an ecosystem.
Sustainable U.S. City #3
Los Angeles, California – Ranked 14 out of 100
On top of all the sustainability practices mentioned in the article introduction, L.A. has some great stats uniquely their own.
Ranked as the number one solar city in the U.S., the energy garnered is enough to power the community’s electricity supply for 134,000 homes. This makes L.A. one of the most successful renewable energy cities in the U.S. The City of Angels was also the first to implement an electric car share program designed to serve low-income residents.
And if that wasn’t enough, they are also the first city in North America to apply the Singapore Index, which is “a self-assessment tool for cities to evaluate and monitor the progress of their biodiversity conservation efforts against their own individual baselines.”
There are plenty of eco-focused activities to do in L.A.; here are a couple to try:
- Looking for a unique and therapeutic educational experience? Pay a visit to Wolf Connection, a sanctuary and wilderness retreat centre.
- Learn a few things about how to live more sustainably on a tour at the Los Angeles Eco-Village. Make sure to book in advance.
Sustainable U.S. City #2
San Fransisco, California – Ranked 9 out of 100
Home of the famous Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco was the first U.S. city to prohibit the use of plastic bags. The city has also impressively continued to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions each year.
San Francisco was also the first in the U.S. to adopt the precautionary principle. This principle states that “where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.” Meaning that San Francisco isn’t taking any chances regarding aggressive climate change legislation. Better to be safe than sorry when it comes to being one of the most sustainable cities in the U.S.!
One of their many other initiatives is totally greening the city’s transportation systems.
San Francisco is well known for outdoor adventure, so don’t skip out and consider these sustainable activities while there:
- We’ve all heard of Golden Gate Park, but the lesser-known Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve, which covers 61 acres and is owned by the University of California, is worth the visit.
- Go thrift shopping on Haight Street in some of the many unique and funky vintage and second-hand stores.
Most Sustainable City in the U.S. #1
Seattle, Washington – Ranked 7 out of 100
You don’t get to number one on the sustainability charts in the U.S. without some heavy lifting. Seattle has earned its way to the title of the greenest city in the U.S. With lofty goals in many sustainability-aimed areas and numerous initiatives already in place, Seattle deserves this badge.
They have an impressive recycling system, abundant carbon-free hydroelectricity, and a newly updated 2018 Seattle Climate Action Plan. A remarkable goal to be carbon neutral town-wide by 2050 (0 net emissions) is also nothing to scoff at.
The aptly nicknamed Emerald City has some green transport goals with “Green and Healthy Streets”, electrifying transport systems through their Transportation Electrification Blueprint. This makes them a leading example for sustainable transportation in American cities.
Andrea Pratt, Climate and Transportation Program Manager with Seattle’s Office of Sustainability and Environment, says it best:
A robust bike lane…..
“A robust bike lane network will make it easy to use bikes, e-scooters, or walk. Ships at port are plugged in, every package delivered to your doorstep comes on an electric van, truck or e-bike. Silent, clean, electric trash and utility trucks will service neighbourhoods. This is a future we all deserve, and through this Transportation Electrification Blueprint, we’re ready to get to work.”
Here are a few eco-friendly activities you might want to try in the most sustainable city in the U.S.:
- Do anything in Olympic National Park. This park took my breath away when I visited in 2015.
- Shop local at the Ballard Farmers Markets on Sundays. Far less crowded than the more well-known Pike Place Market.
- Embrace the ‘locavore’ movement and grab a bite at one of the city’s numerous local, organic, sustainable, and fair-trade restaurants or cafes.
- Rent a kayak or SUP to explore the San Juan Islands, located not so far from Vancouver Island…
And since I mentioned Vancouver, let’s look at the two most sustainable Canadian cities that wedged themselves amid this list too!
Vancouver, British Columbia – Ranked 17 out of 100
The Canucks living here embrace eco-consciousness, and the city’s admirable goal of achieving zero waste by 2040 displays it proudly. One of Canada’s most populated cities, Van also boasts a fantastic walk score.
One of the easiest sustainable ways to see the most beautiful part of the city is to walk, run, or roll your way around the ten kilometres of the Vancouver seawall. Make sure you swoop into the gorgeous Stanley Park at some point.
Montréal, Québec – Ranked 24 out of 100
Another of Canada’s greenest big cities, Montreal, has begun to implement 46 actions to reach its goal of becoming carbon-neutral by the year 2050.
You don’t need to speak French to enjoy some sustainable activities dans cette charmante ville. Marvel at the European-esque streets and buildings while you stroll through Old Montreal (Vieux Montreal).
final thoughts about these sustainable cities in the u.s.
So there you have it! The ten most sustainable cities in the U.S. with two of Canada’s greenest cities thrown in for good measure (okay, I’m biased). If you’re trying to plan a successfully sustainable big city trip, one of these might be the place for you. Or perhaps you’re a sustainable digital nomad like me and located in the U.S. and you’ll eventually try them all!
Although entire cities need to take significant actions toward sustainability, keep in mind that your journey needs to start with just one step!
