Berlin Tops Ranking As Most Sustainable City In The World
Which city ranks as the world’s top sustainable destination for 2024?
Among the 50 cities in the study, Berlin in Germany came out tops as the most sustainable city with the highest total sustainability score. Meanwhile, this is thanks to its 51 percent green spaces and its tram network of 190 km (118 mi). Moreover, Warsaw took second place with the longest tram network.
About the study
ARKA analyzed more than 50 cities to rank the top sustainable destinations for the summer of 2024. To do the ranking each city was analyzed based on three main criteria: the percentage of green spaces, tram network coverage and bike friendliness.
Scores for each criterion were normalized and averaged to form a total sustainability index for each city. Moreover, the study also considered additional criteria, including the country’s Sustainability Score, Electric Vehicle Usage, Percentage of Renewable Energy Use and CO2 Emissions per Capita. The study then revealed the top 10 cities based on the highest total indexes.
1. Berlin, Germany
Berlin came tops as the most sustainable destination with a total index of 76.12. Its high score was thanks to its 51 percent green spaces, its bike friendliness and its large tram network of 190 km (118 mi).
Moreover, Germany as a whole is pushing hard on green policies, using 19.45 percent renewable energy, and also leading with the highest sustainability score of 83.36 among the analyzed countries.
2. Warsaw, Poland
Poland’s capital, Warsaw came in second place with an index of 71.38. This is due to the city’s longest tram network of 356 km (xx mi) among the analyzed cities. It also boasts 51 green spaces as with Berlin. Moreover, Warsaw boasts a composite sustainability index due to its sustainable transportation, while Poland’s renewable energy use is 7.76 percent.
3. Melbourne, Australia
Coming in at number three is Melbourne in Australia with an index of 57.29, 37 percent green spaces and a 250 km (155 mi) tram network. Moreover, the city boasts high bike friendliness which further places the city in the top three.
4. Utrecht, the Netherlands
Heading to the Netherlands, the city of Utrecht ranks fourth in the list with a high sustainability index of 55.09. This city leads with the highest bike friendliness score of 77.84. Moreover, Utrecht boasts an efficient 13.3 km (8 mi) tram system, which improves transportation in the city, while making it one of the most sustainable destinations.
5. Bern, Switzerland
Bern in Switzerland comes in fifth place in the rankings with a sustainability index of 53.35. When it comes to green spaces, more than 50 percent of the city’s area is green. Its moderate tram and bike infrastructure contributes significantly to its sustainability. Meanwhile, Switzerland itself has a high renewable energy usage of 36.72 percent and low CO2 emissions per capita of 4.04.
6. Seoul, South Korea
With a sustainability index of 51.70, Seoul ranks sixth in the study and the city has an extensive tram system of 331.5 km (206 mi), which is second only to Warsaw. Meanwhile, South Korea has a renewable energy usage rate of 3.72 percent which further contributes to its placing in the ranking.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Heading to the Czech Republic, the beautiful city of Prague comes seventh with a sustainability index of 50.76. Moreover, the city features green spaces covering 53 percent of its area and a well-utilized 144 km (89 mi) tram network. Moreover, with the best tram systems in all the cities, Prague is a top sustainable destination.
8. Helsinki, Finland
Coming in at number eight, Helsinki has a sustainability index of 49.70. Meanwhile, green spaces cover almost 48 percent of the city, and an extensive tram network of 110.5 km (69 mi) places the city in a strong ranking.
9. Oslo, Norway
Close on Helsinki’s tail, Oslo ranks ninth with a total index of 49.45. Moreover, like its Nordic neighbor, the city has green spaces of 49 percent of the city. Its ranking is also supported by Norway’s remarkable renewable energy usage of 71.56 percent.
10. Copenhagen, Denmark
Next in the ranking is Copenhagen in Denmark with an index of 47.75. Meanwhile, the city boasts 30 percent green space and a strong bike-friendliness score of 60.46.
A spokesperson from ARKA spoke of the findings:
Berlin’s top ranking comes from its comprehensive approach to sustainability, but it’s interesting to see Warsaw near the top due to its large tram network. This highlights the importance of efficient public transit in urban sustainability. Smaller cities like Utrecht also stand out, their excellent bike infrastructure makes up for having shorter tram networks.
Nordic cities like Helsinki and Oslo made the list thanks to high renewable energy usage, showing that sustainability isn’t just about urban planning but also national policies. As these strategies gain traction, we can expect a global movement where cities learn from each other’s successes, leading to more livable and environmentally friendly urban environments worldwide.
Readers can access the full study here.
Consider visiting one of these top sustainable destinations this summer for a worthy vacation.