Whereas in the industrial past, cities have striven for the tallest skyscraper, most navigable freeway system, or the like, now, in the new age of green building and responsible enterprise, American cities have a new banner to strive for – most sustainable city in the United States. While the rankings – awarded by SustainLane – are not brand new, more cities, businesses, and residents are paying attention to issues of sustainability. Cities recognize that a focus on green issues and sustainability is not only a path to a better future but a way to attract businesses and consumers to their city.

Yet, building a sustainable city is no simple task. It requires that a wide variety of measures be met to achieve such a goal. That is where SustainLane comes in. They survey the 50 most populous cities in the nation in terms of green building, water quality, public transportation, and other criteria. Information is gathered from a range of sources, including the public and direct from city and county departments.

Now in its third edition, the ranking is an answer to the latest wave of urbanization. With up to two-thirds of Americans projected to live in cities by 2030, the relationship between sustainability and quality of life is all important. Hence the importance of SustainLane’s and other similar rankings, because they spurn competition between cities and businesses as each strives to “go green” in the fastest, but most sustainable way.

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Posted on October 21st in Solar Information by Dan.