What are the greenest cities in the US in 2023?
The following wonderful US cities are green destinations where cutting-edge urban culture can be enjoyed alongside the outdoors. They are places where people are not only encouraged to live more sustainable, but where they are also supported in living a sustainable lifestyle.
Best described as cities focused on sustainability and eco-friendliness, a ‘green city’ strives to respond to climate change by providing resources, partnerships and a platform to lessen its environmental impact.
These cities have innovative plans that aim to reduce waste, expand recycling, lower emissions, increase housing density, while also expanding open space, and encouraging the development of sustainable local businesses.
The following urban spaces are examples of how cutting-edge city culture can be enjoyed by creating denser, greener and more fruitful cities.
Here are the greenest cities in the US in 2023!
1. San Diego, California
Being considered as the greenest city in the US, San Diego was the first major US city to commit to 100% renewable energy, which they are most likely going to achieve this year.
Currently, rooftop solar panels are generating more than 37 megawatts of green energy, making San Diego a solar-power over-achiever. In fact, installing solar panels in San Diego is almost always worth it.
This doesn’t only have the benefit of reduced greenhouse gas emissions, but also improved economic conditions and more green jobs. The city is home to a “clean tech” job concentration that’s twice as high as the national average. In fact, San Diego is well-known for its efforts when it comes to promoting green innovations.
They also have Climate Resilient SD, a plan for preparing and responding to climate change hazards and protecting historically underserved communities.
By 2035, the city plans to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% (compared to 2010 levels), and this year marks SD’s goal to reduce daily per capita water consumption by at least 9 gallons.
As supportive and progressive as San Diegans are, more than 3,300 citizens have shared their priorities, needs, and concerns to help develop the city’s Climate Action Plan.
In addition, recycling plays a big role in the day-to-day life of inhabitants and businesses. The city’s hotels, for example, are dedicated to recycling and try to minimize energy wastage as much as possible.
Furthermore, the city’s impressive Zero Waste Plan calls for 90% waste diversion by 2035 and zero by 2040.
As a result of curbside recycling and greenery collection, they’ve already diverted 75%, per their 2020 goals—and used residents’ food scraps and green waste to make sellable landscape products.
Finally, San Diego is well known for its progressive stance towards animal rights and provides some of the best living conditions to animals in its zoo. Just in case you are wondering zoos are not always good for animals. Read here to find out if zoos should be banned.
2. Portland, Oregon
Portland, sitting on the Colombia River, is the largest city in Oregon. The city of Portland is renowned all across the United States due to its massive expansion related to green space.
With a vision for a prosperous, connected, equitable, healthy, and resilient future, Portland has many sustainability initiatives, including a Climate Action Plan, Climate Change Preparation Strategy, and an Environment and Justice Framework.
By 2050, Portland will be completely powered by 100% renewable energy, and will meet the community’s electricity needs with clean energy by 2035.
They also have 2030 goals regarding reducing energy use, eliminating harmful pollutants, and reducing water to 2006-07 levels.
Portlanders have access to pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods, over 315 miles of bicycle paths, the highest number of urban parks per capita in the US, and the greatest concentration of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants. Furthermore, they are experts when it comes to saving energy in winter.
Are you wondering how you can save energy at home, too? Check out these 100 ways to save energy at home.
Residents drive 20% less than those in comparably-sized cities and largely embrace the FLOSS lifestyle—Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal, and Sustainable.
3. San Francisco, California
San Francisco is one of the finest cities in the United States to live in and also one of the most expensive ones. But in addition, San Francisco is also one of the greenest cities in the US.
A pioneer among environmentally-conscious American cities, San Francisco boasts a range of practices and policies that make environmental accountability a part of the fabric of the Bay Area city.
Residents enjoy the city’s closeness to the outdoors and recycle out of habit, while companies have adopted sustainable measures more readily than most other major cities.
Furthermore, San Francisco has implemented laws that make businesses recycle and residents more eco-conscious. In fact, the city’s residents are well-known for their expertise in saving water.
4. Honolulu, Hawaii
One of the biggest tourist attractions in the United States, Honolulu (the capital of Hawaii) is renowned for its stunning beaches and luxurious amenities.
The primary reason behind Honolulu being one of the greenest cities in the US is the huge percentage of its residents thinking in an eco-conscious way.
Surrounding beaches, lush vegetation, and commanding presence of volcanic landforms, Honolulu’s unmistakable character sets the stage for one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the US.
Not only do 66.1% of Honolulu residents consider themselves eco-conscious, but the city also boasts some of the highest percentages of green spaces and farmers markets.
The city’s Climate Action Plan highlights efforts towards greenifying transportation, waste, and electricity generation.
Including access to renewable energy and the support of locally grown food, the Resilience Strategy sets out 44 actions to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis.
By 2025, the island of O’ahu will transition to renewable energy, reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 45% on the way to becoming totally carbon neutral by 2045.
Finally, Honolulu’s per capita carbon emissions are steadily decreasing. The city knows how to save the planet!
5. Seattle, Washington
Seattle is a city located in the state of Washington, close to the state’s capital. It is an amazingly eco-friendly city that is surrounded by mountains and evergreen forests.
Furthermore, Seattle has over 500 parks and was the first American city to establish a carbon-neutral electricity utility.
Seattleites help the city by recycling and composting nearly 60% of its waste.
They’ve also embraced the plastic bag ban and the many thrift stores Seattle has to offer.
Seattle’s Climate Action Plan was one of the first of its kind in the US and focuses on improvements in e-waste, building energy, and transportation—all while supporting vibrant neighborhoods and social equity.
Standing apart from other cities, they’ve also incorporated marginalized residents in decision-making roles for energy policies.
Just a hop and a skip away from Portland, Seattle is also often recognized as one of the most eco friendly cities in the US and the first to establish a carbon neutral electric utility.
Almost 90% of Seattle’s electricity is generated from hydropower, yet they still have plans to cut emissions by 58% by 2030 and become totally carbon neutral by 2050.
6. Washington, DC
Washington, the capital of the United States, is one of the most famous and powerful cities in the world. This incredible city is famous for its presidential monuments and the White House.
But alongside its iconic landmarks, Washington is a very eco-friendly city, full of eco-conscious people. In fact, over 17,000 people in Washington commute to work riding a bicycle.
58% of commuter trips in the city are by bike, public transport, or walking and DC was the first city to adopt a bike share program.
DC is also home to many LEED-certified businesses and the city itself was the first to achieve a Platinum LEED Rating.
The country’s capital is often considered one of the greenest cities in the US and last year they became the only US city to participate in the Global Destination Sustainability-Index Assessment—an evaluation to share best practices regarding social and environmental sustainability.
Sustainable DC 2.0 is the plan to transform the city into one of the greenest, healthiest, and most liveable by 2032.
It includes actions to restore the natural environment, address climate change, and support the social and economic needs of locals.
Tied into one of the largest municipal onsite solar projects in the country, Climate Ready DC and the Clean Energy DC Act serve as some of the fastest-activating and most aggressive climate change legislation.
By 2032, 100% of the District’s energy will come from renewables. By 2050, DC is committed to carbon neutrality.
7. Denver, Colorado
Denver, the capital of Colorado, is famed for its rocky plains and mountainous areas. But, along with its incredible mountains and rivers, Denver is full of recreational parks, campgrounds and forests.
Additionally, Denver is encouraging projects that encourage people to start using electric vehicles.
The Mile High City is one of the Rocky Mountain region’s most well-loved concrete jungles.
Avid outdoorsmen come from far and wide to relocate to Denver for its close proximity to rugged mountains, rock climbing, and much more.
No wonder locals value this surrounding nature and want to protect it.
Denver is home to hybrid taxis, more than 200 urban parks, a partially solar-powered airport, several privately owned composting drop-off sites, an impressive recycling system, and a tree planting program that will have planted one million new trees by 2025.
Locals join in the eco-efforts by helping to sustain all manner of sustainable businesses, from vegan-friendly eateries to zero waste restaurants and grocery stores.
The Sustainable Neighborhood Network allows locals to get together and strengthen sustainability on a small scale through collaboration and community.
The 80 x 50 Climate Action Plan is the city’s plan highlighting a pathway towards an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (based on 2005 levels) by mid-century.
This will happen through optimized energy efficiency in buildings, decarbonization of the electricity grid, next-generation mobility, and improved waste management.
By 2030, Denver hopes to source 100% renewable energy for the community’s electricity supply.
8. Madison, Wisconsin
Madison is a city renowned in Wisconsin for its green environment and eco-conscious residents. This city has become an example of the state to maintain a green environment.
Currently, the city of Madison offers around 11.6 parks per 10,000 residents, which is one of the highest rates in the US. The capital of Wisconsin, Madison, is also known for being a cycling-friendly city.
If you do the math, Madison’s greenery amounts to 11.6 parks per 10,000 residents — and that’s without counting the city’s arboretum.
The Wisconsin capital — which earned the top spot on NerdWallet’s 2014 ranking of the greenest cities in America — is also known for its walkable, cyclist-friendly downtown.
9. Austin, Texas
Now, when you think about green cities in the United States, no city from Texas will probably be your first guess.
In fact, Austin is the one city from the huge state of Texas that makes our list due its stunning eco-friendly features and laws that include bike lanes and a huge array of farmers’ markets. Additionally, Austin has many city parks.
As of 2015, Austin had 22.1 city park acres per 1,000 residents. One of the hipster Mecca’s best known parks is the Barton Creek Greenbelt, which includes nearly 13 miles of trails.
10. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, an iconic colonial city, is famous for its historic landmarks, colonial monuments and famous sports teams. Boston’s distinctive culture is quite well-documented in the United States.
Alongside being one of America’s greenest cities, Boston is also one of the best cities for pedestrian walking.
Less than half of Bostonians use a car to get to work, with many opting for public transit, walking, or cycling instead. A large portion embrace the circular economy supporting the many thrift stores in Boston.
Boston’s Climate Action Plan highlights strategies to reduce emissions in the city’s transportation systems, buildings, and energy supply.
It was updated a couple of years ago to include an equity component for each action.
The Zero Waste Boston strategy aims to increase the city’s recycling rate from 25% to 80% by 2035 and 90% by 2050.
Often recognized as one of the greenest cities in the US in terms of energy use, Boston met its 2020 carbon reduction goal early—by 60% lower than planned.
By 2050, the “Cradle of Liberty” plans to be carbon-neutral and climate-ready.
11. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, a historic industrial American city, is also the hometown of America’s first-ever African-American President, Barack Obama.
Currently, Chicago is home to 600 parks, including the famous Millenium Park. Moreover, Chicago hosts one of the largest greenhouses in the US, Garfield Park. The motto of Chicago when translated into English from Latin says, “City in a Garden”.
Chicago has more than 600 parks — including Millennium Park, where you’ll find the famous “Cloud Gate” sculpture (aka the Bean), and Garfield Park, home to one of the largest greenhouses in America. In fact, Chicago’s official motto is “Urbs in horto,” which is Latin for “City in a garden.”
Known for its architecture, Chicago also has one of the highest number of green roofs of any US city, with over 5 million square feet of coverage.
12. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis, a beautiful city that is intersected by the Mississippi River (ironically the most polluted river in the US and one of the most polluted rivers in the world), is famous for its awe-inspiring parks and lakes.
Minnesota is home to 200 bike stations, most of which are located in Minneapolis. Moreover, Minneapolis is also home to some wonderful natural cultural sites. One of Minneapolis’s most famous tourist attractions is the Walker Art Center.
With 105,843 sq. ft. of green areas per capita and 14.9% comprised of parkland, Minneapolis isn’t just one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the US; it’s #1 for green space.
Previously named America’s Best City for Parkland and Green Spaces, 95% of residents can walk to a park in under 10 minutes.
Minneapolitans play a key role in keeping the city green, with the Green Cost Share program they can make buildings more energy efficient, reduce pollution, or receive benefits if disproportionately impacted by climate change.
In addition to a Climate Action Plan, the city also has a Sustainable Building Policy, Pollinator Friendly Policy, and Community Garden Lease and Urban Farm Policy—to list just a few community-wide efforts to advance environmental quality.
Minneapolis seeks to reduce emissions by 30% by 2025 and 80% by 2050, based on 2006 levels.
Steadily moving away from fossil fuels, the city plans to use 100% renewable energy by 2030.
13. New York City, New York
New York, perhaps the most iconic city in the United States, is also the largest city in the country. Home to over 8 million people, New York is primarily known for being a concrete jungle, a hub for corporate businessmen and investors.
But despite that, New York is one of the highest ranking cities in the US in terms of land use and transportation. Furthermore, New York City is renowned for its modern sidewalks and cycling.
The Big Apple is a regular contender in lists governing the greenest big cities in the US.
NYC is the nation’s largest city with the lowest emissions per capita among large cities.
This is in large part due to the city’s impressive public transportation system, which means that New Yorkers are least likely to drive to work, with more than half its huge population using alternative forms of commuting.
The OneNYC strategy includes goals to reduce the city’s emissions by 80% of 2005 levels by 2050 and eliminate waste sent to landfills by 2030. In order to achieve these ambitious goals, the city has recently started to invest heavily into the circular economy.
The city has plans to retrofit public buildings with energy efficient upgrades, divest the city’s pension funds from fossil fuel reserve owners, and utilize 100% clean electricity to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
14. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, the largest city in Arizona, is acclaimed by some as the “next Silicon Valley”. This stunning city is famous for its green golf courses and fantastic desert spas.
When it comes to saving the environment, Phoenix is doing its best to cut back on power wastage and encouraging its residents to be more eco-conscious.
Phoenix, which has been hailed as the next Silicon Valley, is also on the cutting edge when it comes to saving the environment. In Phoenix, there are plenty of companies who already have adopted sustainable business models by implementing the stakeholder theory.
From Energize Phoenix — an initiative to transform ten miles of the city’s Valley Metro light rail line into a Green Rail Corridor — to extensive nature preserves, Arizona’s capital is committed to being eco-friendly, according to Siemens’ Green City Index.
15. Charlotte, North Carolina
The city of Charlotte is well-known for its museums, financial centers and Civil War history. But along with these features, Charlotte is one of the most-advancing eco-friendly cities in the country.
Environmental initiatives taken by Charlotte include water audits and single-stream recycling.
Unsurprisingly, when it comes to lists of the greenest cities in the US, cities from California dominate them. Even on our list, two of the top five greenest cities in the US are from the state of California.
That is due to the dedication of these Californian cities and other individual cities on this list to preserve and maintain a green, eco-friendly environment.
In its Green City Index, Siemens reports that Charlotte’s environmental initiatives span from free water audits — which allow homeowners to gauge their water usage — to single-stream recycling (all recycling goes in one bin and is then separated by the waste company).
16. Ithaca, New York
Loved by locals for its proximity to waterfalls and state parks (including Taughannock Falls State Park which combines the best of both), Ithaca attracts nature-loving New Yorkers.
Ithaca’s first bike route was established in 1978 and since then, community support has made it easier for alternative modes of transportation to thrive.
They also have an iconic farmers’ market that operates an impressive four days a week for 11 months of the year.
The city has its own Green New Deal, with commitments to power government operations with 100% regionally-sourced renewable energy by 2025 and become carbon neutral town-wide by 2030.
It also ensures that all initiatives are fair and inclusive, with benefits and burdens that are distributed evenly.
For over a decade, Ithaca has been purchasing certified renewable energy credits for 100% of its electricity.
Often considered one of the most sustainable small cities in the US, Ithaca was also the first US city to begin 100% decarbonization of all of its buildings.
Part of this process involves the installation of geothermal heating and cooling systems, solar thermal hot water systems, LED bulbs, and low-energy asphalt throughout the city.
17. Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska made the list due to their impressive amount of green space.
While it is one of the least walkable major cities, residents of Anchorage have less car ownership than comparable cities.
Furthermore, the city has set itself the ambitious goal of reducing their carbon emission by 80% by 2035.
In order to achieve this, they are promoting sustainable transportation and invest heavily in the expansion of renewable energy.
Finally, Anchorage’s citizens are very eco-conscious, probably because they are surrounded by nature at its purest.
18. Greensboro, North Carolina
Spearheaded by the Community Sustainability Council—whose meetings are open to any and all—Greensboro has put their Sustainability Action Plan at the forefront of their goals.
Greensboro could be considered one of the most sustainable cities in the Southern US owing to its genuine efforts to tackle greenhouse emissions.
They recently replaced diesel buses with efficient, all-electric ones, installed solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicles, and made efficiency upgrades throughout the city, earning them a LEED Silver® certification from the US Green Building Council.
As part of the Strategic Energy Plan, all city operations will run on 100% renewable energy by 2040.
19. Burlington, Vermont
Burlington is the top city in the state for sustainable living due to its high percentage of wilderness preserve areas, dedication to renewable energy infrastructure, and property affordability.
Burlington residents are big on buying local, and the city hosts an impressive number of farmers markets, including the massive Burlington Farmers Market which has been around since 1980.
In pursuit of zero waste, locals also support several zero waste shops, including a 90’s themed refill shop called The Restock Shop.
With the implementation of energy efficiency improvements, car-sharing programs, and experimentation with a Pay As You Throw trash service, Burlington’s Climate Action Plan highlights efforts to reduce the city’s impact by 2025.
Additionally, the Burlington Sustainability Partnership is recognized as a 4 STAR Community for its sustainability-minded governmental framework.
In 2015, Burlington became the first US city to be completely powered by renewables and to this day, it still remains one of the most sustainable cities in the US.
100% of the city’s energy comes from one of the following renewable sources: biomass (sustainable local wood), hydroelectric power, wind, and solar.
20. Indianapolis, Indiana
The city’s sustainability action plan was developed with the city’s people in mind.
Equity was at the forefront, so they reached out to more than 265,000 people to be sure their climate actions address inequality.
According to the plan, Thrive Indianapolis, the city will double its number of green buildings and bike lanes and quadruple the number of EVs by 2025—among other efforts involving health insurance, living wages, and recycling.
Indianapolis typically isn’t first to come to mind when thinking of the most sustainable city in the US—but they’re trying to be much greener. Which is the point.
The city plans to source 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025 and has committed to carbon neutrality by 2050.
Final Thoughts on the Greenest Cities in the US
Putting the greenest cities in the US on the map is one of the best ways in which to encourage more urban areas to follow suit.
These cities are paving the way to a more sustainable future!
When we stay curious and committed to sustainability wherever we are in the world, we keep the momentum moving in the right direction.
So let’s keep the most sustainable cities in the US trending.
Share this article with friends and family and who knows…maybe your city will make the cut next year.
In case you are interested in find out more about green places:
Here are the greenest cities in the world!
Here are the greenest countries in the world!
