Claiming to be the most comprehensive sustainability study to date, SustainLane has released its sustainability rankings for 25 US cities across 12 categories. No surprises at the top-level overall ratings:
But drilling down into the data for the individual cities sheds light in some much-needed corners. Looking at Minneapolis, for example (my hometown, Saint Paul, isn’t on the list) reveals that we’re doing pretty well with water and air quality (both second best in the country), planning, energy/climate policy, and knowledge-base but absolutely horrendous in LEED (Leadership in Environmental & Energy Design) building and zoning.
Minneapolis has failed to develop a single renewable energy project for buildings and only a single registered LEED project (none certified). Meanwhile, the city boasts the highest bicycling commute rate of major US cities, but that wasn’t enough to pull my neighbor across the river above 10th place in the overall transportation category.
Here’s how SustainLane defines sustainabillity:
Which brings us to a commonly asked question, how does SustainLane define sustainability? The SustainLane US City Rankings focus on healthy regional economic development, vibrant communities and quality of life measurements. Our viewpoint of sustainable practices is weighted toward ideas borrowed from our natural systems and implemented in our cities, particularly those geared toward the revitalization of our economy and public health. SustainLane also wants to celebrate the inspirational leaders showing us the way to a better future.
And, the organization’s transparent methodology is to be commended.
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