Leading the Way: The 20 Best Sustainable Cities in the World
Introduction:
In an era marked by environmental challenges and the urgent need for sustainability, cities around the world are stepping up to the plate and embracing innovative solutions to create a better future.
From reducing carbon emissions to promoting renewable energy, these cities are making significant strides towards sustainability and becoming global leaders in sustainable urban development.
In this article, we present a list of the 20 best sustainable cities in the world, showcasing their exceptional efforts and highlighting the key factors that have propelled them to the forefront of sustainable urban living.
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen has earned its reputation as a sustainable city with its ambitious carbon-neutrality targets, extensive cycling infrastructure, and commitment to renewable energy sources.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s dedication to sustainability is evident in its high percentage of renewable energy usage, efficient waste management systems, and circular economy initiatives.
3. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm combines environmental consciousness with innovation, focusing on renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and smart city solutions.
4. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver excels in green building practices, urban planning, and its commitment to becoming one of the world’s greenest cities by 2020.
5. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki emphasizes sustainable urban development through energy-efficient buildings, integrated public transportation systems, and green spaces for all residents.
6. Oslo, Norway
Oslo leads the way in sustainable transportation, boasting a robust network of electric buses, trams, and a goal to make the city car-free by 2030.
7. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich stands out with its comprehensive waste management systems, renewable energy initiatives, and a focus on fostering a high quality of life for its residents.
8. Singapore
Singapore is renowned for its sustainable urban planning, efficient public transportation, and innovative approaches to water and waste management.
9. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik sets an example with its extensive use of geothermal energy, a commitment to carbon neutrality, and sustainability-driven policies.
10. San Francisco, United States
San Francisco leads the way in eco-conscious initiatives, including renewable energy programs, zero waste goals, and support for electric vehicles.
11. Curitiba, Brazil
Curitiba prioritizes sustainable urban planning, efficient public transportation systems, and innovative waste management strategies.
12. Portland, United States
Portland excels in sustainable transportation, promoting cycling and walking, and implementing progressive environmental policies.
13. Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington showcases its commitment to sustainability through renewable energy projects, carbon neutrality goals, and an active focus on protecting its natural environment.
14. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona embraces sustainable architecture, renewable energy adoption, and pedestrian-friendly urban design to create a vibrant and eco-friendly city.
15. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo sets an example with its energy-efficient buildings, advanced waste management systems, and dedication to creating a sustainable and resilient city.
16. Munich, Germany
Munich excels in renewable energy implementation, green spaces preservation, and a focus on sustainable mobility options.
17. Freiburg, Germany
Freiburg, a picturesque city located in Germany’s southwest, has earned international recognition for its remarkable commitment to renewable energy and sustainable practices.
18. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne stands out with its commitment to sustainable living, focusing on renewable energy, green spaces, and water conservation.
19. Vienna, Austria
Vienna showcases its dedication to sustainability through energy-efficient buildings, comprehensive public transportation networks, and renewable energy projects.
20. Songdo, South Korea
Songdo represent South korea sustainability efforts include eco-friendly urban planning, green spaces development, and a strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
KPI for The 20 Best Sustainable Cities in the World
In assessing the success and progress of sustainable cities, several key performance indicators (KPIs) are commonly used to measure their sustainability performance.
These KPIs provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives and help guide cities towards their sustainability goals.
Here are some essential KPIs used to evaluate the sustainability of cities:
1. Carbon footprint
Measuring the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by a city provides a clear indication of its contribution to climate change. Cities that actively work towards reducing their carbon footprint through energy-efficient practices and the use of renewable energy sources demonstrate their commitment to combatting climate change.
2. Renewable energy usage
Tracking the percentage of renewable energy used by a city highlights its progress in transitioning to clean and sustainable energy sources. Cities that prioritize renewable energy adoption, such as solar, wind, and geothermal, contribute significantly to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Green space and biodiversity
Evaluating the amount and quality of green spaces, parks, and preserved natural areas within a city helps assess its efforts in enhancing biodiversity and promoting ecological balance. Cities that prioritize the preservation of green spaces provide their residents with improved air quality, recreational areas, and opportunities for connecting with nature.
4. Sustainable transportation
Assessing the usage of sustainable transportation modes, such as cycling, walking, and public transit, helps gauge a city’s commitment to reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and promoting healthier lifestyles. Increased usage of sustainable transportation options indicates a city’s progress in providing efficient and eco-friendly mobility solutions.
5. Waste management
Tracking waste generation, recycling rates, and waste diversion from landfills provides insights into a city’s waste management practices. Cities that implement comprehensive recycling programs, promote waste reduction, and adopt circular economy principles contribute to resource conservation and the minimization of landfill waste.
6. Energy efficiency in buildings
Evaluating the energy efficiency of buildings through certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) helps measure a city’s commitment to sustainable construction and energy-saving practices.
7. Social equity and inclusivity
Measuring the inclusivity and accessibility of services, infrastructure, and opportunities within a city helps determine its efforts in promoting social equity. Cities that prioritize affordable housing, education, healthcare, and community engagement initiatives foster an environment of inclusivity and well-being for all residents.
8. Water conservation and management
Assessing a city’s water usage, conservation efforts, and water management practices provides insights into its commitment to preserving this vital resource. Cities that implement water-efficient infrastructure, promote water conservation practices, and invest in water reuse systems contribute to sustainable water management.
These KPIs, among others, assist in evaluating the sustainability performance of cities and tracking their progress over time. By regularly monitoring and improving upon these indicators, cities can effectively measure their sustainability efforts, identify areas for improvement, and work towards creating a more sustainable and livable future for their residents.
Conclusion for The 20 Best Sustainable Cities in the World
The pursuit of sustainable cities has become a global imperative, driven by the pressing need to address climate change, environmental degradation, and social equity.
The 20 best sustainable cities in the world serve as beacons of hope and inspiration, showcasing the transformative power of sustainable urban development.
Through their ambitious targets, innovative practices, and commitment to improving quality of life for their residents, these cities have set the standard for sustainability.
They have demonstrated that by integrating renewable energy, embracing green infrastructure, promoting sustainable transportation, and prioritizing social inclusivity, cities can thrive while minimizing their environmental impact.
As we look to the future, it is essential for cities worldwide to learn from the successes of these sustainable cities, adapt their strategies to local contexts, and work collectively towards building a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable urban future for generations to come.
https://www.exaputra.com/2023/05/the-20-best-sustainable-cities-in-world.html
ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance
Statement from American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) President and CEO Ray Long on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance:
“The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is deeply concerned that today’s Treasury guidance on the long-standing ‘beginning of construction’ safe harbor significantly undermines its proven effectiveness, is inconsistent with the law, and creates unnecessary uncertainty for renewable energy development in the United States.
“For over a decade, the safe harbor provisions have served as clear, accountable rules of the road – helping to reduce compliance burdens, foster private investment, and ensure taxpayer protections. These guardrails have been integral to delivering affordable, reliable American clean energy while maintaining transparency and adherence to the rule of law. This was recognized in the One Big Beautiful Act, which codified the safe harbor rules, now changed by this action.
“We need to build more power generation now, and that includes renewable energy. The U.S. will need roughly 118 gigawatts (the equivalent of 12 New York Cities) of new power generation in the next four years to prevent price spikes and potential shortages. Only a limited set of technologies – solar, wind, batteries, and some natural gas – can be built at that scale in that timeframe.”
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ABOUT ACORE
For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. For more information, please visit http://www.acore.org.
Media Contacts:
Stephanie Genco
Senior Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
genco@acore.org
The post ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance appeared first on ACORE.
https://acore.org/news/acore-statement-on-treasurys-safe-harbor-guidance/
Frequent power outages, unreliable grid connection, sky-high electricity bills, and to top it off, your solar panels are exporting excess energy back to the grid, for a very low feed-in-tariff.
Do all these scenarios sound familiar? Your answer might be yes!
These challenges have become increasingly common across Australia, encouraging more and more homeowners to consider solar battery storage systems.
Why? Because they want to take control of their energy, store surplus solar power, and reduce reliance on the grid.
But then again, people often get perplexed, and their biggest question remains: Should I get a Solar Battery Storage System in Australia?
Well, the answer can be yes in many cases, such as a battery can offer energy independence, ensure better bill savings, and provide peace of mind during unexpected power outages, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
There are circumstances where a battery may not be necessary or even cost-effective.
In this guide, we’ll break down when it makes sense and all the pros and cons you need to know before making the investment.
In this blog post:
Why You Need Battery Storage Now?
According to data, Australia has surpassed 3.9 million rooftop solar installations, generating more than 37 GW of PV capacity, which is about 20% of electricity in the National Electricity Market in 2024 and early 2025.
Undoubtedly, the country’s strong renewable energy targets, sustainability goals, and the clean‑energy revolution have brought solar power affordability, but the next step in self‑reliance is battery storage.
Data from The Guardian says that 1 in 5 new solar installs in 2025 now includes a home battery, versus 1 in 20 just a few years ago, representing a significant leap in adoption.
Moreover, the recent launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries program has driven this uptake even further, with over 11,500 battery units installed in just the first three weeks from July 1, and around 1,000 installations per day.
Overall, the Australian energy market is evolving rapidly. Average household battery size has climbed to about 17 kWh from 10–12 kWh previously.
Hence, the experts are assuming that 10 GW of new battery capacity will be added over the next five years, competing with Australia’s current coal‑fired capacity.
What Am I Missing Out on Without Solar Batteries?
Honestly? You’re missing out on the best part of going solar.
Renewable sources of energy like solar, hydro, and wind make us feel empowered. For example, solar batteries lower your electricity bills, minimize grid dependency, and also help to reduce your carbon footprint.
But here’s the catch! Without battery storage, you’re only halfway there!
The true magic of solar power isn’t just in producing clean energy; it’s storing and using it efficiently.
A solar battery lets you store excess energy and use it when the sun goes down or the grid goes out. It’s the key to real energy independence. Therefore, ultimately, getting a battery is what makes your solar system truly yours.
Here’s a list of what you’re missing out on without a solar battery:
- Energy Independence
- Maximized Savings
- Better Return on Investment ROI
- Lower Carbon Footprint
- Peace of Mind
Batteries help you to stay powered even during blackouts or grid failures. With energy storage, you don’t have to think of fuel price volatility and supply-demand disruption in the Australian energy market.
Adding a solar battery to your solar PV system allows you to use your own stored energy at night instead of repurchasing it at high rates. It also reduces grid pressure during peak hours, restoring grid stability.
Tired of Australian low feed-in-tariff rates?
Make full use of your solar system by storing excess power at a low price rather than exporting it. Solar panel and battery systems can be a powerful duo for Australian households.
Despite the steady growth in solar, wind, and hydro, fossil fuels still dominate the grid. Fossil fuels supplied approximately 64% of Australia’s total electricity generation, while coal alone accounted for around 45%.
These stats highlight why solar battery storage is so valuable. By storing surplus solar energy, homeowners can reduce their reliance on a grid that still runs on coal and gas.
Enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted power, no matter what’s happening outside.
Besides powering urban homes and businesses, batteries also provide reliable power backup for off-grid living at night when your solar panel can’t produce, ensuring peace of mind.
What Size Solar Battery Do I Need?
While choosing the battery size, it isn’t just about picking the biggest one you can afford; it’s about matching your household’s energy consumption pattern. There is no one-size battery that will make financial or functional sense for everyone.
Nevertheless, if you have an average family of four with no exceptional power demands, you may get by with a 10kWh to 12kWh battery bank as a ready-to-roll backup system.
Well, this is just an estimation, as we have no idea of your power needs, because selecting a battery is highly subjective to the household in question.
With that being said, you can get a good idea of how much power you use on average by analyzing your electric bill copy. Also, keeping track of which appliances you use the most and which ones require the most power will help you.
So, to figure out the ideal battery size for your home, you need to consider three most important things:
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Your Daily Energy Usage
Check your electricity bill for your average daily consumption (in kWh). Most Australian homes use between 15 to 25 kWh per day.
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Your Solar System Output
How much excess solar energy are you generating during the day? That’s the power you’ll store to use later rather than exporting.
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Your Nighttime Power Usage
A battery is most useful at night or during grid outages. So, estimate how much power you typically use after sunset. However, by using a battery, you can also get the freedom of living off the grid.
Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!
- For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.
- For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.
- Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.
- For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.
Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!
Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!
- For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.
- For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.
- Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.
- For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.
Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!
How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?
Previously, you would have to pay between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, plus the cost of installation, for every kWh of solar battery storage.
However, you can currently expect to pay between $1200 and $1400 for each kWh of solar battery storage. That is a price reduction of approximately 52%, and things will only get better from here.
Does that imply solar batteries are cheap now? Not really, but the cost is well justified by the pros of having a battery storage system.
Also, while paying for solar batteries, you have to consider many other factors like the type of battery, your solar panel system configurations and compatibility, brand, and installation partner.
These will significantly influence the price range of battery storage.
Is a Solar Battery Worth It | Pros and Cons at a Glance
It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed while deciding to invest your hard-earned money in a battery.
So, here we’ve listed the pros and cons of having a solar battery to help you in the decision-making process.
Benefits of Solar Battery Storage
- Solar batteries help you become self-sustaining.
- You don’t have to care about power outages anymore
- In the event of any natural disaster, you will still have a power source
- Battery prices are dropping significantly as we speak
- During peak hours, grid electricity prices increase due to high demand; you can avoid paying a high price and use your battery. It’s essentially free energy, as solar generates energy from the sun.
- Reduced carbon footprint as the battery stores energy from a renewable source.
Advantages of battery for the grid and national energy system:
- Batteries support Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). In 2025, consumers get financial bonuses (AUD 250‑400) for joining, plus grid benefits via distributed dispatchable power.
- Grid‑scale batteries like Victoria Big Battery or Hornsdale Power Reserve are increasing system resilience by storing large amounts of renewable energy and reducing blackout risk.
Drawbacks of Solar Battery Storage
- One of the biggest barriers is that solar batteries have a high upfront cost, which makes installation harder for residents.
- Home batteries require physical space, proper ventilation, and can’t always be placed just anywhere, especially in smaller homes or apartments.
- Most batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, last 5 to 15 years, meaning they may need replacement during your solar system’s lifetime.
- While many systems are low-maintenance, some may require software updates, monitoring, or even professional servicing over time.
- Battery production involves mining and processing materials like lithium or lead, which raise environmental and ethical concerns.
Should You Buy a Solar Battery?: Here’s the Final Call!
You should consider buying a solar battery if several key factors align with your situation.
First, it’s a strong financial move if you live in a state where federal and state incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost. This can make the investment far more affordable.
A solar battery can be especially worthwhile if you value having backup power during outages, lowering your electricity bills, and gaining a measure of energy independence from the grid.
Additionally, you should be comfortable with taking a few extra steps to get the most value out of your system, such as joining a virtual power plant (VPP), which allows your battery to participate in grid services in exchange for modest returns.
Finally, it’s worth noting that rebates decline annually, and early adopters get the most value.
Takeaway Thoughts
Installing a solar battery in Australia in mid‑2025 offers substantial financial, environmental, and energy‑security benefits, especially if you qualify for multiple subsidies and have good solar capacity.
With rebates shrinking after 2025 and demand surging, early movers stand to benefit most.
By helping balance the grid and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, home battery adoption contributes significantly to Australia’s national goals of 82% renewable energy by 2030.
It’s not just about savings; it’s about being part of a smarter, cleaner, more resilient electricity future for Australia.
Looking for CEC-accredited local installers?
Contact us today for any of your solar needs. We’d be happy to assist!
Your Solution Is Just a Click Away
The post Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System? appeared first on Cyanergy.
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