Skip to content

You are using an outdated browser

Internet Explorer is not supported by this site and Microsfot has stopped releasing updates, therefore you may encounter issues whilst visiting this site and we strongly recommend that you upgrade your browser for modern web functionality, a better user experience and improved security.

Upgrade my browser

Top 10 most sustainable countries according to Yale

Source: BrightVibes

The 2020 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) from Yale provides a data-driven summary of the state of sustainability around the world, and ranks the leaders and the laggards using 32 performance indicators across 11 categories.

The 2020 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) Rankings top 10

The 2020 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) from the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy provides a data-driven summary of the state of sustainability around the world. Using 32 performance indicators across 11 issue categories, the EPI ranks 180 countries on environmental health and ecosystem vitality. 

These indicators provide a gauge at a national scale of how close countries are to established environmental policy targets. The EPI offers a scorecard that highlights leaders and laggards in environmental performance and provides practical guidance for countries that aspire to move toward a sustainable future. 

In case you’re wondering, the United Kingdom did well at number 4, while the United States of America ranked at 24 on the list, and China came in at 120 of 180 countries, with Liberia at the very bottom of the list in terms of sustainability. Here are the Top 10 — Source: Yale

Overall EPI rankings indicate which countries are best addressing the environmental challenges that every nation faces. Going beyond the aggregate scores and drilling down into the data to analyse performance by issue category, policy objective, peer group, and country offers even greater value for policymakers. Overall EPI rankings indicate which countries are best addressing the environmental challenges that every nation faces. Going beyond the aggregate scores and drilling down into the data to analyse performance by issue category, policy objective, peer group, and country offers even greater value for policymakers. This granular view and comparative perspective can assist in understanding the determinants of environmental progress and in refining policy choices.
EPI indicators provide a way to spot problems, set targets, track trends, understand outcomes, and identify best policy practices. Overall EPI rankings indicate which countries are best addressing the environmental challenges that every nation faces. Going beyond the aggregate scores and drilling down into the data to analyse performance by issue category, policy objective, peer group, and country offers even greater value for policymakers. Overall EPI rankings indicate which countries are best addressing the environmental challenges that every nation faces. Going beyond the aggregate scores and drilling down into the data to analyse performance by issue category, policy objective, peer group, and country offers even greater value for policymakers. This granular view and comparative perspective can assist in understanding the determinants of environmental progress and in refining policy choices. Source: epi.yale.edu
Famous for its sausages and schnitzels, but meat consumption has been going down since 2018 and that’s good for our planet.
10. Germany. Famous for its sausages and schnitzels, but meat consumption has been going down since 2018 and that’s good for our planet. Source: Unsplash/Peter Secan
Norway puts more electric cars on the road than any other country in the world. And look at that road!
9. Norway. Norway puts more electric cars on the road than any other country in the world. And look at that road! Source: Unsplash/Ivars Utināns
Sweden has many conscious consumers. More than 40% of Swedish people purchase eco-labeled food and other products.
8. Sweden. Sweden has many conscious consumers. More than 40% of Swedish people purchase eco-labeled food and other products. Source: Unsplash/Philip Myrtorp
The Finnish air quality is one of the cleanest in the world.
7. Finland. The Finnish air quality is one of the cleanest in the world. Source: Unsplash/Tapio Haaja
More than 20% of Austria’s farmland follow the environmental standards of organic farming.
6. Austria. More than 20% of Austria’s farmland follow the environmental standards of organic farming. Source: Unsplash/Chris De Wit
The French have a law that any new buildings built in commercial zones must have roofs partially covered with plants or solar panels.
5. France. The French have a law that any new buildings built in commercial zones must have roofs partially covered with plants or solar panels. Source: Geoplast.com
Four out of ten UK consumers factor in sustainability when purchasing products.
4. United Kingdom. Four out of ten UK consumers factor in sustainability when purchasing products. Source: Unsplash/Hulki Okan Tabak
Switzerland offers free recycling services as they charge for garbage collection. In 20 years, the recycling rate has doubled.
3. Switzerland. Switzerland offers free recycling services as they charge for garbage collection. In 20 years, the recycling rate has doubled. Source: Unsplash/Bjorn Rostron
In 2020, Luxembourg became the first country in the world to offer free public transport across the country. This means fewer cars on the road (pictured).
2. Luxembourg. In 2020, Luxembourg became the first country in the world to offer free public transport across the country. This means fewer cars on the road (pictured). Source: Unsplash/Jared Lisack
The 140% Renewable Energy Island of Samsø has reduced its carbon footprint by 140% in the past decade. In 1997 the Danish government held a competition. They challenged contestants to convert their energy supply to 100% renewable energy within a 10 year period.
1. Samsø (Denmark), The 140% Renewable Energy Island of Samsø has reduced its carbon footprint by 140% in the past decade. In 1997 the Danish government held a competition. They challenged contestants to convert their energy supply to 100% renewable energy within a 10 year period. Source: Appropedia.org
Make an Impact

10 THINGS WE CAN ALL DO TO HELP SAVE OUR PLANET

One million species are threatened with extinction because of human activities. We are responsible for shrinking habitats, exploitation of natural resources, climate change and pollution. Here’s how you can be proactive in helping to save animals who have as much right to live on this planet as we do. Here are 10 things you can do to help.