The Global Destination Sustainability Index, a tool used to identify the world’s most sustainable cities, is a valuable resource for both travelers and potential settlers. It assesses indicators, including recycling rates, air pollution levels, cycling paths, and eco-friendly hotel rooms, to identify the most sustainable cities. The index is designed to help preserve the world’s coral reefs and protect the environment, highlighting the importance of implementing sustainable solutions to prevent rise in global temperatures.

Here Are The Fairest Amongst The Best Cities

Sweden’s Gothenburg
The Swedish city has impeccable credentials, as evidenced by its top ranking on the Global Destination Sustainability Index. The second-largest city in Sweden has topped the index year between 2016 and 2021, been recognised by Lonely Planet as the world’s most sustainable place to stay in 2021, and committed to becoming one of the 100 EU cities by 2022 that aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. Electric buses are among the 95% of the city’s public transportation fleet that is powered by renewable energy. Nine out of ten of its hotel rooms are environmentally certified, and the airport has achieved one of the highest levels of certification from the Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme, demonstrating its commitment to monitoring, reducing, and offsetting carbon emissions.

Oslo, Norway

If you stroll through Oslo, you will see this dedication. The city has installed electric scooters, 5,000 electric vehicle charging stations and 270 city bike stations for transportation purposes alone. Then there’s the city’s actual greenness. Sixty-three percent of the municipality is forested. City parks and green spaces account for an additional 9%.

Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow, a Scottish city with a Gaelic word meaning “dear green space”, ranks highest in the UK on the Global Destination Sustainability Index. Since 2016, it has consistently ranked in the top 10 on the index. In 2023, Glasgow implemented a low-emissions zone, electric vehicle charging stations, smart LED streetlights, and bike hire schemes to reduce air pollution. Despite some challenges, the city’s infrastructure is seen as a positive step towards sustainability.

Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux is known for its gorgeous architecture and drinkable wine, but the French city also has another reason to adore it: it is working towards a more sustainable future. Bordeaux is the third most sustainable destination on TripAdvisor and appears in the top 10 of the Global Destination Sustainability Index.

There are indications of these initiatives everywhere you look in the city. Self-service V3 bikes, electric buses, trams, and even river shuttles are available for getting around the city, and there are plenty of zero-kilometer eateries and thrift shops. Bordeaux’s tourist bureau, along with almost three-quarters of its vineyards and one-third of its tourism businesses, is eco-certified.

Goyang, South Korea

She ranks 14th on the list of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities, demonstrating the city’s commitment to sustainability in its tourism industry. According to Peter Lee, general director of the Goyang Convention and Visitors Bureau, “actively and continuously pursuing sustainability in a small regional city with significantly limited manpower and budget, compared to international cities, was no easy feat.”