SAN DIEGO — A new study from WalletHub just ranked San Diego the greenest city in America for 2024.
The study used 28 indicators, including greenhouse gas emissions, water quality, the availability of green jobs, and renewable energy sources, among many others, to compile a list of the most sustainable, environmentally friendly cities in the country, with San Diego ranked #1.
“There are plenty of things that individuals can do to adopt a green lifestyle, from recycling to sharing rides to installing solar panels on their homes," said Chip Lupo, a writer and analyst with WalletHub.
"However, living in one of the greenest cities can make it even easier to care for the environment due to sustainable laws and policies, access to locally-grown produce, and infrastructure that allows residents to use vehicles less often. The greenest cities also are better for your health due to superior air and water quality.”
San Diego also leads the country in the number of certified organic farms per capita—a surprise to some analysts. Behind San Diego, Washington DC came in at #2, and Honolulu at #3. Researchers say ensuring a top spot requires a combination of sound public policy and community involvement, especially on the local level.
"San Diego is the greenest city in America, partly because it leads the country in the number of solar panel installations per capita," WalletHub noted. "Over 43% of the city’s electricity comes from renewable sources, the seventh-highest percentage in the country."
One surprise to researchers was the large jump that the city of Chula Vista made on the list, from deep in the 20s last year to number 16 this year. Analysts say that the sound public policy of the city of San Diego could have influenced that trend.
The three least green cities in the study were Houston, TX, Hialeah, FL, and Glendale, AZ, in the numbers 98, 99, and 100 spots, respectively.
To read the full study, visit the WalletHub website.