As it turns out, Massachusetts is the greenest state in the US. All 50 states were ranked on their sustainability efforts, and Massachusetts took home the top spot!
According to findings from the most recent Forbes Home Sustainability Index, Massachusetts ranked as the most environmentally friendly state in the nation, California the most solar friendly, and North Dakota as the nation’s least environmentally friendly state.
The Bay State topped the list as the most environmentally friendly state in the U.S. It is the second-lowest state for water usage, fifth on the list for lowest energy use and is ranked No. 5 in terms of its solar friendliness, notes Forbes Home.
Massachusetts named ‘greenest state in US’
Massachusetts has the fifth lowest energy usage per capita in America, using under 193 BTU (British Thermal Units) per year. To put that into perspective, North Dakota, who ranked as the “least environmentally friendly state” has an energy usage amounting to 909.4 BTU. That’s over 4x that of Massachusetts, for a state with one tenth the population of the Bay State, according to the US Census.
Rhode Island outranked Massachusetts with energy usage, ranking number 1 for lowest energy usage state in America.
When it came to most efficient water usage, Vermont ranked first, Massachusetts second, and Rhode Island third. Massachusetts water usage amounted to about 200 daily gallons, per capita.
Lastly, when it comes to solar energy, 20% of the state’s energy runs on solar (and Dunkin’), making it the third highest of all the states. California outranked Massachusetts, with 27% of the energy coming from solar. Massachusetts ranked fifth overall in solar friendliness, with a great energy incentive to match.
Most environmentally friendly states in US
Several New England states ranked among the top 10 most sustainable states in America. Rankings were determined by eight markers centered around three key metrics: solar power accessibility, energy usage, and water usage.
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- New York
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Vermont
- Hawaii
- New Jersey
- Arizona
Find the full Forbes report here. From zero-waste shops and restaurants to free bike days, Massachusetts is making strides towards sustainability.