World’s best cities for people, planet and profit

The most ‘sustainable’ city in the world is Frankfurt, Germany while London captured the number two spot.

Frankfurt won top grades in part due to its long established climate protection work and the large forests which are easily accessible from the centre.

The first Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index cites the globe’s top 50 cities assessed by how well they provide for their inhabitants socially, environmentally and economically.

The survey found that no utopian city exists, with city leaders having to manage a complex balancing act.

Cities in Europe took seven of the top ten places. North American cities did not enter the chart until Toronto at 12th position and the first US city was Boston at 15th.

Although Frankfurt scored very high marks for the environment and economy, it faltered with its social provisions.

London had far greater social provisions, high economic ones, but scored poorly on environmental concerns. Excellent higher education and a strong health record helped, but high property prices and declining air quality held it back.

Arcadis said London has suffered for years from underinvestment in its infrastructure and struggles to meet the demands of its population.

Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Rotterdam rounded out the top five.

After London, the next British cities were Manchester (14th) and Birmingham (18th). The first French city to enter the list was Paris, trailing behind two British cities and reaching only number 16.

It seems that Arcadis failed to include Lisbon in its list for assessment. Madrid came in 9th.

www.sustainablecitiesindex.com