When it comes to living greener, not all Australian cities are created equal. Some are powering ahead with clean energy, leafy streets, and solar panels as far as the eye can see, while others are still playing catch-up.
So, which cities are leading the charge towards a more sustainable future—and is your hometown one of them?
A recent report from comparison site iSelect has crunched the numbers on Australia’s 50 largest cities, analysing everything from carbon emissions and renewable energy usage to solar panel uptake and tree canopy coverage.
The results? One state is clearly out in front, and there are a few surprises in the top 10.
Canberra and Queanbeyan: Australia’s green champions
Taking out the top spot is the dynamic duo of Canberra and Queanbeyan. These neighbouring cities have set the gold standard for sustainability, boasting the lowest carbon emissions in the country.
But what really sets them apart is their commitment to renewable energy—an impressive 100 per cent of the Australian Capital Territory’s (ACT) energy comes from renewables.
That’s right, Canberra is one of the only cities in the world to run exclusively on green power. No wonder they scored a near-perfect 97.94 out of 100 on the sustainability index!
New South Wales (NSW): The state to watch
If you’re a proud New South Welshman, you’ve got plenty to brag about. Four of the top 10 most sustainable cities are in NSW, with three of those—Port Macquarie, Ballina, and Coffs Harbour—nestled in the lush far north.
These cities are making waves with high solar panel uptake, strong tree canopy coverage, and steadily dropping emissions.
Port Macquarie comes in seventh, with a carbon emissions rate of 8.88 tonnes per capita, a solar installation density of 51.4 per cent, and 2.61kW of solar capacity per home. It also leads the state in tree canopy cover at a whopping 66.3 per cent.
Ballina isn’t far behind, ranking ninth with slightly lower emissions (8.56 tCO₂e per capita) and an even higher solar density at 57.6 per cent.
Coffs Harbour rounds out the NSW contingent in the top 10, with similar emissions and just under 50 per cent solar density, plus an impressive 65.5 per cent tree canopy cover.
Queensland and South Australia: solar and clean energy leaders
Queensland’s Sunshine Coast lives up to its name, leading the nation in solar capacity per home—an average of 3.16kW per dwelling. That’s a lot of sunshine being put to good use!
Meanwhile, South Australia (SA) is making its mark with the best clean energy development potential.
With 47.1 clean energy accredited installers and designers per 100,000 people, SA is well-placed to keep growing its green credentials.
In fact, SA cities took out second, third, and fourth place in the sustainability rankings, showing that the state is serious about its clean energy future.
Tasmania and beyond: Other notable performers
Hobart, the charming capital of Tasmania, came in fifth overall, thanks to its low emissions and strong renewable energy generation.
Launceston also made the top 10, proving that Tassie is punching above its weight when it comes to sustainability.
Who’s lagging behind?
While there’s plenty to celebrate, the report also highlights areas that need improvement.
Darwin, for example, was named the least sustainable city in the index, mainly due to low investment in renewables and limited clean energy generation.
It’s a reminder that while some cities are sprinting ahead, others need a bit of a nudge to get moving.
What does this mean for you?
If you’re living in one of these top-performing cities, give yourself a pat on the back—you’re part of Australia’s green revolution!
But even if your city didn’t make the list, there are still plenty of ways to make a difference.
Installing solar panels, supporting local clean energy initiatives, and planting trees in your community are all steps in the right direction.
As Julia Paszka, iSelect’s utilities general manager, puts it: ‘Our findings highlight some impressive progress regarding sustainability in certain parts of Australia. Capital cities such as Canberra, Adelaide, and Hobart performed exceptionally well, driven by low carbon emissions and strong renewable energy generation. However, not all regions are keeping pace.’
The road ahead
Australia has made significant strides in building more sustainable cities, but there’s still work to be done. As technology improves and more people get on board with green living, we can expect to see even more cities climbing the sustainability ladder.
Your turn: How green is your city?
As the discussion around sustainable living continues to grow, it’s clear that cities across Australia are making different strides toward greener futures.
This latest report highlights where progress is being made and where challenges remain, offering valuable insights into the state of sustainability nationwide.
What are your thoughts on the findings? Have you noticed changes in sustainability efforts where you live? Do you believe more cities should focus on renewable energy and reducing emissions? We invite you to share your views and experiences in the comments below.
Also read: EnergyAustralia apologises over claims of ‘greenwashing’ with Go Neutral products
