HDI : 0.939 ( Very High ) HPI : 34.3 ( 24th ) GGE : 6.18 NSC : 25.23

Germany ’ s sustainability status may seem less than impressive , given that it has a relatively low HPI rank and high greenhouse gas emissions compared to other countries on this list . However , Germany is dubbed ‘ the capital the world ’ s first major renewable energy economy ’, with renewables supplying virtually all of its domestic energy demand , creating a strong foundation for a sustainable future .

Switzerland strikes a healthy balance between present and future sustainability and prosperity . The country is currently one of the world ’ s greenest developed lands , with low greenhouse gas emissions and a promising HPI score . For example , Switzerland forces citizens to pay for garbage collection and its incinerators produce minimal amounts of air pollution . Tap water in Switzerland is up to the same quality as bottled mineral water , although 500 times cheaper , and hotels offer discounts to drivers of hybrid cars . Switzerland ’ s heavy investment in renewables might afford it a further edge , economically , if it can sell some of that energy to its neighbours .

30 August 2017