The Most Energy Efficient Economies

The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy recently released an official report on a study into the world's most energy efficient, large economies. They considered the 12 largest economies and ranked them in terms of their efforts into reducing pollution in industry, transport, and buildings.

The results stand as follows:

1.    The United Kingdom
2.    Germany
3.    Italy
4.    Japan
5.    France
6.    The European Union
6.    China
6.    Australia
9.    The United States of America
10.    Brazil
11.    Canada
12.    Russia

The US found itself in 9th place, despite its investments in renewable energy sources, mostly due to its penchant for large, gas-guzzling cars. Even China, the world's worst polluter found itself ranked higher.

The study scored each country's efforts to increase energy efficiency in industry, transport, and buildings, which generally account for the largest amounts of greenhouse gas emissions.

Although some countries will be happier than others depending on their position in the list, no one can truly be content due to the fact that even the UK who ranked first only received 67 points out of a possible 100. Clearly there is much room for improvement.

By. Charles Kennedy of Oilprice.com