Florida ranks in Top 5 most sustainable states on Forbes Home report

Brandon Girod, Pensacola News Journal
·4 min read

Forbes Home named Florida as the fifth most sustainable state in the U.S. in its latest sustainability index report, just below Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and California.

The report showcases that there are different levels of involvement from each state, where some states prioritized conservation and eco-consciousness better than others. Overall, Forbes found that the country as a whole is moving toward greater sustainable practices.

Florida was ranked fifth on the overall list and ranked No. 15 for lowest water usage and No. 7 for lowest energy use and solar friendliness.

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To determine the State Sustainability Index, Forbes Home included three metrics that capture a state’s commitment to minimizing its impact on the natural environment. These metrics were water use, energy use and solar-friendliness. The three metrics were ranked and weighted across all 50 states to calculate the final State Sustainability Index.

Forbes used data on water from the U.S. Geological Survey’s 2018 publication on water use in 2015, which was the most recent data available. Energy use data came from the Energy Information Administration’s State Profiles and Energy Estimates. And solar-friendliness was determined by Forbes Home in The Worst and Best States for Solar Energy.

What is sustainability?

Sustainability isn’t a new concept, but it takes continuous iteration to account for human impact on the earth. The idea is that resources are limited and we must develop and promote sustainable practices to ensure we maintain an equal balance in protecting the natural environments we need to continue to survive.

Sustainable efforts can include establishing sustainable business practices and economic development, such as green technology and eco-friendly supply chains to reduce air, water and waste pollution.

How eco-friendly is Florida?

Florida was ranked fifth on the overall list and ranked No. 15 for lowest water usage and No. 7 for lowest energy use and solar friendliness.

The most sustainable states

The five states that topped Forbes Home’s list of sustainable states have citizens and businesses that strive to maintain sustainability efforts. Here’s a look at the top five most sustainable states:

  • Massachusetts — Massachusetts was named as the most sustainable state, ranking No. 2 for lowest water usage and No. 5 for lowest energy use and solar friendliness.

  • Rhode Island — Rhode Island ranked second overall, No. 3 for the lowest water usage, No. 1 for the lowest energy use and No. 20 for solar friendliness.

  • New York — New York ranked third overall, No. 9 for lowest water usage, No. 2 for lowest energy use and No. 13 for solar friendliness.

  • California — California ranked fourth overall, No. 18 for lowest water usage, No. 4 for energy use and No. 1 for solar friendliness.

  • Florida — Florida was ranked fifth on the overall list and ranked No. 15 for lowest water usage and No. 7 for lowest energy use and solar friendliness.

Sheep and solar farms: Santa Rosa has its first solar farm. This flock of sheep will help maintain it.

The least sustainable states

Here’s a look at the least sustainable states in the U.S.:

  • Nebraska — Nebraska ranked No. 46 on the list of sustainable states in the nation. The state is fourth on the list for most water usage and ninth for most energy use. Nebraska ranks No. 42 for solar friendliness.

  • Montana — The Treasure State is No. 47 on the list of sustainable states. It is third on the list for most water usage, 11th for most energy use and No. 45 for solar friendliness.

  • Louisiana — Louisiana is No. 48 on the list of sustainable states. It is No. 6 for most water usage, second for most energy use and No. 38 for solar friendliness.

  • Wyoming — The Equality State is the second-least-sustainable state at No. 49. The state is the highest of all states in terms of water usage at 14,111.10 gallons a day. It is fourth on the list for most energy usage and No. 41 for solar friendliness.

  • North Dakota — Of all 50 states, the Sioux State is the least sustainable state of all. It is seventh on the list for most water usage, third for most energy usage and last for solar friendliness.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Forbes Home ranks Florida fifth most sustainable state