Not Just World Cup Champions, Germany Also Most Energy-Efficient Major Economy

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The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has declared Germany the most energy-efficient major economy on Earth. The recent World Cup winners were awarded the organization’s top score and received praise for environmentally-conscious energy and building codes. The council’s rankings are part of a study focused on 16 major economies. The United States ranked 13th, higher than only Russia (14th), Brazil (15th), and Mexico (16th). Italy was rated 2nd highest. The European Union as a whole was somewhat quizzically ranked 3rd overall despite Germany, Italy, France (T-4th), the UK (6th), and Spain (8th) also taking spots on the list.

What’s the Big Idea?

Germany’s top ranking is not much of a surprise. Europe’s largest economy is often lauded for its environmental savvy. China’s tie with France as the 4th most energy efficient economy is something of a surprise, though The Guardianmentions that China uses less energy per square foot than any other nation. Whether that’s a reasoned unit of measurement is up for debate.

The council noted that despite efforts and progress in the United States, Americans still waste way too much energy. Sharper words were reserved for Australia, which the council’s study found to be heading in a backwards direction with regard to transportation.