British cities rank in 2016 Sustainable Cities list

Sep 21, 2016 |Richard McPartland

London has been ranked as the fifth most sustainable city in the world in the 2016 Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index.

The study serves as a snapshot of urban sustainability around the world and ranks 100 global cities on three dimensions of sustainability - People, Planet and Profit.

This year's report puts London ahead of Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo with well-established European cities dominating the top of the overall ranking (making up 16 of the top 20 positions). Five other British cities feature in the index - these include Edinburgh (13), Manchester (25), Birmingham (31), Glasgow (36) and Leeds (38).

London fared particularly well when it came to economic performance, with only Singapore and Hong Kong bettering the capital's score. However, the research shows that the UK's other cities have work to do when it comes to securing investment for transport, infrastructure and regeneration projects. On this score, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds are currently trailing the performance of their European rivals.

Sustainable Cities Index 2016 infographic

Infographic showing how key cities fare on sustainability with a focus on people, planet and profit.

The Top 10 Sustainable Cities 2016

1. Zurich
2. Singapore
3. Stockholm
4. Vienna
5. London
6. Frankfurt
7. Seoul
8. Hamburg
9. Prague
10. Munich

View and compare all 100 cities

You can find out more about the Sustainable Cities Index 2016 and download a full, free copy of the report at www.arcadis.com/sci2016

Our latest articles

All articles

03 August 2026

Designing sustainability into construction – proof over promises in sustainable construction

With tightening regulations and growing client demand, the construction industry is under increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable progress against carbon reduction targets. For specifiers, that means ensuring every product installed stands up to scrutiny, not just in material, but in source, traceability, and lifetime carbon footprint. JELD-WEN, a specialist timber door, door kit and doorset manufacturer, explains the critical considerations when selecting sustainable materials.

Dulux Trade launches new solution for high-humidity spaces

Because of how they are used, kitchens and bathrooms experience more moisture, more contact, and more ongoing maintenance. Standard emulsions are not designed for this level of use. Over time, finishes can lose their appearance or fail to cope with the environment. Kitchens and bathrooms benefit best using a product formulated specifically for their daily demands.

Construction ProductsSponsored

11 June 2026

The hidden cost of compliance: why architects are demanding a new era of product transparency

Few pieces of legislation have reshaped the UK construction industry as significantly as the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA). Introduced to improve accountability, traceability and safety standards across the built environment, the legislation has fundamentally changed the responsibilities placed on architects, contractors and manufacturers. While the principles behind the Act are widely supported, the reality for architectural practices is proving more challenging than many anticipated.