Miami is #29 (of 50), 2006 SustainLane Rankings

SustainLane conducted sustainability rankings of 50 US cities this year and Miami ranks # 29.

Let me try to sum it up:

First of all, the study states, "Miami…is more vulnerable to natural disaster than any other city in the study." WE WON!!!

It goes on to talk about how all of this construction is showing effects in our water. Additionally, "South Florida residents already use more water per person than any other city in the nation."

In the food and agriculture category, we scored a lousy 45 (50=worst). They were looking for "sustainable basics like local food"…something we’ve been talking about here at greenerMIAMI. (Stay tuned, because this is about to become a big topic around here!)

We ranked decently in public transportation, which I think we all will find quite surprising. As for green building, we ranked #33…huge amounts of construction almost none of which meet LEED standards.

SustainLane’s Miami Summary (read this)

Miami receives high marks for superior air quality and decent transit options, but has an unfocused approach to sustainability. Known as the Gateway of the Americas, it has an opportunity to set the example for Latin and South American development. Currently, the city is developing a luxury skyline, despite the fact it fronts the coast of the most dangerous hurricane zone in the nation. If Miami wishes to make a statement about the future of the Americas, it might consider developing a comprehensive sustainability plan now to better shape the current transformation of its urban space.

via The Worsted Witch