Top Five Green U.S. Cities

The top five greenest cities in the United States incorporate extensive public transportation systems, recycling programs, and ecological conservation projects.

Chicago, Illinois: The city of Chicago website boasts that the city claims the first rehabilitated municipal building in the nation to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum rating by the U.S. Green Building Council. Chicago offers the Center for Green Technology which gives educational resources and exhibits green design for the community members. Furthermore, Chicago has installed wind powered charging stations and has instituted "Carbon Day," to spread carbon emission awareness as far as it can.

Portland, Oregon: Portland has a well planned public transportation system that includes buses, streetcars and a light rail. Aside from the public transit, the city planners thought carefully about bicyclists by incorporating bike paths and roadway bike lanes that are clearly marked. Finally, the Portland government not only operates in the green through implementing comprehensive recycling programs, but the local commerce is local-centric. Local farmers sell organically grown produce, and local business owners in general do well against major, fuel guzzling franchises.

Seattle, Washington: The Smarter Cities Project ranked Seattle No. 1 among large cities for its environmental stewardship and sustainability in 2009. Seattle has a comprehensive public transportation system, a fully operational recycling program, and the city works hard to preserve and conserve its energy, environment, and water.

Berkeley, California: Berkeley had the highest number of solar roofs in the state of California in 2009. Berkeley does not just use solar. Berkley's coastal location allows it to be very innovative in its exploration of the use of wind power and hydropower, but it has also been forward in its employment of biofuels. Clean Tech awarded the University of California at Berkeley as the second best university in its use of clean technology for 2010.

Boston, Massachusetts: Boston is a clean, safe city that has been forward in employing green technology into the financial structure of the city. Boston boasts a successful Green Affordable Housing Program, and a Boston Green Building program. The city also recognizes residential and business sectors that have achieved a high level of success in sustainable environmental practices by awarding them with the Boston Green Awards.