Germany scored the top spot in ACEEE’s (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy) energy efficiency ranking of the world’s largest economies. Canada placed ninth among the 16 countries that represent approximately 70 per cent of global energy consumption.

“Germany is a prime example of a nation that has made energy efficiency a top priority,” says ACEEE executive director Steven Nadel. “The United States, long considered an innovative and competitive world leader, has progressed slowly and has made limited progress since our last report, even as Germany, Italy, China, and other nations surge ahead.”

The results were released in the second edition of the ACEEE report, which found that a handful of countries are outperforming others – including North America’s three strongest economies – in their energy efficiency efforts.

“There’s really no excuse for the U.S. lagging behind other nations on energy efficiency,” adds U.S. Congressman Peter Welch. “States like Vermont have demonstrated that energy efficiency saves money, reduces environmental impact, and creates jobs.”

The ACEEE report looks at both policy metrics (i.e. appliance energy standards, fuel economy standards for vehicles, etc.) and performance metrics (for example, energy consumed per square foot of residential floor space).

ACEEE examined a total of 31 metrics and added a half-dozen new ones for the report’s second edition, including water efficiency and heavy-duty fuel efficiency policy. The organization also looked at three primary energy consumption sectors: buildings; industry; and transportation.

1.   Germany
2.   Italy
3.   European Union
4.   China
5.   France (tied for fourth)
6.   Japan
7.   United Kingdom (tied for sixth)
8.   Spain
9.   Canada
10. Australia
11. India
12. South Korea
13. United States
14. Russia
15. Brazil
16. Mexico