D.C. Ranked as Third Most Sustainable City

D.C. has been recognized as a strong, healthy, and sustainable community.

Out of the 20 U.S. communities certified under the STAR Community Rating System, D.C. has been ranked as the third most sustainable city.

The Sustainable Tools for Assessing & Rating Communities system (STAR) measures sustainability by scoring communities across seven areas including economy, health, and natural systems.

“Sustainable cities provide a healthy environment, support a strong economy and continually improve the well-being of the community,” Executive Director of STAR Communities Hilari Varnadore said.

More than 80 communities utilize the STAR system and 30 are working to become certified.

In order to achieve a 4-STAR rating, a community needs to score at least 400 out of 720 points. D.C. exceeded the minimum with 534 points and achieved the highest 4-STAR rating to date.

“This 4-STAR rating shows the progress we are making on our Sustainable DC Plan and how we fare compared to other cities – many of them larger than us,” Mayor Vincent C. Gray said.

Only seven of the 20 communities made it to the 4-STAR level, including Austin, Texas and Portland, Ore. The rating lasts for three years and then the District will be reevaluated.

“Washington, DC is an excellent example of a city with a strong commitment to sustainability and to being transparent about progress toward its goals,” Varnadore said.