The Top 10 Eco-Friendly Countries for Expats
For expats seeking a greener lifestyle, countries such as Denmark, Switzerland, the UK, France, and Finland, are among the leaders in environmental preservation. Expats looking to do their part towards a greener future can consider these countries.
In recent years, people around the world have become more aware of environmental issues. A growing love for nature and concern about climate change have made sustainability a hot topic. This shift in thinking is changing how we live, work, and even where we choose to call home.
With that in mind, this Pacific Prime UK article explores the top 10 most eco-friendly nations and offers insights for expats looking to reduce their carbon footprint while living abroad.
Assessing Environmental Performance
The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) evaluated 180 countries based on 32 key sustainability indicators, including air and water quality, waste management, CO2 emissions, and public health factors.
This comprehensive assessment provides a solid foundation for identifying the world’s most environmentally conscious nations.
What Makes a Country Eco-Friendly?
Eco-friendly countries stand out in two main ways. First, they have strong environmental policies and systems in place. Second, these countries focus on protecting nature, reducing pollution, and using more renewable energy.
For expats looking to live green, certain features are especially attractive. These include cities with good bike lanes, easy access to organic food, and clean air. The abundance of parks and nature areas is also important.
These features not only help the environment but also make life better for residents, as they are offered chances to enjoy nature and live a healthier lifestyle. Citizens take the initiative to do their part through daily lifestyle choices like recycling and supporting local organic food.
Top 10 Eco-Friendly Countries for Expats
1. Denmark
Denmark leads the world in environmental performance with an impressive EPI score of 82.5. The country’s progressive government has made consistent commitments to both the environment and society.
Denmark is dedicated to protecting natural resources and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, with its capital Copenhagen aiming to be carbon neutral by 2025. Expats in Denmark can enjoy the famous cycle superhighways, which connect city dwellers to the countryside.
The country also offers numerous green hotels, restaurants, and cultural experiences, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an environmentally friendly lifestyle.
2. Luxembourg
Despite its rapid growth, Luxembourg has managed to stay eco-conscious. The country is working hard to reduce traffic by improving its public transport network and is increasing the share of renewable energy in electricity production from 3.3% to 9.1%.
Luxembourg City, the capital, is 20% forest, ensuring great air quality and providing ample opportunities for cycling and walking. This blend of urban development and natural preservation makes Luxembourg an attractive option for expats looking to connect with mother nature whilst enjoying the comforts of city life.
3. Switzerland
Famous for its clean mountain air, Switzerland is increasingly popular among expats seeking a safe, green lifestyle. The country is one of the top recyclers in the world, demonstrating its commitment to waste reduction.
Switzerland’s natural beauty offers expats countless opportunities for outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and mountaineering. This combination of efficient waste management and easy access to nature makes Switzerland a haven for environmentally conscious expats.
4. United Kingdom
The UK scores highly in environmental performance, particularly excelling in water quality with a score of 99.96% in 2019/20. The country has made significant investments in renewable energy, boasting over 8,000 wind turbines across the country and offshore.
Expats in the UK can explore the fantastic countryside while enjoying the benefits of cities that encourage cycling and electric car use. Many urban areas are implementing charges on more polluting vehicles, to further encourage sustainable transport options.
5. France
Ranking fifth on the list, France scores particularly high in the biodiversity and habitat category. The country has implemented innovative green initiatives, including installing hydro turbines along rivers and prohibiting supermarkets from unnecessarily discarding food.
Expats in France can look forward to delicious local food and produce, as nearly half of French consumers reported shopping locally to reduce their environmental impact. This commitment to local consumption and biodiversity preservation makes France an excellent choice for eco-conscious expats.
6. Austria
This mountainous, landlocked country in Europe excels in waste management, pollution control, and agriculture. Austria’s approach to green living is deeply ingrained in its culture, with harmony with nature being a way of life.
Cities like Vienna and Salzburg are filled with parks, and many buildings are constructed with eco-friendly principles. Expats can take advantage of free ski shuttles and hiking buses, encouraging the use of public transport for outdoor activities.
All in all, Austria’s commitment to sustainability extends from its urban centers to its picturesque countryside, offering a well-rounded green living experience.
7. Finland
Finland, famous for natural attractions including the Northern Lights, is another Scandinavian country that ranks high in environmental performance. Eco-conscious expats can enjoy exceptionally clean air and water, great recycling facilities, and sustainable transport options.
Data has found that renewable energy accounted for 40% of Finland’s total energy consumption, showcasing the country’s commitment to sustainable power sources.
Furthermore, Helsinki boasts Europe’s most-used bike rental system and the country is crisscrossed with trails for cycling, walking, and running, making it easy for expats to embrace an active, eco-friendly lifestyle.
8. Sweden
Sweden has made remarkable progress in sustainability in recent years. In 2019, it ranked first in the EU for recycling and using renewable energies. The country placed second on the 2022 Climate Change Performance Index for achievement in climate protection and has set an ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045.
For expats, Sweden offers a lifestyle where environmental consciousness is the norm. Organic food is a common feature on shopping lists, and eco-friendly and vintage clothing are popular choices.
This combination of national policy and individual action makes Sweden an excellent choice for expats committed to green living.
9. Norway
Norway is renowned for its whole-population approach to green living and sustainability, which begins at school. The country aims to be carbon neutral by 2030, demonstrating its serious commitment to environmental protection.
Additionally, Norway is one of the world’s electric car capitals, with 54% of new cars sold in 2020 being EVs. This commitment to electric vehicles results in quieter roads and less pollution.
All in all, expats in Norway can enjoy a high quality of life while minimizing their environmental impact, thanks to the country’s robust green policies and infrastructure.
10. Germany
Rounding out the top ten, Germany has strong eco commitments and policies. The country is committed to phasing out nuclear power and is said to be on track for a renewable energy revolution.
Furthermore, Germany also boasts very robust recycling systems, reflecting its dedication to waste reduction. Expats will find that Germany offers great public transport options and is very bicycle-friendly, with over 200 long-distance cycle paths.
The combination of national environmental policies and local green initiatives makes Germany an excellent choice for expats looking to minimize their carbon footprint while enjoying a high standard of living.
Top Tips for Eco-Conscious Expats
If you are moving abroad but have some environmental concerns in mind, consider these key factors when choosing your eco-friendly destination: healthcare, alternative locations, progress in less obvious places, and local environmental attitudes.
Below is a more detailed explanation of the top tips for eco-conscious expats:
Look beyond the top 10
While our list highlights 10 eco-friendly countries, there are many other great options for green living. Countries like Iceland, with its geothermal energy, Malta’s efforts in water conservation, or Costa Rica’s biodiversity protection are worth considering.
On the other hand, Japan has been improving its recycling efforts, and many U.S. cities are leading the way in sustainable urban planning.
Singapore, despite its small size, is known for its green architecture and efficient public transport. Canada has vast natural parks and is investing in renewable energy. Look into specific cities or regions within these countries that might be more environmentally progressive.
Engage with locals
Understanding local attitudes towards environmental issues can help you integrate better and contribute effectively to local eco-conscious efforts. Join community groups, participate in local environmental events, or volunteer for green initiatives.
This not only helps you understand the local perspective on climate change and activism but also allows you to share your own experiences and ideas, potentially inspiring positive changes in your new community.
Prioritize health coverage
When moving abroad, it’s crucial to research healthcare in your chosen country. Look into things like the quality of medical facilities, the cost of health insurance, and the average life expectancy.
Countries with strong environmental policies often have good healthcare systems too. For example, if you’re a UK citizen moving to an EU country, find out about the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) that replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) after Brexit.
Let Us Take Care of Your Next Expat Journey
Whether you’re drawn to Denmark’s cycling culture, Switzerland’s pristine nature, or Germany’s renewable energy initiatives, there’s an eco-friendly country out there that aligns with your values and lifestyle preferences.
However, we recommend you take the time to research and consider securing yourself comprehensive health insurance coverage as a safety net so you can fully enjoy your experience in your next expatriate journey.
Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. With over 20 years of reputation as a world-renowned insurance brokerage, Pacific Prime UK has the knowledge and expertise to help you tailor the best plan suited to your particular needs and budgetary constraints.
Contact us to learn more about our offers today or get a free quote!
After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, International Relations from Mahidol University International College, Veerabhatr has forged his career as a content writer in the travel, lifestyle, and real estate industries, writing in both English and Thai. He now continues to hone his skills as a writer at Pacific Prime, looking to engage and educate the audience by simplifying insurance.
Writer by day, and a DJ by night, Veerabhatr is a staunch music lover, and listens to all spectrums of genres available. He also loves to drink beer (moderately), eat all types of food, go to the beach, and learn about different cultures across the globe. He is also a die-hard fan of football and motorsports.
- The Top 10 Eco-Friendly Countries for Expats - July 25, 2024
- The Curious Case Of Summer Fridays In The Workplace - July 10, 2024
- Employees Are More Likely to Use Mental Health Benefits When Colleagues Do - May 8, 2024
Comments
Comments for this post are closed.
We'll notify you
when our team replies!