Austin is ranked top 10 for clean energy, study finds

Austin's dedication to clean energy has earned it a reputation of being among the most energy efficient cities in America, according to a study done by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. 

The Council created a "City Clean Energy Scorecard" for 75 large U.S. cities and ranked Austin as ninth for clean energy. Austin was the only Texas city listed in the top 10. 

The scorecard measured city policies and programs that save energy, promote renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Austin scored 63 out of 100 points and scored well in government operations, building policies and community wide initiatives. 

According to the the Council, Austin has adopted energy reduction, renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals for local government operations. By 2020, the city will be able to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 100 percent since its 2007 baseline.

Austin's lowest score was transportation policies, and the Council suggests the city direct more funding into transit accessibility. 

Boston ranked No. 1 on the scorecard for clean energy, followed by San Francisco, Seattle, Minneapolis and Washington D.C. in the top 5. New York City, Los Angeles and Denver were all listed above Austin. 

San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, El Paso and McAllen were five Texas cities that still placed below 30th place.