Budapest among the least sustainable destinations in Europe
New research reveals Budapest is the 8th least sustainable destination in Europe.
The study by Bounce analysed a number of European cities on factors such as sustainable hotels, public transport use, air quality and Michelin green star restaurants to reveal the least sustainable travel destinations in Europe.
The top 10 least sustainable destinations in Europe
|
Rank |
Location |
Eco-Friendly Hotels |
Air Pollution /100 |
Light Pollution (μcd/m2) |
Green Energy Performance (% of Green Energy Consumption) |
Carbon Footprint (Metric Tonnes CO2) |
% who walk, cycle, or use public transport to work |
Michelin Green Star Restaurants |
Sustainable score /10 |
|
1 |
Rotterdam, Netherlands |
1.9% |
67 |
9,350 |
0.25% |
11.1 |
52.5% |
0.0% |
1.48 |
|
2 |
Athens, Greece |
6.7% |
69 |
9,730 |
0.18% |
10.8 |
40.6% |
0.0% |
1.64 |
|
3 |
Belgrade, Serbia |
2.6% |
59 |
8,550 |
0.12% |
5.4 |
52.0% |
0.0% |
2.75 |
|
4 |
Dublin, Republic of Ireland |
1.1% |
40 |
7,260 |
0.11% |
9.1 |
65.6% |
0.0% |
2.91 |
|
5 |
Sofia, Bulgaria |
1.1% |
60 |
3,060 |
0.22% |
5.2 |
56.0% |
0.0% |
3.54 |
6 |
Prague, Czech Republic |
5.9% |
54 |
5,050 |
0.36% |
9.9 |
74.4% |
0.0% |
4.02 |
|
7 |
Ostrava, Czech Republic |
0.0% |
52 |
2,720 |
0.36% |
2.3 |
54.5% |
0.0% |
4.07 |
|
8 |
Budapest, Hungary |
3.7% |
43 |
5,590 |
0.24% |
5.8 |
70.4% |
0.0% |
4.23 |
|
9 |
Warsaw, Poland |
4.8% |
34 |
9,180 |
0.10% |
7.5 |
83.6% |
0.0% |
4.34 |
|
10 |
Manchester, United Kingdom |
2.6% |
26 |
7,660 |
1.67% |
9.5 |
56.3% |
0.0% |
4.34 |
Read alsoAirAsia X is opening a new route from Budapest!
The lowest-scoring city on our list is Rotterdam, The Netherlands, with a sustainable score of 1.48 out of 10. Rotterdam scores poorly for its green energy performance (0.25%) and high air pollution (67 out of 100). The city also has a high carbon footprint (11.1t CO2). One of the main causes of Rotterdam’s air pollutants is the continent’s largest seaport, based in the city. It was found to be the most polluting port in Europe, producing 13.7 million tonnes of CO2 every year.
Ranking as the second least sustainable destination for tourists is Athens, Greece, with a sustainable score of 1.64 out of 10. Athens scores poorly for its green energy performance (0.18%) and high air pollution levels (69 out of 100). The city likewise ranks the lowest for its total low-impact transport usage (40.6%), with the majority of city dwellers traveling by their car.
Ranking in third place is Serbia’s capital Belgrade, with a sustainability score of 2.75 out of 10. Belgrade has a high level of air pollution (59 out of 100) and a low number of eco-friendly hotels (2.6%). Over the last few years, Belgrade has become one of the most polluted cities in Europe. Factors that contribute to this title include the methods in which people heat their homes, with both firewood and coal being common choices.
Source: Press release/Bounce