4 Innovative World Leaders in Energy and Water Conservation

A handful of countries have brought a deep sense of commitment and passion to environmental initiatives, committed to creating a better future through thoughtful innovation.

Here's a look at four countries that are leading the way in global energy and water conservation initiatives.

1. Germany

Germany is the world's most energy efficient country according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. “Germany is a prime example of a nation that has made energy efficiency a top priority,” ACEEE Executive Director Steven Nadel said in a press release.

Known for their comprehensive energy strategy that involves new building codes, tax credits, and loan programs, Germany has a target goal of a 20% reduction in energy consumption by 2020, and a 50% reduction by 2050.

2. Israel

Israel is renowned for its water conservation initiatives, being one of the world's only countries that has such effective water supply and conservation infrastructure that it can fully function without rain.

The Middle Eastern country has successfully harnessed drip irrigation -- a method that conserves water and fertilizer by enabling water to gradually drip to the roots of various plants -- while leading the way in wastewater management.

3. Iceland

Iceland supplies roughly 80 per cent of its total energy demand from renewable resources, with gasoline being the only fossil fuel burned in the entire country.

By placing an emphasis on organically farmed produce, Iceland brings innovation to the everyday household by supporting local farming families with an emphasis on home-grown produce.

4. Canada

In 2016 Canada placed 10th on the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy's International Energy Efficiency Scorecard.

Though there's still some way to go, many Canadian municipalities have recently adopted water conservation programs involving infrastructure (repairs and/or installation), metering, retrofit, new laws and bylaws, and raising public awareness.

In the energy sector, Canada has worked improve the evaluation and labeling of energy use in its buildings by using a new benchmarking portfolio manager that rates energy performance in comparison to similar structures.”

With a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% from 2005 levels by 2030, there's a lofty goal ahead -- one that may come to fruition if Canada keeps carving a greener path through conservation initiatives.

Source: The Weather Network