Germany came out on top, while Saudi Arabia performed worst, in a survey by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). South Africa and Brazil were also in the bottom three.
The research looked at 23 countries which together represent 75 per cent of all the energy consumed on the planet. Countries were scored on a scale of 100 points in categories including buildings, industry and transportation.
ACEEE executive director Steven Nadel said: “Energy efficiency is often the lowest-cost means of meeting new demand for energy. Governments that encourage investment in energy efficiency and implement supporting policies save citizens’ money, reduce dependence on energy imports, and reduce pollution.”
The United States improved its standing from last year, rising to eighth place alongside South Korea and the report suggested the US take further advantage of existing efficiency opportunities.