Compiled by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), the UK beat off competition from another 12 major economies including Germany, Japan, Italy and France. The nations were scored in 27 categories with a possible top score of 100.
Although topping the categories for industry and transport, the UK lost out to China for energy efficiency in buildings highlighting where progress is still to be made.
Energy secretary Ed Davey said: “I welcome today’s publication of the first international energy efficiency scorecard by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.
“Energy efficiency sits at the heart of our policies to encourage low carbon growth, and I am therefore particularly pleased that the UK is ranked first of the 12 economies considered by the study. Making our buildings and industries more energy efficient is a significant challenge, one that will take years to meet; doing so will cost effectively will mean drawing on the experiences of others.
“This study, and others like it, will make a valuable contribution to our understanding not just of the problems, but also the solutions. It is a fascinating collection of best practice, setting out the innovations which can accelerate economic growth, enhance energy security – and save our households and businesses money.”