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Top 25 Colleges and Universities for Environmental Initiatives

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Meeting the economic and cultural challenges of the present without undermining the health and longevity of our resources in the future is one of the greatest challenges of our times. Though many universities function as centers for experimentation, research, and funding for advancements in sustainability, there are a select few who also live by sustainable codes. Whether that involves reaching out into the community, reducing energy consumption, creating infrastructure for sustainable transportation, or nurturing local food sources, our centers of higher education have the capacity to be central components of a shift towards sustainability. We’ve looked at a wide variety of institutions for our ranking at affordable schools, and ranked them according to the methodology below. Enjoy!

Methodology:

  • Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education Ranking (1/4): only programs receiving a gold ranking or above were surveyed. This ranking takes into account a wide variety of sustainability concerns including academics, engagement, operations, planning & administration, and innovation.
  • EPA Green Partnership Ranking (1/4): a ranking of the largest green power users amongst American institutions of higher education.
  • Sierra Club “Cool Schools” Ranking (1/4): an amalgamation of results from questionnaires from the Sierra Club, AASHE, the Sustainable Endowments Institute, and the Princeton Review.
  • Green Report Card Ranking (1/4): though since discontinued, this ranking is a good measure of early adopters of sustainability on US college campuses.

25. Portland State University

If Portland is known as a beacon of sustainability and mindfulness towards the environment, Portland State University is one of its crowning gems. The university has centered many of its efforts on the sustainability of the campus itself, both through reconstructing existing buildings and focusing on the sustainability of new designs. As of late 2012, eight campus buildings were LEED certified with two certified at the platinum level. The Shattuck Hall Ecological Learning Plaza is one of the coolest pieces of sustainable design, featuring green walls, solar panels, and permeable pavement. Other sustainable elements include a well-supported public transit system, and one of the nation’s most bike-friendly campuses as well as cities. The university also takes a leading role in research through the region and internationally, as seen through their recent grant award of $12 million to help study the vulnerabilities of nine cities to climate change.

24. University of Minnesota, Morris

The University Minnesota at Morris is one of several rural universities across the United States to harness the surrounding nature in an effort to increase campus sustainability. It’s also one of the first public universities to gain such a designation. Currently alternative energy offerings include a corn stover as well as a biomass gasifier plant which takes crop residue from local farms and generates steam for heating and cooling campus buildings. The university also utilizes solar and wind power. In 2013 the university opened the Green Prairie Living and Learning Community, a residence hall and educational center LEED gold certification. Local food programs and community outreach are also notable portions of the university’s sustainability initiatives. The university is currently the 33rd ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

23. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Cal Poly began making strides towards sustainability back in 2007 with the signing of the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, in which the university pledged to purchase or produce at least 15% of their energy from sustainable sources within a year. Within two years the university had a date as well as milestones ready for becoming carbon neutral, and has continued to progress towards that goal. In 2010, the Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies became the first academic center in the University of California system to achieve carbon neutrality through the use of a 210,000 kW photovoltaic system, agriculture ponds, and organic gardens. Though the campus has a heightened seismic risk, the university has continued to focus on sustainability initiatives in buildings, and offer educational centers such as the BioTrek ethnobiology center, and a 40-acre research center that showcases sustainable farming practices, water conservation, and urban recycling techniques. The university is currently the 44th ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

22. Furman University

Furman University completed the first LEED-certified building in South Carolina all the way back in 2003, and has since implemented LEED standards into all new building constructions. Innovative campus-wide initiatives include the implementation of building automation systems which adjust the climate and lighting when buildings aren’t being used, as well as an online dashboard allowing students and community members to access energy consumption for the sake of student projects and research. Utilization of natural resources has also been central to Furman’s sustainability initiatives. The Furman Farm helps to provide a portion of produce served to the community through dining services, while upgraded irrigation systems allow for Furman Lake to provide a third of the water needed for campus irrigation needs. The university is currently the 43rd ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

21. University of California, Santa Barbara

The University of California at Santa Barbara is known as a politically-active community who have turned their focus to quality reporting and sustainability initiatives in recent years. Currently 21 buildings are LEED certified, with one at the platinum level and nine registering as gold. The university has also been a leader in regards to responding to California’s longstanding drought, with 90% of campus irrigation needs taken care of with recycled water, and over a 20% reduction in drinking water use since the 2013 school year. In an effort to support local and sustainable food sources, the school is able to source 40% of their food from farms within 150 miles. Community engagement efforts center around a number of partner non-profits and research organizations, as well as the educating future leaders program. The university is currently the 24th ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

20. Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University blends research and hands on experience in sustainability techniques with a ton of work revamping and creating sustainable infrastructure over the past several years. Hands-on and research-based sustainability initiatives center around an off-campus wind energy research plot as well as a sustainable development teaching and research farm. On campus, all recent renovations and constructions have centered around enforcing LEED standards. A variety of solar and wind resources have also been constructed. Student transportation initiatives promote the research and use of biofuels, or fuels manufactured from natural, renewable resources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, corn starch, recycled cooking grease, and agricultural residues. The university is currently the 24th ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

19. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has focused on transparency and the creation of a sustainable campus for the better part of a decade. The university has since made good on their intent to adopt LEED gold standards for all new building projects or large renovations, as well as to provide a list of endowment holdings as well as the university’s shareholder voting record on issues that relate to sustainability. A student sustainability committee gives students the power to vote on the allocation of funds from a clean energy technology fee and a sustainable campus environment fee. A wide variety of city and school-level transportation support also enables a more sustainable campus, from bike sharing to zipcar to local Amtrak and public transportation offerings. The university is currently the 31st ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

18. Chatham University

Chatham University was a signatory of the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment in 2007, and by 2008 had located 2025 as the year by which complete carbon neutrality is scheduled to come about. A central point for sustainability at Chatham is the recently completed 388-acre Eden Hall Campus. The campus is home to the Falk School of Sustainability, which offers degrees in Bachelor of Sustainability, Master of Sustainability, Master of Arts in Food Studies, and Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership. The campus is entirely self sustainable by emitting zero carbon emissions, managing all waste and storm water on-site, and producing more energy than it consumes. The university also submits to a yearly green house gas audit, and provides live solar and water energy data for the community. The university is currently the 20th ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

17. University of San Diego

The University of San Diego draws from the university’s Catholic foundation to support exploring the social, economic, and environmental aspects of sustainability. One major focus of the university’s sustainability efforts centers around mitigation of California’s longstanding drought. San Diego is known for receiving the longest distance imported water of any major city in the world. While the state has called for a 20% reduction in water use, the university has managed to lower water consumption by 38% since 2006. Through replacing all light fixtures (indoor and outdoor) on campus, the university has seen a 20% reduction in total energy usage, or the equivalent of enough power for 600,000 homes. Sustainability education, community outreach, and research are also central to the university’s sustainability goals. The university is currently the 14th ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

16. University of New Hampshire

The University of New Hampshire is the home of the longest endowed sustainability program in American higher education, dating back to the formation of the UNH Sustainability Institute in 1997. Energy-centered initiatives include a goal of reducing greenhouse gases by 50% by 2020, as well as the implementation of the EcoLine, a landfill-gas line that provides for 85% of the university’s energy needs. Another tenet of sustainability centers around the university’s food policies. Coursework in ecoGastronomy, as well as the university’s farm-to-school pipeline and adherence to Slow Food principles are central to this effort. The university is currently the 29th ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

15. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is widely regarded as a leader in sustainable business, both for their research and teaching capacities in the discipline, and the way in which they apply this acumen to their own management principles. Sustainability highlights are wide-ranging, and include being the first institution in the United States to generate over 24 megawatts of solar energy. Through aggressive infrastructure development the university is on track to lower water consumption by 50%, and is set to have eliminated 90% of solid waste from the university by 2015. The university aims to be the first large research university in the United States to achieve carbon neutrality. Currently the university is the 26th ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

14. George Washington University

George Washington University pushes sustainability on a number of infrastructure and educational levels, including their twelve LEED certified buildings (including one platinum-certified building). The university is currently exceeding LEED certifications in several ways, including double to triple the minimum improvement in energy performance, and double the improvement in water efficiency. Other initiatives include the goal of diverting 50% of waste by 2017, as well as boosting the university’s 29% recycling rate. Outreach and educational opportunities put on by the university include a Solar Decathlon team put on by other Washington D.C. Universities, conventions, as well as a number of educational programs and research opportunities. Currently the university is the 12th ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

13. Green Mountain College

Green Mountain College is a small liberal arts college located in rural Vermont noted for being a part of the Eco League, a group of liberal arts colleges committed to sustainability. The university is also known for advocating progressive education in which students define their own educational goals and work with faculty to achieve them. So if self-directed sustainability projects are your thing, Green Mountain College could be a uniquely good fit. Other environmental initiatives at Green Mountain are responsible for a waste diversion rate of 50% as well as progressive transportation infrastructure: a bike share program, free shuttles and buses, an online carpooling service, public transit, and on-campus Zipcars. Currently the university is the 8th ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

12. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

The University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh is the second largest purchases or renewable energy in Wisconsin, and 23rd among all U.S. institutions of higher education. The university was one of the initial signatories of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, and thus pledged to strive for climate neutrality by mid-century or sooner. Currently 4 on-campus buildings are LEED certified, with other renovations taking inspiration from LEED standards and using a variety of sustainable energy sources and innovations. Other initiatives have resulted in a 41% drop in freshwater usage from 2000 to 2012, with stadium renovations saving 850,000 gallons per year for in irrigation alone. Currently the university is the 21st ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

11. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida signed the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment in 2008 and submitted a climate action plan two years later, with the initial goal of a 10 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2015. In 2012 the Patel College of Global Sustainability was created, housed in the first LEED gold-certified building on the university’s Tampa campus. Other initiatives include the integration of biodiesel fuels with local public transit, a bike sharing program, electric vehicle charging stations, and solar public charging stations. The introduction of the Student Green Energy Fund allows for students to propose and vote on what sustainability projects they would like to see occur. Currently the university is the 7th ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

10. Middlebury College

Middlebury College was an initial signatory of the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment and recently revised their mission statement to include environmental stewardship. The college has committed to carbon neutrality by 2016, and is well on the way with the biomass plant installed on campus in the 2008-2009 school year. With the help of the plant carbon dioxide output has been cut by 40% and reliance on fuel oil by 50%. From 2007-2013 total carbon footprint for the institution was halved. Over 50 local vendors help to provide food for Middlebury, raising the percentage of “real food” (local, humane, fair, or ecologically sound) to over 25%. A number of buildings are LEED certified, including the first platinum-certified LEED building in Vermont. Currently the university is the 18th ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

9. University of California, San Diego

The University of California at San Diego pushes environmental initiatives on a number of fronts. The university was the first in California to join the California Climate Action Registry, a voluntary greenhouse gas registry. In regards to green buildings, all new buildings must be erected according to Silver LEED status, and all current buildings have been renovated to exceed California energy efficiency guidelines by 20%. 85% of the campus’ electricity is generated on campus through a cogeneration plant. Through education and infrastructure, 57% of community member commuters arrive on campus daily by modes of transportation other than single occupancy vehicles.
Currently the university is the 7th ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

8. Cornell University

Cornell University has long been a leader in sustainability, pushing for a minimized environmental impact through infrastructure changes, research, and sustainable food practices. Currently 11 university buildings are LEED gold certified, and three are LEED platinum. A large energy-saving initiative involved the use of lake source cooling, lowering energy costs of central campus air-conditioning by 86%. Renovations to the university combined heat and power plant have increased the efficiency of powering and heating the campus by half. Currently 25% total food expenditures are grown and/or processed within 250 miles of Cornell. Other environmental initiatives have resulted in an 80% sustainable commuting rate, and a 78% waste diversion rate. Currently the university is the 16th ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

7. University of California, Irvine

The University of California at Irvine has been the top ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by Sierra Club for two years in a row. One area in which the university stands out is through an amazing 13 LEED platinum certified buildings as well as 8 LEED gold certified buildings. The university was one of the first in the US to respond to President Obama’s Better Buildings Challenge, and proceeded to improve building energy efficiency by 20% from 2008 to 2013. As part of its greater sustainability plan, and in response to the longstanding drought in California, the university is aiming to lower potable water use and irrigation water use by 30% by 2020. Currently the university diverts 83% of its waste from landfills, well on its way to the 95% diversion rate required for “no waste” colleges in California.

6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

including LEED silver or above standards in all new buildings, as well as the first LEED platinum building in North Carolina. An innovative partnership with the town of Chapel Hill pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2050, the first such town-college partnership of the sort in the nation. Other initiatives have resulted in a 60% reduction in potable water use on campus, a 47% waste diversion rate, and 25% of food on campus purchased from providers from within 250 years. The university also pushes sustainability through a wide array of academic programs, including MBA programs at Kenan-Flagler, of which 32% of graduates graduate with a concentration in sustainable enterprise. Currently the university is the 15th ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

5. Colorado State University

Colorado State University is currently the only university with a platinum ranking according to ASSHE. The university is home to a number of sustainability firsts, including the scientists who created the world’s first engineered solar-heated and -cooled building and the first commercial interior LEED certification worldwide among universities. Currently 16 buildings on campus are LEED certified, with one at the platinum level. Other environmental initiatives include active composting and food waste recycling programs, as well as one of the largest solar panel arrays at a university in the United States. Regarding sustainable transportation, Fort Collins is one of only a handful of platinum ranked bicycling-friendly cities in the US, and carpooling and Zipcar options are available as well.
Currently the university is the 11th ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

4. American University

American University pushes sustainability through a number of infrastructure revamps as well as through a number of outreach and student led organizations. Currently 31 university buildings are pending LEED standard approval. The campus in general is sustainable through low-impact, low-maintenance, low-resource-use landscaping methods coupled with a record as one of only seventy-four campuses designated Tree Campus USA for promoting healthy urban forest management. In 2010 the university adopted a Zero Waste Policy mandating the reduction and diversion of waste from landfill by 100%. EcoSense, a student led organization works with regional and national organizations to spearhead environmental research and initiate change. Currently the university is the 2nd ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

3. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago focuses on sustainability through a variety of initiatives, including the production of seven LEED-certified buildings, and the creation of the Institute of Environmental Sustainability in 2013. As a whole, the university is aiming to become completely carbon neutral by 2025. The university is centrally located, allowing for public or sustainable transit for nearly the whole community. The student-run biodiesel lab has recently increased its production capacity from 10,000 to 100,000 gallons per year, allowing for the creation of all the fuel for the fleet of campus buses. On the academic front, six majors and two minors fall under the new Institute of Environmental Sustainability umbrella, with students putting their knowledge to work through initiatives like the student run farm. Currently the university is the 4th ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

2. Dickinson College

Dickinson College pushes sustainability initiatives through infrastructure development, research, community outreach, and sustainable business practices. Currently five on-campus buildings are LEED gold certified, and the college has made a commitment to upholding LEED silver or above standards for all future buildings. Other sustainable infrastructure includes a low pressure steam energy plant delivers chilled water and steam to mitigate temperature changes across campus, as well as a solar energy array and a campus biodiesel shop. Bike share programs, goals regarding increasing waste diversion, and a campus farm that provides a portion of the food for dining halls are also part of sustainability at Dickinson. Currently the university is the 3rd ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

1. University of Maryland, College Park

The University of Maryland at College Park is one of only a handful of schools surveyed to be ranked by every institution cited in our ranking: AASHE, the EPA Green Partnership, the Sierra Club, and the Green Report Card. The university was a charter signatory of the American College and Universities Presidents Climate Commitment, and established a climate action plan in 2009. 2050 is the target date for the university to achieve carbon neutrality, and all future buildings are slated to be built according to LEED silver or above standards. The student “green fee” of $12 per student has been used to great effect, being used one year to install wind turbines that offset 60% of the campus’ electricity use. As of 2013, the university was a 5th year standing TREE CAMPUS USA recipient, lauded for their activities promoting proper green space on campus. The Chesapeake Project is a university-wide program that has increased the number of courses integrating sustainability into their curricula to 170. Currently the university is the 13th ranked “cool school” for environmental initiatives by the Sierra Club.

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