With these eco-friendly colleges, EVERY day is Earth Day. Check out our top picks (in no particular order) for the most environmentally friendly colleges.
1. University of California
The Golden State
The UC system includes 10 campuses all across California that each boast their own sustainability initiatives. By equipping students with the knowledge of environmental issues, UC schools prepare scholars (just like you!) to go out in the world and solve some of the world’s biggest problems of today. Here are a few examples of the work they do: UC Santa Cruz shows great commitment to organic food and sustainable eating practices. UC Irvine provides earth-friendly transportation options for students. UC Davis is a leader in green construction and has four LEED platinum buildings. These are only a few of the many environmentally responsible practices UC schools have adopted over the years. Way to go, UC system, for making eco-friendly colleges a priority.
2. College of the Atlantic
Bar Harbor, Maine
Because the College of the Atlantic focuses on human ecology, sustainability is central to everything they do. In 2007, they were the first college to become carbon neutral, and now their main focus is to eliminate reliance on fossil fuels and engage students with a hands-on approach to learning. No matter if your major is Ecology, Economics, or Art, there is sustainability curriculum available. A few buildings on campus exhibit the ideal way of self-sufficient living including solar panels, composting toilets, wood pellet boilers, and VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) free paint. These are mere details, only touching on the productive practices COA incorporates into the daily lives of all who attend their university.
3. Stanford University
Stanford, California
Stanford University hopes to incorporate sustainability into all aspects of their campus life. The Stanford Energy Systems Program is concerned with lowering carbon emissions and cut water usage in the future. The efforts to save the environment is also a large part of the campus culture. Stanford students of all majors clearly care about Mother Earth, occupying over 20 clubs dedicated to sustainability.
4. Middlebury College
Middlebury, Vermont
Though Middlebury College achieved carbon neutrality in 2016, they continue to seek environmental solutions and sustainability in all aspects of everyday life. Celebrating a decade of commitment to productivity, MIDD works within the categories of infrastructure, energy, food, transportation, waste, and water. There are plenty of ways for the entire Middlebury College community to get involved whether it be clubs, public events, or neighborhood projects. MIDD minimizes waste on a daily basis by composting food and reusing building materials. The college also ensures that the paper they purchase is manufactured in ways that minimize consumption of forest resources and ecosystem services. These are only a few of the ways MIDD makes our planet a better place to live.
5. Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
Colorado State University has made immense strides in their goal to be among the eco-friendly colleges. They are working to become climate neutral by 2050. In all aspects of life at the university, they are implementing methods that will reduce their impact on Earth. By integrating sustainability classes into the curriculum, they now have 962 of 2,633 courses that are related to efficiency. They also have 26 LEED-certified buildings on campus. As well as a bicycle friendly campus and 25 electric car charging stations scattered around the school. They lead by example, and world has taken notice. The college is consistently recognized with honors and awards for their commitment to environmental change.
6. University of Washington
Seattle, Washington
The University of Washington is considered to be a national leader in the field of sustainability and eco-friendly colleges. Through the work of the Environmental Stewardship Committee and their Climate Action Plan, the university carefully tracks their overall progress in their ventures for going green and achieving carbon neutrality. Each year they display more progress, acknowledging that climate change is not only real, but urgent. With Green Certification programs, UW intends to reduce environmental impact in several different spheres on campus including laboratory practices, energy and paper conservation, waste diversion, transportation, awareness, education, daily habits, and so much more!
7. American University
Washington, D.C.
American University founded its Office of Sustainability back in 2009 when flip phones were still a thing. The way they see it, solving environmental problems is just a reflection of their values and social responsibility as a university. Whether it’s the students, staff, or faculty, AU focuses on teamwork and communal efforts to achieve their green goals. AU has several student organizations that focus on peer-to-peer outreach including the All Zero Waste club, the Beekeeping Society, Community Garden, ECO-Sense, and Fossil Free AU. By continually tracking their progress, AU is devoted to living in harmony with our environment.
8. University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut
The University of Connecticut focuses on bringing the community together to support the environment through various events and projects. By analyzing data derived from past greenhouse gas emissions and reductions, UConn is faithful to their Climate Action Plan to become carbon neutral by 2020. Rather than focusing on one condition of sustainable growth, their environmental initiatives surround five different areas: energy, water, land, materials, and movement.
9. Dickinson College
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Dickinson College incorporates sustainable living into the lives of students, faculty, and staff. They have a 50-acre USDA certified Organic farm providing students with hands-on experience with nature. The Center for Sustainable Education promotes a holistic approach to learning about sustainability. Their sustainability efforts span the globe. By being intentional in the study abroad locations they choose, they use these trips as an opportunity to host workshops abroad, serve the countries they visit, and advance environmental goals through research and civic engagement.
10. University of Vermont
Burlington, Vermont
At the University of Vermont, they are well on track to achieve climate neutrality by the year 2025. There are many on-campus groups that assist in promoting a green lifestyle including the UVM Eco-Reps Program which trains student leaders to spread the word about sustainability and cultivate environmental responsibility. University of Vermont also has received a Gold Rating from the Sustainable Tracking Assessment and Rating System (STARS) placing them in the top 12 percent of all rated institutions. By keeping track of their progress through data, the university focuses on innovation and exemplary practice including a bicycle friendly campus, organic dining certification, and hundreds of hours of labor.
Are there more eco-friendly colleges we should add to this list? Send us an email and let us know!