Sierra Club Coolest Schools

The growing awareness of environmental sustainability and climate change has led to a significant shift in how colleges and universities across the United States approach their operations, campus initiatives, and academic programs. This shift has been driven by a combination of student activism, faculty engagement, and a broader recognition of the importance of environmental stewardship.

One of the leading publications in this area, Sierra Magazine, has been publishing an annual list of the “Coolest Schools,” ranking universities and colleges based on their commitment to sustainability, climate action, and environmental consciousness. The “Coolest Schools” list highlights institutions that are going beyond traditional sustainability measures, actively integrating environmental responsibility into their curricula, campus culture, and operations. Among the many schools that have made a mark in these rankings, several institutions have consistently stood out, earning top spots for their impressive environmental efforts.

One of the institutions that has earned a place on Sierra Magazine’s list of “Cool Schools” is the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). ESF’s commitment to environmental education and sustainability is deeply embedded in its mission. Ranked 45th in the 2010 Sierra Club list, ESF stands out for its perfect scores in several important categories, including academics, administration, investment practices, and green initiatives. The College offers a broad range of environmentally related degree programs, which allows students to engage with a variety of disciplines related to environmental science, sustainability, and conservation. The institution’s strong academic focus on environmental issues is complemented by its institutional commitment to campus sustainability, which is reflected in its administrative policies and practices. ESF has developed a reputation as a leader in sustainable campus operations, with a clear dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and minimizing its environmental impact. This includes initiatives such as renewable energy installations, recycling programs, and water conservation efforts. ESF’s efforts extend beyond its campus as well, with the College actively supporting research and development initiatives that aim to address global environmental challenges.

Another prominent institution on Sierra Magazine's list is Appalachian State University, which earned the 12th spot in the rankings. Appalachian State University has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable practices and environmental leadership. The university is particularly recognized for its efforts to address climate change, promote renewable energy, and implement sustainable building practices on campus. Appalachian State has integrated sustainability into its curriculum, ensuring that students across disciplines have opportunities to engage with critical environmental issues. The university’s commitment to sustainability extends to its campus operations, with initiatives such as energy-efficient buildings, a zero-waste policy, and a commitment to reducing its carbon emissions. In addition to its environmental programs, Appalachian State has developed partnerships with local and global organizations working to solve climate issues, further cementing its role as a leader in environmental education.

In California, University of the Pacific has made significant strides in sustainability, earning a spot among the top 100 “Coolest Schools” in the Sierra Club rankings. Ranked 68th, the University of the Pacific has made significant investments in sustainable infrastructure and practices to reduce its environmental impact. The campus has implemented energy-efficient systems, including high-efficiency lighting and power-saving devices, which contribute to reducing the university's overall energy consumption. Furthermore, the university has adopted a commitment to sustainability by using 100% green cleaning products on its Stockton campus. These practices are part of a broader initiative at the University of the Pacific to not only address environmental challenges but also to foster a culture of sustainability among students, faculty, and staff. The university encourages students to engage with sustainability through extracurricular programs, sustainability-focused academic courses, and volunteer opportunities. This comprehensive approach to environmental responsibility is part of the institution's broader commitment to addressing climate change.

Southern Oregon University (SOU) is another standout institution on the Sierra Club’s rankings, having made a significant leap in the 2011 rankings. SOU moved up 61 places, from 99th in 2010 to 38th in 2011, making it the top-ranked Oregon public university on the list. Southern Oregon University’s rise in the rankings is due to a variety of factors, including its commitment to sustainable campus operations, renewable energy initiatives, and environmentally responsible construction practices. SOU is known for its engagement with the local community, including collaborations with local businesses and government agencies to promote sustainability in Southern Oregon. The university has also made substantial investments in green buildings and infrastructure, including energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, low-impact transportation options, and water conservation measures. SOU’s dedication to sustainability is reflected in its academic offerings as well, with students having access to courses and programs that focus on environmental studies, sustainable agriculture, and green business practices. As a result, SOU has emerged as a leader in environmental education and sustainability in the Pacific Northwest.

The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) has long been recognized as a leader in environmental sustainability, and it has consistently earned a top spot on Sierra Magazine's “Cool Schools” rankings. UCSC was placed 7th in the rankings for the third year in a row, which is a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. UCSC’s success is largely due to its aggressive waste-diversion initiatives, which have resulted in an impressive 86% waste-diversion rate on campus. The university has adopted an array of green initiatives, including sustainable food sourcing, renewable energy investments, and efforts to reduce water and energy consumption. UCSC also incorporates sustainability into its academic offerings, providing students with numerous opportunities to study environmental science, climate change, and sustainable development. In addition to its environmental practices on campus, UCSC has played an important role in research and policy development related to environmental issues, contributing to global conversations on sustainability and climate action.

These institutions, among others on Sierra Magazine’s list of the “Coolest Schools,” represent a growing trend among universities to prioritize sustainability, climate action, and environmental education. Their efforts reflect a larger movement within higher education to address the urgent environmental challenges of our time. From reducing campus carbon footprints to integrating sustainability into the curriculum, these schools are helping to shape the next generation of environmental leaders and activists. The growing emphasis on sustainability is not just a passing trend but a recognition of the critical role that universities play in addressing climate change, promoting social responsibility, and fostering a greener future.

The sustainability efforts of schools like the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Appalachian State University, University of the Pacific, Southern Oregon University, and University of California, Santa Cruz are setting the standard for what it means to be a “cool school” in the modern era. These schools are not just responding to the climate crisis—they are actively shaping the future by equipping their students with the knowledge and skills needed to solve the environmental challenges of tomorrow. Through their green initiatives, sustainability programs, and academic offerings, these universities are demonstrating that environmental stewardship is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic priority for the future of higher education and society as a whole.