Top 10 Green Schools & Colleges

In 2009, Sierra magazine released its third annual "Cool Schools" ranking, an initiative that identified the top 10 greenest colleges and universities in the United States. This ranking aimed to shed light on the growing trend of environmental responsibility among academic institutions, which were increasingly incorporating sustainability into their curricula, campus operations, and community involvement. The rankings were compiled based on an exhaustive survey sent to sustainability experts at hundreds of schools, who evaluated the universities across a variety of categories. These included energy efficiency, waste management, academic programs, food sourcing, purchasing decisions, transportation, and the overall administration of sustainability initiatives. The results demonstrated the commitment of leading academic institutions to environmental stewardship and highlighted the ways in which higher education could play a central role in addressing the challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation.

The ranking process revealed a clear leader in sustainability: the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU Boulder), which earned the 1st position on Sierra’s list. This ranking solidified the university’s reputation as one of the foremost institutions in the United States when it comes to implementing green initiatives. CU Boulder has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint through extensive energy-saving initiatives, including the installation of solar panels on campus buildings and the commitment to using renewable energy sources for much of its campus operations. Furthermore, the university has integrated sustainability into its academic programs, offering courses and degrees in environmental science, sustainable business practices, and renewable energy technology. The university’s leadership in sustainability is also reflected in its significant investments in green infrastructure, such as green buildings and LEED-certified campus facilities.

Right behind CU Boulder in the rankings was the University of Washington at Seattle, which secured the 2nd position. The University of Washington (UW) has long been recognized for its pioneering efforts in environmental research and its commitment to sustainability on campus. With a strong emphasis on sustainability in academics and operations, UW has made substantial investments in reducing waste, conserving water, and promoting sustainable transportation options. The university has also established several sustainability-focused initiatives, such as its highly regarded UW Sustainability program, which works to create sustainable systems throughout the university and the broader Seattle area. The school’s commitment to environmental stewardship is further highlighted by its involvement in various research projects that focus on finding solutions to climate change, urban sustainability, and renewable energy.

Middlebury College, ranking 3rd on Sierra’s list, is another notable institution that has become a leader in sustainability. Middlebury College, located in Vermont, has been a trailblazer in environmental education and sustainability initiatives for several years. In fact, it was one of the first schools in the United States to make a commitment to carbon neutrality, a goal it achieved in 2016. The college’s dedication to environmental sustainability is reflected in its commitment to green buildings, sustainable food sourcing, and waste reduction programs. Middlebury College also emphasizes environmental responsibility in its academic offerings, providing students with opportunities to engage in hands-on learning about sustainability through internships, research projects, and community-based initiatives.

The University of Vermont (UVM) ranked 4th in Sierra’s list, cementing its status as one of the most environmentally conscious universities in the country. UVM has been widely recognized for its innovative approach to sustainability, which encompasses a wide range of academic, operational, and community-focused initiatives. The university offers a number of sustainability-oriented academic programs, including degrees in environmental science, sustainable agriculture, and green building design. UVM also leads by example when it comes to campus operations, with a strong focus on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and the use of renewable energy sources. The campus features several LEED-certified buildings, and the university has made significant efforts to reduce its environmental impact by implementing composting programs, promoting electric vehicle use, and investing in energy-efficient infrastructure.

The College of the Atlantic, ranked 5th, is a small but highly influential institution located in Bar Harbor, Maine. The college is unique in that its entire academic curriculum is built around the theme of human ecology, which is the study of the relationship between humans and their environment. As a result, the College of the Atlantic is deeply committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The college has implemented a wide range of initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact, including a strong focus on renewable energy, sustainable food sourcing, and green building practices. The college also offers an interdisciplinary degree in Human Ecology, which allows students to explore environmental and sustainability issues from a variety of academic perspectives.

Coming in at 6th on the list is The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. Evergreen State College has established itself as a leader in sustainability, particularly in the areas of environmental justice, sustainable agriculture, and green building design. The college is committed to providing its students with the tools and knowledge necessary to tackle the pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. Evergreen is widely known for its hands-on learning opportunities, including internships and community-based projects focused on sustainability. The college also operates a farm-to-table food program, sources much of its food locally, and has made substantial investments in renewable energy systems and green building projects.

The University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC) was ranked 7th in Sierra’s 2009 "Cool Schools" list, making it one of the highest-rated universities in the University of California system when it comes to sustainability. UCSC has long been committed to environmental responsibility, both in its campus operations and academic offerings. The university boasts a number of sustainability initiatives, including extensive recycling programs, a commitment to sustainable food sourcing, and investments in renewable energy sources. UCSC is also home to a wide range of sustainability-focused academic programs, including degrees in environmental studies, environmental economics, and sustainable agriculture. The university has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint and has actively engaged students in sustainability efforts through various campus organizations and initiatives.

The University of California at Berkeley, ranked 8th, is another powerhouse in sustainability. Berkeley is known for its deep-rooted commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability. The campus has implemented numerous programs aimed at reducing its environmental impact, including energy-saving initiatives, water conservation measures, and the promotion of sustainable transportation options. UC Berkeley also offers a broad range of sustainability-focused academic programs, from environmental policy to sustainable engineering, and is involved in cutting-edge research on climate change, renewable energy, and environmental justice.

UCLA secured the 9th position in the rankings, underscoring the university's strong commitment to environmental stewardship. UCLA has long been recognized for its sustainability efforts, including its work on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and green building design. The university operates an extensive sustainability program that includes initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, improve water conservation, and encourage the use of alternative transportation methods. UCLA also offers a variety of sustainability-focused academic programs, and students have numerous opportunities to get involved in hands-on sustainability projects through clubs, internships, and research programs.

Finally, Oberlin College rounded out Sierra's Top 10 green schools in 10th place. Located in Ohio, Oberlin College has earned a reputation for being one of the most environmentally conscious liberal arts colleges in the United States. The college’s sustainability initiatives include the use of renewable energy, green building practices, and local food sourcing. Oberlin College is also home to an environmental studies program that encourages students to explore the intersection of environmental issues with other academic fields, providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to become leaders in the field of sustainability.

These rankings reflect the growing recognition of the role that colleges and universities play in addressing global environmental challenges. By embracing sustainability across all aspects of their operations, curricula, and campus life, these schools are setting a powerful example for the rest of the world. Whether through groundbreaking academic programs, cutting-edge sustainability initiatives, or partnerships with local communities, these institutions are actively working to create a more sustainable future for generations to come. The University of California at Santa Cruz and its peers on the list demonstrate how higher education institutions can lead the charge toward sustainability and environmental responsibility, fostering a more sustainable world through education, research, and direct action.

Sierra's Top 10 Green Schools for 2009:
1. University of Colorado at Boulder
2. University of Washington at Seattle
3. Middlebury College
4. University of Vermont
5. College of the Atlantic
6. The Evergreen State College
7. University of California at Santa Cruz
8. University of California at Berkeley
9. University of California at Los Angeles
10. Oberlin College

Sierra's Top 10 'Greenest' Schools of 2008 are:
1. Middlebury College
2. University of Colorado at Boulder
3. University of Vermont at Burlington
4. Warren Wilson College
5. Evergreen State College
6. Arizona State University at Tempe
7. University of Florida at Gainesville
8. Oberlin College
9. University of Washington at Seattle
10. Tufts University