Green Mountain College Ranking - 3rd greenest school

Green Mountain College (GMC), located in Poultney, Vermont, is widely recognized for its exceptional commitment to sustainability, which has earned it a prestigious place among the top colleges in the United States in recent years. The college's dedication to environmental stewardship is reflected in various accolades from respected institutions, including The Princeton Review, Sierra magazine, and U.S. News & World Report. These honors underscore Green Mountain College's reputation not only as a regional institution but also as a national leader in sustainability and environmental consciousness.

In 2016, The Princeton Review ranked Green Mountain College as the third-greenest school in the nation. This recognition, which is featured in the 2017 edition of The Best 381 Colleges, places GMC among a select group of schools that have earned a reputation for being environmentally responsible. Only about 15% of America’s four-year colleges are included in this publication, and the fact that GMC occupies such a high position on this list is a testament to the institution’s long-standing commitment to sustainability. The ranking is based on an extensive survey that evaluates colleges and universities on their eco-friendly practices, including their efforts to reduce carbon footprints, promote green building design, and integrate environmental studies into their academic curriculum.

Sustainability at GMC goes beyond just green campus initiatives. The college has integrated sustainability deeply into its mission and academic programs, which is a key factor in the Princeton Review's ranking. Students at GMC have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning in sustainable agriculture, environmental policy, and renewable energy, all while being part of a community that prioritizes environmental stewardship. GMC also operates its own farm, which provides fresh, organic food for the campus dining hall, and participates in a range of environmental projects that benefit both the local community and the planet at large. This emphasis on sustainability and community engagement has helped Green Mountain College build a reputation as a leading institution for environmentally conscious students.

Moreover, Sierra magazine, the national magazine of the Sierra Club, has also recognized GMC's outstanding contributions to sustainability. In 2016, GMC was ranked among the top “Cool Schools,” placing 10th out of 201 schools surveyed. This ranking is particularly significant because it reflects the college’s holistic approach to environmental responsibility, incorporating not just academic programs but also the practical, everyday operations of the institution. Sierra magazine’s annual “Cool Schools” list is one of the most respected rankings in the environmental education sector, and GMC's consistent inclusion in the top ranks — particularly its placement in the top 15 for seven consecutive years — speaks to the college's unwavering dedication to sustainability.

Being named one of the "Cool Schools" is no small feat. The survey conducted by Sierra magazine includes a detailed analysis of each school's practices in areas such as energy consumption, waste management, water conservation, and the integration of sustainability into the academic curriculum. Green Mountain College has excelled in these categories, not only through its green buildings and renewable energy initiatives but also by fostering a culture of sustainability that permeates every aspect of campus life. This comprehensive approach is evident in GMC's zero-waste initiatives, its use of locally sourced foods, and its commitment to reducing its environmental impact through energy-efficient technologies and practices.

The fact that GMC has been ranked in the top 15 every year for the past seven years is a testament to the consistency and depth of its environmental initiatives. The college's leadership in sustainability is a direct result of its efforts to continuously improve and expand its sustainability programs, ensuring that it remains a model for other institutions to follow. This commitment to long-term sustainability is also evident in the college’s research, which focuses on finding innovative solutions to the world's environmental challenges. For students, being a part of this forward-thinking institution offers an invaluable opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge needed to address the pressing environmental issues facing society today.

In addition to its impressive rankings from The Princeton Review and Sierra magazine, Green Mountain College has also earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report, which ranks it as a Regional University in the North, Tier 2, in its 2017 edition of Best Colleges. While this ranking is more traditional and based on a range of academic and student-focused criteria, it still underscores the high quality of education provided by GMC. The inclusion in the Tier 2 list reflects the college’s strong academic offerings, including its environmental studies program, which has become a central focus of the curriculum. GMC is particularly known for its commitment to interdisciplinary education, allowing students to explore the intersections of sustainability with other fields such as business, social sciences, and the arts.

The recognition from U.S. News & World Report, though not specifically focused on sustainability, complements the college’s other accolades by emphasizing its broader academic reputation. For prospective students, this ranking assures them that they will receive a well-rounded education, one that equips them with the intellectual and practical skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. As the global demand for sustainability experts grows, GMC graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the future, thanks to the college’s robust academic programs and emphasis on real-world experience.

One of the key elements that make GMC stand out in the crowded field of higher education is its strong sense of community. At Green Mountain College, sustainability is not just a set of practices but a core value that shapes the entire student experience. The college fosters an environment where students, faculty, and staff work together to create positive change, both on campus and in the broader world. This sense of community is particularly important in the context of sustainability, as it encourages collaboration and shared responsibility for the future of the planet.

The college's location in the rural, picturesque town of Poultney, Vermont, further enhances the sense of community and connection to the natural world. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and lakes, the campus offers students a unique opportunity to engage with nature on a daily basis. Whether it's through hiking, kayaking, or simply enjoying the outdoors, students at GMC are constantly reminded of the importance of environmental conservation and the role they can play in protecting the planet.

Beyond the environmental initiatives that make Green Mountain College a leader in sustainability, the college also prioritizes social sustainability. This includes ensuring that all students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed academically, emotionally, and socially. GMC’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility is an integral part of its broader sustainability mission, which seeks to create a more just and equitable society while also protecting the environment.

In conclusion, Green Mountain College has established itself as a trailblazer in the field of sustainability, earning recognition from The Princeton Review, Sierra magazine, and U.S. News & World Report for its exceptional commitment to environmental stewardship. These accolades reflect the college’s unwavering dedication to integrating sustainability into every aspect of campus life, from academic programs to everyday operations. GMC’s strong sense of community, its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, and its commitment to both environmental and social sustainability make it an ideal choice for students who are passionate about making a positive impact on the world. As global challenges related to the environment and social justice continue to grow, GMC’s leadership in sustainability will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape the next generation of environmentally conscious leaders.