Higher education institutions are often on the cutting edge of new technology, and when it comes to sustainability, universities across the country are implementing new programs that take green living to the next level.

The students who attend these ground-breaking colleges often take what they learn while at school and apply it to their lives after graduation, spreading awareness of the ever-growing need to practice sustainability at all levels of society.

“Universities across the country

are implementing new programs

that take green living

to the next level.”

Colby College

Colby’s continued commitment to environmental sustainability is evidenced in almost every department and program across campus.

This college, located in Maine, became the fourth college in the country to reach carbon neutrality. Alumni are encouraged to participate in making the school better for students of the future, andthere is a continued push for implementing sustainability as part of the school’s overall culture.

Pennsylvania State University

Sustainability is a big priority at Penn State, and students, faculty, and staff across the Commonwealth are showing their commitment to fostering a sustainable state. Photo:

The students, faculty members, staff and administration at Penn State are working towards a vision of comprehensive sustainability practices that pursue human health while also promoting environmental quality.

The school’s focus on the future places them among the leading schools in the nation for outreach among their community.

New York University

NYU students’ commitment to the school’s sustainability program is demonstrated in their NYUnplugged competition, where students reduce electronic use and the bike share program.
Photo credit: I, Padraic Ryan GFDL

Amid the din of rushing taxis and cars, over 2,500 members of NYU’s bike share program reduce carbon emissions by hitting the streets instead of using gas-guzzling transportation.

The students’ commitment to the school’s sustainability program is demonstrated in their NYUnplugged competition, where students reduce electronic use.

University of Denver

The University of Denver is a member of the Sustainability Tracking Assessment System and
boasts three LEED gold certified buildings.
Photo: “University of Denver campus pics 057” by CW221

On the campus of the University of Denver are three LEED gold certified buildings that serve as examples of how energy efficient construction can make a difference on how much universities  have to spend on energy use.

The school is also a member of the Sustainability Tracking Assessment System.

Portland State University

Portland State created the school’s Sustainability Playbook and developed goals and initiatives
toward growth in sustainable learning.
Photo: Millar Library By Visitor7

Portland State worked to create the school’s Sustainability Playbook in 2013, developing goals and initiatives that move the school towards an ever-improving hub of sustainable learning and growth in the Pacific Northwest.

Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University’s Sustainable Living Guide teaches students all of the little things
that can be done to reduce an individual’s environmental impact.
Photo: Sanford Mall By Clayhefner

Students at Appalachian State University can download a Sustainable Living Guide off of the school’s website.

This guide teaching students all of the little things that can be done to reduce an individual’s environmental impact.

Emory University

Emory makes sustainability a top campus priority, with a vision to help restore the global ecosystem, foster healthy living and reduce the university’s environmental impact. Photo:

The shuttles that transport Emory students around campus are alternately fueled, reducing their carbon emissions significantly.

Half of the shuttles run off a biofuel blend created from the cooking oil used by the school’s hospitals and cafeterias.

Arizona State University

Solar panel array on the roof deck of ASU’s parking structure on Apache Blvd.
Photo: “ASU-SolarArray” by Aznaturalist

ASU’s sustainability strategy includes education, outreach, research, solutions and operations that bridge all disciples and studies at the school in an attempt to train the future leaders in environmentally-friendly living.

University of Utah

University of Utah students are growing edible gardens and setting up “green teams”.  Photo:

On the campus of the University of Utah, students are growing edible gardens and setting up “green teams” as they push towards a greater level of sustainability.

Working with the surrounding community as well as state-run programs, the school seeks to reach out to educate students as well as residents.

Northwestern University

Northwestern University’s SustainNU program helps students reduce their carbon footprint.
Photo: “Ford Design Building Northwestern” by Madcoverboy

The SustainNU program at Northwestern University emphasizes student responsibility in reducing their carbon imprint by providing plenty of resources throughout the campus.

“Sustainability

is the future

of all 

American institutions.”

Sustainability is the future of all American institutions, and these leading campuses are showing just what needs to be done to ensure a healthy and vibrant future for many years to come.

Are you familiar with other colleges that are focusing on sustainability?

Share your suggestions, thoughts and comments with us.

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