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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This is great info for families with kids going to college. I think it’s important that kids to practice more sustainable ways and it’s good to know that there are universities that are helping kids learn this.
Great post. I would also add the University of British Columbia in Canada (where I did my undergrad, coincidentally 😉 ). It has a sustainability centre and has one awards in North America for their sustainable buildings and programs. Thanks for sharing this on Waste Not Want Not Wednesday!