Top 10 greenest universities

It’s fairly easy to learn about sustainability in higher education classrooms across the U.S. Most colleges have at least one program in sustainability, with many offering a variety of choices.

But which universities are actually practicing what they teach? Greenopia rated the environmental impact of 100 of the largest universities in the U.S. It took into account green building design, renewable energy, green food options, waste programs, alternative fuel vehicles, water conservation, and environmental reporting.

Here are Greenopia’s top 10 picks of universities that are doing the most to lessen their impact on the planet:

Is at the top of the class because of its strong recycling and composting programs, aggressive water conservation efforts, 300 alternative fuel vehicles, and commitment to green buildings.

Bren Hall. (Photo: University of California, Santa Barbara)

2. University of California, Santa Barbara

Earns top marks for its 62% recycling rate, its goal to be zero waste by 2020, and its use of greywater for landscaping. The campus has six Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings, including Bren Hall, which was the first building to earn a “double platinum” rating.

Urban Farm. (Photo: University of Oregon)

3. University of Oregon

Earns high marks for its use of renewable energy on campus, purchase of renewable energy credits, and its excellent water conservation and composting efforts. Students learn about organic gardening, composting, and more at the school’s Urban Farm.

Waste audit. (Photo: University of California, Davis)

4. University of California, Davis

The university has a good recycling rate and comprehensive composting program. Students conduct waste audits to help put more into recycling and send less to the landfill. It uses some solar energy to heat water and power buildings.

Solar panel installation on engineering building.
(Photo: Colorado State University)

5. Colorado State University

Is one of the most stringent schools in the country when it comes to green building design. All new buildings must receive LEED Gold certification. The university purchases renewable energy and uses a significant amount of solar power on campus.

Jerry Yang and Akiko Yamazaki Environment and Energy Building
(Photo: Tim Griffith / Stanford News Service)

6. Stanford University

Earns top marks for offering food from local and organic sources. An extremely high amount of waste is diverted from landfill thanks to strong recycling and composting programs. Stanford uses solar energy, has a fleet of hundreds of electric vehicles, and is testing a solar car.

Students participate in "green roof" study.
(Photo: Justine Ide / Harvard News Office)

7. Harvard University

Is aggressively trying to reduce its carbon footprint by 30 percent by 2016 and is credited for having good green building design. It also gets good grades for its composting program and selection of organic and local foods.

Light switch cover.
(Photo: Greg Grieco / Penn State Department of Information)

8. Pennsylvania State University

The campus is partially powered by wind and biomass. Penn State encourages students to participate in conservation efforts through its Take Charge program. Light switch covers remind students to turn off the lights. The university has top notch composting and recycling programs.

Gilman Parking Structure solar tree display.
(Photo: University of California, San Diego)

9. University of California, San Diego

Is recognized for its incredible recycling rate, comprehensive water conservation program, and fleet of vehicles that runs on alternative fuels. About 15% of UCSD’s energy comes from renewable sources.

Street Smart Home (Photo: Duke University)

10. Duke University

Green building design is a top priority. Duke’s Smart Home is the first LEED certified dormitory in the U.S. The school purchases renewable energy credits to offset a large amount of its energy use. Duke gets about a third of its food from local or organic sources.

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