Sierra Club's Cool Schools - University of Washington No. 1

In recent years, the growing focus on environmental sustainability in higher education has led to a variety of universities and colleges being recognized for their efforts to reduce their ecological footprints and implement green initiatives. Sierra magazine, in its fifth annual ranking of the "Coolest Schools" in the nation, has placed particular emphasis on universities and colleges that are leading the way in sustainability practices. These rankings take into account numerous factors, including energy efficiency, waste management, transportation systems, food sourcing, purchasing practices, and academic offerings related to sustainability.

Among the top institutions in the 2011 Sierra magazine rankings, the University of Washington (Seattle), Green Mountain College, and the University of California, San Diego stand out as leaders in the field of environmental stewardship.

University of Washington: A Leader in Sustainability

Ranked first in Sierra magazine's 2011 "Coolest Schools" list, the University of Washington (UW) has consistently been at the forefront of sustainability initiatives in higher education. This recognition highlights the university's commitment to reducing its environmental impact across all areas of campus life. The ranking considers not only the university's environmental practices but also the sustainability-oriented education it offers to students, making it a leader in both practice and pedagogy.

One of the primary factors that helped UW secure the top spot was its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy efficiency. The university has implemented an aggressive plan to decrease its greenhouse gas emissions, and it has made significant strides toward achieving its sustainability goals. UW has also been a pioneer in sustainable construction and building design, incorporating energy-efficient materials and systems into its new buildings and renovations. Additionally, the campus is home to numerous green spaces and gardens, which contribute to both the aesthetic and environmental quality of the campus.

Transportation is another area where the University of Washington excels. The school encourages the use of public transit and other sustainable forms of transportation through initiatives such as discounted transit passes for students and staff, as well as bike-sharing programs. UW’s commitment to reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicles has contributed to its high ranking in the sustainability category.

Perhaps just as important as the university's operational sustainability efforts is its role in education. UW offers a range of sustainability-focused programs and courses across disciplines, allowing students to engage with sustainability from various academic perspectives. This includes programs in environmental studies, sustainable engineering, and green business practices. The university's emphasis on interdisciplinary sustainability education ensures that its graduates are equipped to lead in the increasingly important field of environmental stewardship.

University of California, San Diego: A Rising Star in Sustainability

The University of California, San Diego (UCSD), ranked third in Sierra magazine's "Coolest Schools" list for 2011, also stands out for its commitment to sustainability. UCSD saw a dramatic improvement in its ranking, moving from 15th the previous year to 3rd in 2011, underscoring the significant strides the university made in its environmental efforts. The university's dedication to environmental practices, green initiatives, and sustainability-focused education played a major role in its rise to the top of the rankings.

UCSD’s focus on sustainability is reflected in a number of key initiatives. The campus has made significant investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency, including a large-scale solar energy project that generates a substantial portion of the university’s electricity. Additionally, UCSD has worked to reduce waste and increase recycling rates across campus, implementing comprehensive waste diversion programs that aim to minimize the university’s environmental footprint.

The university's transportation system is another area where it excels. UCSD has made it a priority to reduce car dependence and encourage sustainable alternatives. The campus boasts an extensive public transit system, which is utilized by a large percentage of students, faculty, and staff. The university also encourages biking and walking as modes of transportation, with bike lanes, bike racks, and pedestrian-friendly paths throughout the campus.

In addition to these initiatives, UCSD is known for its sustainability-oriented education. The university offers a variety of programs and courses that emphasize environmental issues and sustainability, including degrees in environmental sciences, marine biology, and sustainable business. By integrating sustainability into the curriculum, UCSD ensures that its students are well-prepared to address the environmental challenges of the future.

Western Washington University: A Model of Student-Led Sustainability

Western Washington University (WWU), ranked 14th in the 2011 "Coolest Schools" list, is another institution that has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability. WWU's impressive rise from 48th to 14th in the rankings is a testament to the university’s dedication to environmental issues and its ability to engage the student body in sustainability efforts.

One of the most notable aspects of Western Washington University’s sustainability efforts is its student-led green-energy fee. WWU became the first university in the nation to allow its students to impose a green-energy fee to fund the transition to 100% renewable energy on campus. This initiative has not only contributed to the university’s sustainable energy practices but has also empowered students to take an active role in shaping the campus’s environmental policies. WWU purchases more renewable energy credits than any other university in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho, further reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

WWU's efforts extend beyond energy. The university has implemented a wide range of waste management and recycling programs, as well as sustainable food sourcing practices. The campus dining services prioritize local and organic food, ensuring that students have access to healthy and environmentally responsible meal options. The university also promotes water conservation and the reduction of plastic waste, making significant strides toward becoming a zero-waste campus.

In addition to its operational sustainability efforts, Western Washington University offers a variety of sustainability-focused academic programs. Students can study environmental science, sustainable business, and other related fields, preparing them to be leaders in sustainability across industries.

Other Notable Schools in Sierra’s Top 10

While the University of Washington, Green Mountain College, and UCSD claimed the top three spots in Sierra magazine's 2011 rankings, several other schools also earned recognition for their sustainability efforts. Warren Wilson College, Stanford University, and the University of California, Irvine, rounded out the top five, with each school making substantial contributions to environmental sustainability in their own unique ways.

Warren Wilson College in North Carolina, for example, is known for its strong commitment to environmental stewardship, which includes sustainable agriculture, energy conservation, and a student-run farm that provides food for the campus community. Stanford University, with its significant investments in renewable energy and energy-efficient buildings, has made sustainability a central part of its campus culture. UC Irvine, another standout UC campus, has been recognized for its innovative green building designs and extensive campus-wide recycling programs.

Other schools in the top 10, such as UC Santa Cruz, UC Davis, Evergreen State College, and Middlebury College, have also implemented impressive sustainability practices. These schools focus on reducing energy consumption, promoting local and organic food sourcing, increasing waste diversion, and integrating sustainability into their academic programs.

Conclusion

The rankings provided by Sierra magazine in 2011 highlight the growing importance of sustainability in higher education. The schools that earned recognition in the “Coolest Schools” list demonstrate how colleges and universities across the nation are taking concrete steps to address environmental challenges and create a more sustainable future. Whether through renewable energy projects, waste reduction initiatives, green transportation systems, or sustainability-oriented academic programs, these institutions are paving the way for future generations of students to lead in the field of environmental stewardship.

As the effects of climate change and environmental degradation become increasingly apparent, the role of universities in promoting sustainability and preparing students to tackle these global challenges will only grow. Institutions like the University of Washington, UC San Diego, and Western Washington University, along with many others, are setting an example for how colleges can integrate sustainability into their missions, not only through operations but also through education. By prioritizing sustainability in all aspects of campus life, these schools are helping to create a more sustainable future for all.