Sustainability is a word that many people are becoming quite familiar with these days. In the light of climate change that continues to worsen, creating sustainable systems around the globe is a crucial part of ensuring that we do what we can, wherever we can, to help mitigate the damage suffered by a warming earth. Colleges and universities, with their vast campuses and the options for learning online, have a unique opportunity to help the environment in a big way.
However, it’s important to understand the differences in words like “green” and eco-friendly” and “sustainable.” When someone is “going green” they are doing something that benefits the environment, such as a business that buys carbon offsets or a person who plants a tree. Those who are “eco-friendly” are making a point to do no harm in their practices, such as recycling instead of throwing out those plastics and glass containers.
“Sustainable” has an entirely different meaning; it looks at natural resources with the goal of using them appropriately yet not depleting them. Colleges and universities can put this into action by ensuring that their use of natural resources doesn’t harm the environment, that their practices don’t lead to the use of more resources than necessary, and that they educate students, staff, faculty, and the local community on what they can do to help ensure sustainability on campus and beyond.
Some colleges make sustainability a solid goal; others, frankly, don’t seem too concerned. If sustainability, going green, and being eco-friendly matter to you, it’s a good idea to look for schools that reflect your concerns. This guide looks at what it means for a college to be sustainable, how to find one that aligns with your goals for your education, and what you can do, both in school and outside of it, to help ensure sustainability well beyond graduation.
What Does It Mean for a College to Be Sustainable?
Institutions of higher education know the environment is changing, and they are in a position to do something about it. If you’re looking for a sustainable college, there are certain criteria to consider, from their basic sustainability plan to their degree programs. You can also look to those outside the college, such as the government or certain professional associations, to determine whether the school meets the guidelines that determine what sustainability on campus looks like.
Keep in mind that not all schools will have everything on this list, but a school serious about sustainability will have most of them.
1
The school has a sustainability plan.
When it comes to doing things differently, you’ve got to start somewhere. Many colleges do that by creating a sustainability plan. This plan lays out the intentions of the college in advancing climate initiatives not only across the campus at large, but among individuals departments, buildings, and other areas of the campus as well. This might include working toward changes in transportation, food services, water usage, electricity options, and more. The Harvard University Sustainability Plan is a good example of the different ways schools can do this.
2
The school has been rated by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
The AASHE is dedicated to the implementation and improvement of sustainability among colleges and universities. To that end, the organization works with faculty, administrators, staff, and students at colleges across the country to help them plan and implement positive change on their campus and beyond. The STARS online reporting tool is a voluntary step taken by colleges that want to track, manage, and share information about their efforts to implement sustainability wherever possible.
3
The school is an EPA Energy Star campus.
The Environmental Protection Agency began its Energy Star program in 1992. The idea was to save energy through transparent reporting of energy usage by appliances, products, and devices commonly found in the home. Over the years Energy Star has broadened to include buildings and campuses. By becoming an Energy Star partner, colleges, can assess building efficiency, find ways to improve their energy performance, teach students about efficiency, and compete against other schools for the Energy Star Awards. To learn more, look at Energy Star resources for colleges and universities.
4
The school has dedicated an area of its website to sustainability measures.
You shouldn’t have to dig to find the information you need about sustainability in a particular college. Those schools that are serious about making their plans transparent for current and aspiring students will have the information right there on their website, often on a dedicated page that details everything you might need to know about the sustainability plan, as well as where to go to find further information. Look under the “About” section, or use the search function with the term “sustainability” to find what you need to know.
5
The school offers events and programs to get students involved.
No matter what plan a school has for sustainability, it can only go so far without engaging students in the cause. Special events that bring students together to talk about sustainability or help implement measures across campus to make it happen are a great way to get the campus community involved. A good example of this is Wellesley College, where the sustainability plan includes events through the Paulson Ecology of Place Initiative; past events have included lectures, poetry readings, art exhibits, Earth Week celebrations, symposiums, and multi-media performances to engage and enlighten.
6
The school has programs, courses, or degrees in sustainability.
Many schools are more than ready to help students carry good sustainability practices with them beyond graduation. Courses in environmental concerns are offered as electives; full programs and degrees are available in areas of study that pertain to the environment, sustainability, ecology, and more. Courses can cover things like resource management and renewable energy. Programs include everything from certificates to graduate studies. Look to colleges like the University of Wisconsin, University of San Francisco, and University of Alabama at Birmingham for a sampling of opportunities.
7
The school offers online courses and degree programs.
Online degrees are a great way to ensure sustainability on many levels. Fewer people in the classroom means less resources used for electricity, cuts down on the greenhouse gases created during commutes, and allows for electronic textbooks rather than paper ones – and that’s just the beginning. Fully online schools might have a handful of buildings on one small campus or here and there across the country, thus reducing the school’s footprint even more. Look for a school that offers online learning, at least as a hybrid option.
8
Campus initiatives further the cause.
Look for a campus that is actually putting their words into action. A few examples are mentioned by Environment America, such as Butte College. Butte College in California was the nation’s first college campus to become “grid positive” – in 2011, the college generated more energy than it used, thanks to the use of 25,000 solar panels. Arizona State University produced enough energy in 2016 to meet nearly half of its peak daytime energy demand. Schools that rely on solar or wind power can help ensure sustainability in years to come.
9
The school offers alternative transportation options.
Greenhouse gases are an enormous driver of climate change, and college campuses –with their thousands of students, their cars, and the vast parking structures needed to house those commuter vehicles – can contribute significantly to the problem. Alternative transportation, such as regular shuttles and buses from the greater community to the campus, carpooling and vanpooling, electric vehicles or those that run on alternative power, and encouraging bicycling are all ways a college can help improve their carbon footprint and help students decrease theirs, too.
10
The school is entirely transparent about sustainability.
When looking for a school that takes sustainability seriously, go to their website and look for reports or papers on just how the school is doing. They should have firm metrics for growth and change, goals to meet within certain time frames, and a clear vision of how that’s going to happen. Schools that are actively working toward creating a sustainable campus will offer regular reports and updates on their progress, giving you a very good idea of how strongly they are tackling the issues.
10 Colleges Winning the Sustainability Game
When looking for a sustainable college, the field might seem to be getting rather crowded. As more and more colleges embrace the sustainable path, how can you choose the one that is right for your personal environmental stance as well as your educational needs? We’ve taken a look at the top schools for sustainability and curated the following list, which gives you a few great places to start.
Arizona State University
At Arizona State University, the Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation is the clearinghouse for information, initiatives, events, and much more that push the college into the future of environmental concerns. The institute brings together over 550 sustainability experts to further student education and introduce lasting change. A lecture series, study abroad opportunities, graduate assistantships, in-depth research options, community collaborations, professional and executive training programs, and hundreds of courses in sustainability round out the experience for students. The College of Global Futures offers programs under three distinct schools: School for the Future of Innovation in Society, School of Sustainability, and School of Complex Adaptive Systems.
Colorado State University
Online learning is one of the hallmarks of the sustainability plan at Colorado State University; by cutting down on classroom space and commute times, it helps reduce greenhouse gases. The school offers events and discussions on sustainability for the students and local community, invests in research into sustainable systems and services, and offers certificate programs in agriculture, natural resources, and global stability. The Student Sustainability Center helps students incorporate good practices into their lives at school and beyond; other centers, such as the Global Biodiversity Center and the Salazar Center, look at sustainability through a broader lens as the school aims to help outside of the local community.
Dickinson College
In 2020, Dickinson College became the first college or university in Pennsylvania to achieve carbon neutrality. In addition to making changes on campus that helps reduce electricity and water usage, the school is getting students involved in a big way with the Dickinson Organic Farm, a bicycle initiative to cut down on greenhouses gases, and a Bee Cooperative that does its part to protect and nurture much-needed honeybees. Courses in sustainability are spread out across the liberal arts curriculum, but there are also full degrees offered in environmental studies, environmental sciences, sustainability, and more.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Tech has long been a leader in sustainability, and it proves by with the Kendeda Building – a regenerative structure that actually contributes more than it takes away from the environment. Campus initiatives cover everything from energy to transportation to purchasing. The school offers more than 100 courses with a focus on sustainability, and encourages students to get involved by offering credit for their work in developing renewable energy, policy, and sustainable systems for the community. Students can also choose to engage with one of seven research centers with an emphasis on alternative energy, including fuel cells and batteries, photovoltaics, and sustainable systems.
Lewis and Clark College
Sustainability in Portland and beyond is a goal of Lewis & Clark, where students will find LEED certified buildings, STARS Gold designation and an EPA Green Power Partner. The college offers numerous initiatives for students, including the Farm to Fork plan, e-waste handling, composting, alternative transportation options, energy initiatives to create renewable energy, and grants for student projects that focus on sustainability. In addition to a wealth of courses that focus on environmentalism and sustainability, students can opt for certificates or degrees in related fields, such as environmental studies, environmental and natural resources law program, ecopsychology, and more.
Stanford University
With a premium STARS rating and impressive lowering of greenhouse emissions, water usage, energy intensity and landfill waste, Stanford University is a leader for sustainability and change. The Sustainable Stanford Portal includes a wealth of links and information on ways students can change their footprint and help the school meet their goals. All buildings perform at LEED Gold Level, transportation is well-managed to encourage carpooling, and the My Cardinal Green portal provides students a way to track their individual progress and offering incentives for performance. The school offers over 750 courses that focus on sustainability to some degree, as well as programs that prepare graduates for work in the environmental sector, such as environmental engineering, energy resources, and earth system science.
Sterling College
Sterling College in Vermont has no sustainability director, because the school expects every person on campus and in the local community to make the right choices. This is reflected in the wide variety of programs and degrees available at the school with a heavy focus on sustainability and climate assistance, such as sustainable agriculture, sustainable food systems, ecology, outdoor education, and environmental humanities. With a STARS Gold rating, inclusion in the STARS Sustainable Campus Index and significant commitment to green buildings, bike programs, solar power, green spaces, and communal gardens, Sterling College is poised to become an example to other colleges that want to create their own sustainable programs.
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Irvine shows its commitment to sustainability through promoting valuable research into environmental causes, offering broad sustainability initiatives for those on campus, offering regular events for the students and community, and even offering year-long paid fellowships to undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in helping boost the campus sustainability opportunities. UCI currently has 19 LEED Platinum and 10 LEED Gold buildings, focuses on sustainable foods and zero waste, uses Energy Star to reduce water usage, and offers a sustainable transportation program that includes hydrogen fuel cell buses. The school offers dozens of degrees that allow for a strong focus on sustainability, with courses that focus on global sustainability, environmental science, earth system science, urban studies, and more.
University of Connecticut
Named as a Tree Campus USA and Bee Campus USA, University of Connecticut has proven itself a leader in sustainability. The school focuses on low impact development, organic pest and plant management, LEED-certified buildings, green cleaning, and good stewardship of the surrounding trails, trees, and forests. Student engagement is encouraged through events such as Green Game Day, internships, Eco Madness, and the Earth Day Spring Fling. When it comes to academics, students can get the education necessary to embark on careers for the environment, such as programs in agriculture and natural resources, environmental studies, sustainable plant and soil systems, marine sciences, and urban forestry and arboriculture.
University of South Florida
Walk onto the USF campus and you’ll immediately see evidence of sustainability – it starts with the USF Sun Dome, designed for men’s and women’s basketball, a LEED Silver building that reused 91% of construction waste for other projects. Many other buildings, including the Patel Center for Global Solutions, are LEED certified. A very active campus recycling program reduces waste, and energy conservation includes everything from solar efficient roofing and heat pipes to simply changing the lighting across campus. Sustainability Studies is an undergraduate option, along with many other majors and minors that focus on the cause; graduate students have options as well, such as the M.A. in Global Sustainability concentration in Sustainable Business.
How You Can Contribute to Sustainability
There are many ways to help the environment and create a more sustainable world — from doing little things at home to choosing a degree and career in sustainability to help the world at large. Whether it’s a lifestyle change over time or a full-blown career, here’s what you can do to make the earth a better place for future generations.
Learning More
Everything begins with education. The more you learn about sustainability, going green, being eco-friendly, and otherwise helping from your corner of the world, the more likely you are to make better choices. Those choices, in turn, can help you educate others and potentially change behavior on a small scale; over time, this can turn into a large-scale movement within your building, community, city, state, or even greater areas.
Learning more about sustainability can begin with simply reading more about it. Then you can choose what works best for you and your lifestyle, as well as your educational choices, and do your own things to help ensure maintain good practices for the environment. The following resources can help.
Resources
- Environmental Protection Agency – Learn about Sustainability
This page from the EPA provides information for those who are just starting out on the sustainability journey. - Purdue University Global – 45 Sustainability Resources
This list of comprehensive resources for students can be a great starting point to learning. Many colleges will have something similar to this in conjunction with their sustainability plan. - United Nations – Sustainable Development Goals
What does sustainability mean for the world at large? This comprehensive page from the UN looks at sustainability around the world.
Getting Involved
Once you’ve learned what it means to be sustainable in your day-to-day actions, you might want to get involved on a broader scale. This means looking for ways to help communities, organizations, businesses, and the like become kinder to the environment.
This can take the form of encouraging eco-friendly options, such as moving from plastic bags to paper or encouraging reusable bags in local stores. It might also mean getting involved with local government to encourage implementation of measures that help with environmental concerns for the long term, such as using solar panels to generate power for lights over a little league field.
Getting involved is a great way to help spread knowledge and improve the world around you, starting with the local community. Here are some resources to help in that regard.
Resources
- American University – Get Involved and Go Green
Most colleges will have a resource like this one, which gives ideas for getting involved on campus, in the local community, and in your own home. - SOLVE – Sustainability
This website focuses on Oregon, but many of the points apply to other states across the nation. Take a look at how to get involved and then look for similar opportunities in your area. - Sustainable Communities Online
This site offers information on sustainability in many areas and regions, as well as resources on how to find more information and get involved.
Spreading the Word
Nothing happens in a vacuum – it takes a robust group of individuals to enact true change, especially when it comes to matter of the earth and climate change. Spreading the word to others might take the form of anything from speaking to friends and family about sustainable practices to giving speeches in front of interested community members. Creating a blog to follow your sustainable journey, getting involved with the political side of the cause, creating artwork that depicts change, and even joining a coalition that creates ads and other materials to drive a more sustainable lifestyle are all ways to contribute. These resources might help you find a few others ways.
Resources
- Green Tea Podcast
Sponsored by Bowdoin College in Maine, this podcast features individuals who went through a journey to create more sustainability in their lives and tips on how you can do the same. - Indian Health Service – Sustainability
This comprehensive site provides information on getting involved, spreading the word, becoming educated, and taking what you know out into the broader community. - Institute for Sustainable Communities
How do you promote sustainability in communities? How do you educate others? What can you do to spread the word? You can find some answers here.
Your Career and Degree Choices
If you want to take sustainability even further, you could consider degree choices that lead to a career helping the environment. Some colleges offer programs in sustainability, while others have related programs that incorporate a great deal of sustainability while focusing on related topics, such as environmental sciences or sustainable agriculture. There might even be unusual degree paths, such as ecopsychology, that open doors to a career path that doesn’t seem like a “traditional” one for those in the sustainability or environmental fields.
Once your career begins, you can put sustainability to work in a variety of ways. From educating others to doing fieldwork to helping businesses and organizations figure out their sustainability options, you can be as involved as you like. Here are some resources to help you with choosing a career path, and some help while you’re on it.
Resources
- The Ecological Society of America
Ecologists work with an eye toward sustainability, and this organizations helps foster that attitude. Look here for information on jobs in ecology and related fields. - Soil and Water Conservation Society
With members from all sorts of career fields related to soil and water, this site provides support for those conducting research and implementing change across their workplaces, communities, and regions. - The Sustainability Toolbox
Offered by Arizona State University, this focuses on how businesses can incorporate sustainability in every aspect of their work – that’s great to know as you move you’re your new career.
Your Life Choices
Even if you don’t choose a career in sustainability or environmental concerns, you can still make an impact with your personal choices. Much of what you do at home will be eco-friendly options – every little bit of going green matters! But you can also look at your habits and the overarching principles of sustainability to change little things that eventually add up to big impacts. For instance, opting for recycled materials when you can or choosing to upcycle something instead of throwing it out can contribute to sustainability.
The following resources can help you make good decisions with a sustainable lifestyle in mind.
Resources
- Green
Global TravelSustainable travel can help protect the world’s resources. This site provides information and assistance to those who want to use ecotourism for their next getaway. - UN Environment Programme
This site provides information on sustainability around the world, and has a specific list of the things you can do at home to help maintain sustainable practices in your area. - Zero Waste Home
One of the easiest changes you can make is to reduce your use of plastics, packaging materials and the like. This site can help you with tips and tricks galore.