ForRentUniversity.com has researched and selected five of the top greenest campuses in the US. Check out how these innovative colleges and universities are getting serious about green initiatives and protecting the environment:
1. University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
According to the 2012 GreenMetric World University Ranking (a grading system to place a numerical value on a university’s green efforts and sustainability), University of Washington (UW) placed #23 worldwide. This hydro-powered campus also received an A- on their Green Report Card (a college sustainability report card). Search for student housing near the University of Washington.
Green Initiatives:
- UW spends 40% of their food budget on local items. 100% of the milk is hormone free and all food waste is composted.
- The university uses ultra-low-flow models for the majority of urinals and has reduced the per capita laundry water that is wasted by 25%.
- The university recycles non-traditional items such as electronics, wood, carpet, and construction debris.
2. College of the Atlantic (Bar Harbor, ME)
All students that attend the College of the Atlantic (COA) share human ecology as a major and are expected to address social and environmental issues in their senior project. This green campus is dedicated to historic preservation, land conservation, green building, and eliminating toxins.
Green Initiatives:
- To gain a carbon neutral status, there must be a balance of removing as much carbon dioxide as is used. COA went carbon neutral in 2007.
- Local and organic food is served for every meal.
3. Stanford University (Stanford, CA)
Stanford University received an A- on the 2011 Green Report Card and held Greenopia’s 2005-2013 number 11 spot. The university also searches for solutions for the Global Climate & Energy Project, focused on developing strategies and technologies to lower gas emissions. Find off-campus housing close to Stanford University.
Green Initiatives:
- University students participate in competitions two times a year to reduce waste, water and energy usage.
- Monetary incentives are given to carpoolers. Ride-matching, car and bike-sharing programs, preferential parking, and free public transit are offered as well.
- The U-PASS program allows students to receive unlimited access to public transportation. Stanford’s student government also provides a nonprofit bike repair shop.
4. University of California – Davis (Davis, CA)
The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) has won numerous recognitions and awards for their environmental efforts. UC Davis ranked #11 on the 2011 GreenMetric Ranking and received an A- for their Green Report Card. Their rank on Greenopia is top six for 2005-2013. The environmental programs at UC Davis are recognized for their innovation. Browse student apartments near the University of California, Davis.
Green Initiatives:
- Over 50% of the food budget is spent on local and organic ingredients and the waste is composted after each meal.
- Since 2000, UC Davis has incorporated low-flow faucets and stormwater management strategies.
5. Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
Harvard University began their 2000 Green Campus Initiative to develop and become a model for campus sustainability. According to the 2011 Green Card Report, Harvard University received an A- grade and is number four on Greenopia’s ranking. Look for apartments near Harvard University.
Green Initiatives:
- Students are actively involved in political advocacy and host events to educate others on how to increase energy efficiency and recycling.
- Harvard offers a surplus center to reuse furniture.
- Rainwater is used to wash the campus shuttles and recycled cooking oil to fuel them.
Do you want to go green in your apartment? Use tips from the Going Green section of ForRent.com’s Apartment Living blog for great ideas!
Sources: GreenReportCard.org, Mother Nature Network, GreenMetric