University of Washington Tops List of Greenest Universities

GREENandSAVE Community
Posted on Wednesday 26th August 2009

Greenopia recently rated the environmental impact of 100 of the largest universities in the United States. In order to compile their list, Greenopia took the following into consideration: green building design, renewable energy, green food options, waste programs, alternative fuel vehicles, water conservation and environmental reporting.

Below is a sample of the highlights from the list.

University of Washington

The University of Washington features four LEED buildings, with over a dozen more planned as the university has mandated that all new construction meet LEED standards. The school diverts about 40% of its waste and has a comprehensive composting program. In addition, nearly 25 percent of the food on campus is organic, local, or fair trade. Lastly, they boast an aggressive water conservation policy for both its facilities and landscaping.

University of California, Santa Barbara

The University of California – Santa Barbara has six LEED buildings with another 20 or so on the way. The university has an excellent recycling rate of 62% and is aiming to be zero waste by 2020.

University of Oregon

The University of Oregon only has one LEED building however there are several going through the process and all new construction must be LEED Silver or better. The school has a very good recycling program, diverting about 47% of its waste while composting all of its yard waste.

Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University has six LEED buildings on campus, with five more in the process of obtaining LEED certification. While the school does not have an impressive recycling rate, it is addressing this by piloting a composting program. The university receives 21 percent of its power from renewable sources and its buses run on biodiesel.

Colorado State University

Colorado State University has two LEED buildings with several more in the process of obtaining LEED certification. The university has some of the highest standards when it comes to new construction as all new buildings must receive LEED Gold. Colorado State is striving to be carbon neutral by 2020.

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