Nine Green Campuses

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.