Sierra Magazine has come out with its 2015 list of greenest colleges and universities in its “Coolest Schools” issue. Arizona State University came in at No. 13 out of 153 universities.
This is Sierra Magazine's ninth annual survey, in which universities are ranked based on their commitment to high environmental standards.
"We’re so inspired to see how colleges are taking the lead on addressing climate change,” said Avital Andrews, Sierra magazine’s lifestyle editor. “From building green to saving water to offering hundreds of eco-classes, these schools’ efforts are profound, and are changing not only the campus grounds, but also the minds of the students they’re educating."
ASU scored high in several categories, including: undergraduate programs, student outreach, building design, sustainable transportation and organic gardens.
Click through to learn more about each category.
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Undergraduate programs
ASU scored high in undergraduate programs in sustainability. The School of Sustainability offers a wide range of courses and degrees in sustainability including Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees; other ASU colleges and schools have sustainability-focused degree programs as well. -
Student outreach
ASU scored high in its Student Sustainability Outreach Campaign, especially the Ditch the Dumpster program. In that program, ASU students are encouraged to donate clothing and small personal items rather than throwing them away, especially at the end of the semester. -
Building design
Building design and construction was noted, including the amount of space certified under the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building rating system for new construction and major renovations. Since July 2006, ASU has completed 26 certified-LEED projects. The Health Service building in Tempe (above) is platinum certified. -
Sustainable transportation
ASU received high marks for its support for sustainable transportation including a car-sharing program, electric vehicle recharging stations, free bicycle valet service, a guaranteed-ride-home program, and the fact that ASU is a certified Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists. -
Organic gardens
ASU received points for having organic gardens, including the community garden at the Polytechnic campus, which has eight 20- by 25-foot plots where space is “rented out” to students, staff and faculty wishing to either demonstrate best practices or to hone their skills and successfully grow their own food or herbs.
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