Sustainable College Campuses: Which Ones Stand Out and Why?

Higher education has taken a keen interest in the environment, with sustainable college campuses prioritizing stewardship and reducing their carbon footprints. Students, faculty and staff work tirelessly to transition to cleaner energy, eco-friendly buildings and green curricula for a better tomorrow. However, some colleges and universities, in particular, set an example for the rest to follow in their footsteps. 

What Makes a College Campus Sustainable?

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) is a blueprint for colleges and universities to advance their sustainability initiatives. This member organization empowers institutions to create and improve campus-based green practices and foster community participation.

Its annual Sustainable Campus Index highlights schools that meet the 17 impact areas using AASHE’s Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment and Rating System — a self-reporting framework that measures colleges’ environmental performance.

Even if schools are not AASHE members, they might still focus their attention on its metrics for ecological excellence, including:

• Air and climate
• Buildings
• Campus engagement
• Coordination and planning
• Curriculum
• Diversity and affordability
• Energy
• Food and dining
• Grounds
• Investment and finance
• Public engagement
• Purchasing 
• Research
• Transportation
• Waste
• Water
• Well-being 

Of course, college campuses might also strive for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, WELL Building Standard or Energy Star. 

5 Most Sustainable College Campuses List

Sustainable college campuses are appearing everywhere as students demand a greater commitment from their institutions to protect the environment. These five college campuses are leading the way to more sustainable higher education.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) takes sustainability seriously, and its efforts have ranked it No. 1 in the U.S. in the STARS Sustainable Campus Index and No. 2 globally in 2024. All of ASU’s campuses also maintain LEED certification.

So, what sets this institution apart from the rest? ASU hosts “Green Games” throughout the year to encourage recycling and waste reduction during the school’s sporting events. The initiative is helping ASU adopt a zero-waste culture.

Additional ways ASU is boosting its sustainability include:

• Renewable energy: Implemented a solar program and installed six wind turbines on the Global Institute of Sustainability building’s roof
• Composting: Developed a composting program across all campuses, adding 20 tons of landscape trimmings monthly
• Transportation: Offers unlimited public transit access, free intercampus shuttles and a bike co-op for students
• Food services: Embeds eco-friendly food options into campus dining and sponsors a monthly farmers market 

ASU is also committed to conserving water and attaining LEED Silver certification for all newly constructed buildings. 

2. College of the Atlantic

The College of the Atlantic (COA) in Maine was the first higher education institution to strive for carbon neutrality in 2007, with a goal of net-zero emissions by 2030. In 2024, the Princeton Review ranked it the greenest college in the U.S. for the ninth year.

COA takes a comprehensive approach to lowering its ecological footprint. Its efforts include eliminating single-use plastics, initiating recycling and composting programs, sourcing sustainable food and using non-toxic cleaning solutions.

The Davis Center for Human Ecology is the campus’s newest and most sustainable addition. The building integrates a passive design and eco-friendly materials for optimal energy efficiency and air quality. In fact, it uses 80% less energy than traditional structures. The Davis Center also has a large rooftop solar array and bird-safe glass with ultraviolet reflective coating to prevent avian collisions.

3. Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is consistently recognized for its campus sustainability. AASHE has even awarded the school a Gold Rating four times, the most recent being in 2024.

FGCU signed the Carbon Climate Leadership Commitment in 2007, pledging to become carbon neutral by 2050 through LEED construction, energy-efficient purchasing and expanding campus-wide public transportation. 

The Environmental Coalition of Florida Gulf Coast University is a popular student organization that encourages people on campus to participate in green-centric events. The club congregates for gardening projects, beach cleanups and mobile food pantries to promote a healthier, more sustainable community. 

4. University of California, Irvine

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) has set its sights on decarbonization, with a goal of reducing emissions by at least 90% by 2045. Already, the institution has eliminated 20,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency projects on campus.

Other sustainability initiatives at UCI include:

• New buildings meeting LEED Gold certification, with a goal of becoming LEED Platinum
• The establishment of several naturescapes — such as Aldrich Park, the 202-acre San Joaquin Marsh Reserve and the 60-acre ecological preserve on the southern part of campus — to conserve habitat and boost biodiversity
• Reducing water consumption by 25% by 2025
• Achieve 25% sustainable food purchasing by 2030 — the dining services provide over 200 plant-based recipes
• Reduce solid waste generation by 25% by 2025 and by 50% by 2030

The school also provides several sustainable transportation options to students and staff, including carpooling, train ticket rebates, subsidized public bus passes, shuttle buses and carshare programs. 

5. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Naturally, a school like the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) would be one of the most sustainable college campuses in the U.S. With a curriculum intended for tomorrow’s environmental leaders, SUNY ESF has spearheaded several initiatives for a greener planet. 

From green roofs to renewable energy to zero-waste circularity, SUNY ESF is driven by a passion for change. Perhaps most notably, the school boasts its Bee Campus to expand people’s awareness of pollinator conservation. Currently, 26% of bumble bee species are at risk of disappearing, while experts worry many have gone extinct.

SUNY ESF’s Bee Campus hosts events on and off campus to educate its students and elementary school groups about New York’s pollinators. The group holds an annual Saturday of Service project to engage others in service projects at community green spaces. 

Eco-Friendliness on College Campuses Matters

Sustainability bridges a path toward innovation and a healthier campus. It has a positive impact on the environment, students, staff, and the community at large. By improving eco-friendliness campus-wide, institutions can attract and retain top academic talent and cultivate future environmental leaders for a healthier tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can You Get Involved in Campus Sustainability?

Sustainable college campuses are only possible with a dedicated student body, faculty and staff leading the charge. There are several ways to get involved in campus sustainability, including starting or joining green clubs, volunteering in recycling or cleanup events, joining organized nature walks, and advocating for change by calling representatives and posting to social media. 

What Green Changes Can Students Easily Make?

On an individual level, students can make green changes to their daily habits to improve their sustainability and that of their school. Compost your leftovers, reuse what you can, purchase items with minimal packaging and power down devices when you’re not using them. 

Walking, biking and public transportation to and from campus will also help you reduce emissions. Eating a plant-based diet, taking shorter showers and shopping at secondhand stores are other ways to take personal responsibility for the environment.