Many universities are trying to go green these days because of the growing concerns about climate change and environmental degradation. This is a move that should only be welcomed, but there is a difference in terms of how genuine the shift is on the part of university administrations. For some, it is a serious matter; for others, it is more about paying lip service or jumping on the bandwagon.
Check out the top 5 most environmentally friendly universities in the world. These are the educational institutions that mean it. They are serious about it, and you can enjoy many benefits as a student.
1. Nottingham Trent University, UK
Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom is not usually included in the list of the world’s top ten universities in terms of research, teaching, and financial sustainability. But it certainly merits one of the top spots when it comes to environmentally friendly policies and practices.
The university uses the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals as a model for how it runs its operations. It boasts recycling 98% of the waste it produces. University buildings meet the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology standards. This ensures they pass the world’s leading science-based validation and certification system. The university is committed to using renewable energy and energy-saving products, such as LED lights, to meet its power requirements.
2. University of California, Davis
University of California, Davis is an ideal choice for nature lovers and those seriously concerned with environmental issues. It aims to integrate sustainability considerations into the entire cycle of its management operations and educational process. The website lists 14 mechanisms through which the university manages to incorporate environmental issues into the curriculum.
Students are encouraged to participate in the activities of the student farm. This great and innovative initiative allows students to learn sustainable practices in growing food. All buildings of the university boast LEED certification. Power consumption in all buildings is optimized to control energy consumption and reduce waste and pollution. More than 100,000 pounds of waste are recycled usable energy on a daily basis.
3. Wageningen University & Research
The Netherlands already boasts the status of a country with many environmentally friendly universities worldwide. Wageningen University & Research has earned itself a reputation for striving to achieve sustainability on university campuses. They are proud to have been able to demonstrate a higher CO2 compensation than emission.
The university runs its Green Office as a collaborative space for students to get connected and embark on a range of research activities. The space works effectively and efficiently to link students up, helping them develop new ideas, opportunities for engagement, and networking mechanisms.
Those who are pressed for time to participate in the above activities use the reliable services of a research paper writer. Professional writers help complete research projects and university assignments on time and at affordable rates. They also help comply with all applicable university instructions and requirements.
4. Aarhus University
Aarhus University is in Denmark. The campus of this university is renowned for its environmentally sound policies. This is where people prefer to walk the talk, so students get lots of opportunities to engage in activities related to sustainable development and operations. The university has devised a long-term climate strategy and an action plan that guides its sustainable operational decisions and actions.
What’s more, students have set up a climate-conscious student entity to run canteens, a guesthouse, a bakery, and a café drawing on sound management principles and minimal waste. Customers enjoy high-quality, organic food products prepared by those who care about humans and the environment equally.
Aarhus University is also known for its content-rich modules on environmental protection and a range of sustainable practices that are applicable across the board.
5. Colorado State University
Colorado State University has its rightful place in the top five because of its robust and comprehensive policies and practices related to environmental protection. The university stands out as one of the leading higher education institutions with minimal food waste. It ranks among the learning environmentally friendly colleges U.S. Its innovative Food Recover Program tracks leftovers and notifies students through text messages. The recipients can respond by collecting unused food items to eliminate unnecessary waste.
The university was also instrumental in developing a creative solar unit for both heating and cooling. Colorado is known for its harsh weather conditions. The above initiative was a breakthrough in harnessing the power of the sun. The importance of the project can hardly be overestimated. Solar panels help regulate the temperature in all buildings.
Recap
Finding an environmentally-friendly university may look like an easy task. Many educational institutions are striving to make a name for themselves by promoting and adhering to the ideas of sustainable development and environmental protection.
But it can be tricky to identify a university that is genuinely committed to the idea. Our top 5 include the universities that have not only demonstrated their commitment but that have also been able to validate their commitment through practical steps and actions.
