Sierra names Evergreen a Cool School

(Olympia, Wash.) – Today Sierra magazine released its seventh annual ranking of the nation’s “Coolest Schools,” a salute to U.S. colleges and universities that are helping to solve climate problems and making significant efforts to operate sustainably. The Evergreen State College ranks 17th out of 162 higher education institutions across the country included in the rankings. There are approximately 2500 four-year colleges and universities in the United States.

“Evergreen functions as a laboratory for sustainability, through our operations, curriculum, and quality of life for employees and students,” said Scott Morgan, director of sustainability at Evergreen. “We want to nurture values and practical skills that contribute to a sustainable way of living on a healthy planet. This high ranking reflects the work we’ve put into achieving our goals."

Sierra examined the academic institutions making a difference for the planet, seeking out campuses that are creating tangible change in all categories of greenness – from what’s served in dining halls to what’s taught in lecture halls to what’s powering the dorms. The magazine's ranking aims to act as a guide for prospective students who seek a way to compare colleges based on their commitment to environmentalism. It also serves to spur competition, create aspirational standards, and publicly reward the institutions that work hard to protect the planet

“For the past seven years, Sierra magazine has ranked colleges and universities on their commitment to fighting climate disruption and making sure the future their students will inhabit has safe water, clean air and beautiful landscapes,” said Bob Sipchen, Sierra magazine’s editor-in-chief. “By showing such strong leadership on so many fronts -- from energy use and transportation to the courses they offer -- the best of these schools are pointing the way for other institutions.”

The complete rankings, along with this year’s coverage of higher education’s environmental efforts, are online at www.sierraclub.org/coolschools.

The Evergreen State College is a nationally acclaimed public liberal arts and sciences college known for its distinctive interdisciplinary, student-centered approach to academics. Learn more at http://www.evergreen.edu/studies/.