Sierra magazine has named UC Davis the nation’s “Coolest School” for its sustainability and climate change efforts.
An international powerhouse in the environmental sciences, UC Davis ranked No. 1 among the 96 top colleges and universities surveyed. Learn more from the magazine’s Cool Schools 2012 video.
In bestowing the “Coolest School” ranking, the Sierra Club’s official publication praised UC Davis for establishing rigorous green purchasing standards; diverting nearly 70 percent of campus trash from landfills; and offering an extensive transportation system that includes the student-run, natural gas-powered Unitrans bus service, 42 miles of bike paths and 21,000-plus bike parking spaces on its 5,300-acre campus.
Other ways that UC Davis has distinguished itself, according to Sierra magazine, include:
- a Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions below 2000 levels
- a Smart Lighting Initiative to reduce electrical use by 60 percent by 2015
- buying more local and organic food products for campus dining
Whether in faculty research, classroom learning or campus operations, sustainability is a major theme at UC Davis, said Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi.
“At UC Davis, sustainability is one of our core values,” said Katehi, whose blog discusses the honor. “I am very proud of the students, faculty and staff who have worked so hard to make this achievement possible and to invest in a more sustainable future for our campus.”
Read more about the Sierra magazine rankings and UC Davis sustainability efforts. Abrochure and an interactive, online map with a PDF version offer more information about UC Davis sustainability efforts.