Today’s youth face the future problems of our past mistakes. It is no surprise universities try to teach their students environmental responsibility. Schools implement policies designed to minimize their environmental footprint. They place emphasis on drastically reducing pollution and waste. To get an idea where your university ranks, go to Greenreportcard.org to see how it was “graded”.
For example, University of Florida at Gainsville was scored with an overall grade of B-. UF aims to be carbon neutral by 2025. Currently they reduce air conditioning use during holidays as well as implement the use of energy efficient chilling systems. Their recycling programs include re-usable to-go containers saving over 270, 000 containers for their dining program and donations of excess food to the local community. They use fair trade coffee, organic produce, and used biodiesel fuel. In addition, they support responsible companies by investing in renewable energy funds.
Florida State University also graded with a B-. Its departments of housing and food services use only green cleaning products. The university has reduced nighttime use of electricity in the football stadium by more than half and has competitions encouraging energy reduction. It has been “trayless” since 2005, has reduced waste by 30% through their recycling program, and composts or mulches 100% of yard waste. It also boasts a Zero-Emissions Building: entirely solar powered and able to store excess electricity.
Privately owned and with a huge endowment for its low number enrollment of 1,700, Amherst College scoring with an A- is at the top of the list. This school has an energy manager and a recycling coordinator who are shared with three other local schools. All appliances are Energy Star, computers are EPEAT Gold, cleaning products are green, and paper is recycled content. Carbon emissions have been reduced to 5% below the levels of 1990, buildings use solar hot water systems, the science center is partially powered by photovoltaic cells and its very own wind turbine, and the kitchen hood fans are designed to run at the necessary rather than fixed speeds. Produce, meat, and dairy is purchased directly from local farms. Coffee is fair trade and organic. Vegan meals are always available. Composting is used. This college has partnered with five other colleges in their environmental attempts and also has an outreach program with the local elementary schools, ensuring better timing for learning this very important way of living. Ground transportation includes hybrid vehicles, electric motorcycles, and parking requirements have been reduced by about 20%. Investments include renewable energy funds and inquiries in community related developments.
Ironically enough, too many institutions avoid these changes despite the potential cost-savings they represent. Those companies not reducing waste continue paying for things to be wasted. The others who reduce waste will purchase fewer things to waste: same circle, different direction.
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