College's Green Programs:
A Primer
The “green” trend has caught on at America’s colleges and universities. But what exactly does it mean to be a green school? We’ve prepared this primer to answer some of the most basic questions.
How is “sustainability” defined?
The term refers to the human use of an ecosystem in a manner that yields a continuous benefit to present generations without compromising the ecosystem’s potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations.
What sort of programs make a college “green”?
First look at the academic offerings: Are there multiple majors with a sustainability focus? Do these majors span a variety of disciplines? Better yet, do all courses have a sustainability component? Next look at the college’s operations: Is it actively working to reduce its carbon footprint? Is it committed to locally grown food? Is conserving and recycling part of its campus culture?
What does it designate when a campus building is LEED-certified?
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. A building with LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council has met high standards for energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts, and thus has been verified as an environmentally responsible and healthy place to live and work.
What does it take to be in the Eco League?
The five Eco League colleges share a commitment to the greening of education. Each campus operates according to the principles and practices of sustainability, and all have strong environmental learning programs that stress experiential education, so students are prepared to take on the real-world challenges of sustainable living when they graduate. What’s more, the Eco League Exchange offers students the chance to study human and natural systems in some of the country’s most vibrant ecosystems as they transfer courses seamlessly between member colleges.
Do you have students who want to make the world a greener place? Find out more about what The Eco League colleges can offer them by visiting The Eco League web site.
My Eco Experience
 John Dietrich, a Green Mountain College student, spent an Eco League Exchange semester at Prescott College that included studying rock climbing and white-water rafting.
About his Eco League exchange: “It’s a great chance to get around the country and meet new people from different backgrounds, spread environmental ideas, and create a partnership between communities far from each other.” Read more. |
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What Is this?
Green Times is The Eco League’s e-newsletter for high school
teachers and counselors. You’re receiving this e-mail because
you subscribed at The Eco League web site or expressed interest
in one of the five member schools of The Eco League consortium.
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Who We Are
The Eco League is the only college consortium in the United States dedicated to environmental learning and the active pursuit of environmental studies. Learn more about our member colleges:
The Eco League in the News
The five colleges of The Eco League are breaking new ground in environmental studies and sustainability practices.
Alaska Pacific University
Students create interpretive panels for Alaska park
College of the Atlantic
Students present at Biology of Marine Mammals conference
Green Mountain College
Students construct experimental greenhouse
Northland College
Students generate Eco-Visionary ideas
Prescott College
Students trek the Arizona Trail
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