Solar panels on the roof of Bren Hall, the first building in the country to receive Double-Platinum LEED recognition. Credit: Jonas Krant
It’s cool to be sustainable. And because UC Santa Barbara is, it has been ranked No. 10 on Sierra magazine’s list of “Coolest Schools.”
The seventh annual ranking by the Sierra Club’s official publication recognizes 162 colleges and universities that are creating solutions to climate problems and are making huge strides to operate sustainably.
The formidable numbers tell the story, Sierra magazine says:
“44 of its buildings are LEED certified, 47% of academic departments offer a class about sustainability (for a total of 321 classes and 217 faculty members who do eco-research), 50% of food served is local, and 75% of waste gets saved from the landfill via recycling and composting; the goal is to get that latter percentage to 100 by 2020.”
Since the late 1990s, UCSB has lowered its electricity use by a third, aided by 10 on-campus photovoltaic systems; reduced water use by 25%; and cut food waste by nearly 35%.
In addition, 94% of students use alternative transportation modes to get to class. That practice is fueled by the availability of more than 10,000 bicycle parking spaces and 10 miles of bike paths.
There are 10 miles of bike paths at UCSB. Credit: Patricia Marroquin"UCSB has long sought to reduce the impact of campus activities upon the planet through the application of existing technology and modifications of behavior, even as our faculty members and students seek to develop new solutions," Bruce Tiffney, dean of the College of Creative Studies and co-chair of the Chancellor's Campus Sustainability Committee, said in a campus news release.
“While we have much yet to accomplish, our momentum and commitment will lead to greater achievements in sustainability, a more aware student and alumni body, and, I trust, continued ‘Coolest Schools' awards," he added.
Bob Sipchen, Sierra's editor-in-chief, said: "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 safer water, clean air, and beautiful landscapes. By showing such strong leadership on so many fronts, the best of these schools are pointing the way for other institutions."
For more information, read the full news release by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications, and Sierra magazine’s article. Also, view KEYT's on-campus video report.
KEYT reporter Shirin Rajaee interviewed Kate Kokosinski, UCSB's sustainability coordinator, for a story on UCSB being named No. 10 on Sierra magazine's list of "Coolest Schools" for sustainability. Credit: George Foulsham