College Spotlight: The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington

The Evergreen State College is appropriately named, nestled in an evergreen forest in the southern part of Washington State. Evergreen has been honored several times in lists for greenest colleges in the U.S., including Grist’s 2007 15 Green Colleges and Universities. They’ve committed to being a carbon-neutral campus, incorporated eco-friendly designs into their buildings, taken charge of their waste management practices and much more.

Evergreen’s strong commitment to sustainability is evident in many aspects of the college. In terms of curriculum, they offer an oft-praised undergraduate program in environmental studies as well as a Master in Environmental Studies. Full-time interdisciplinary programs in energy studies, environmental design and ecological agriculture are available.

On the 1,000-acre campus, which includes about 800 acres of woods, forest and saltwater beach used for teaching and learning, you’ll find green roofs, native vegetation and teaching gardens. There’s also an organic farm and Center for Ecological Living and Learning, where sustainable agriculture is taught in a hands-on environment. Its newest teaching facility is a LEED gold certified green building.

Students have also worked to put many of the college’s green programs in place, including a self-imposed fee for purchasing green, non-polluting energy at a cost of $100,000 per year (total). 100% of Evergreen State’s energy is green. The college has a sustainable food service, with 28%-38% of weekly food purchases being local, local organic and organic. They’ve also got a sustainable housing checkout, which has resulted in donations to 10 non-profits.

Of pledging to be carbon-neutral, the college President Thomas L. Purce said,

“Since 1971, Evergreen has built a national reputation for environmental studies at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Its graduates and faculty are leaders in addressing environmental challenges locally, nationally and globally. By joining the Presidents Climate Commitment, and building sustainability into our strategic plan as a top priority, we are sharpening our focus on climate issues and environmental responsibility. We hope to set an example others can follow.

Sustainability isn’t just a bandwagon we’re hopping onto. It’s woven into the very fabric of our identity, and history, as an institution.”

Evergreen State plans to take its initiatives even further in the future. It has a Sustainable Task Force in place to research and inform college decision-making, and has employed a full-time Sustainability Coordinator. The college has put a ‘strategic plan’ in place to ensure that they constantly improve, building sustainability right into their core.

Prospective students can learn more at the Evergreen State website, apply online or schedule a visit.

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