MNN - Mother Nature Network

It’s that time again; time for the Sierra Club to release its choices for the coolest schools in the nation. After combing through all of the data, the University of California, Davis came out on top and was declared the 2012 Coolest School in America with a score of 709.17 out of 894.50.

 

The university received a perfect score in both the co-curricular and innovation categories. Co-curricular points are awarded for “sustainability learning experiences outside the formal curriculum.” Innovation credits are awarded for projects that go above and beyond standard eco initiatives. One rather innovative project on the campus is the UC Davis West Village.

 

West Village is the largest zero-net-energy residential community in the nation. In order to achieve zero-net-energy status the facility is equipped with several modern features including patio doors and oversized windows to maximize natural light while taking advantage of the breeze, low-flow plumbing, kitchen countertops made from recycled content and more.

 

UC Davis bested several other schools with rock-solid environmental initiatives.

 

Top 10 America’s Coolest Schools 2012

 

 

View the scorecards from each of these schools as well as the entire list of 96 cool schools by visiting the Sierra Club Cool Schools 2012 website.