From Sustainability degrees to campus programs for carbon neutrality and water conservation, universities in the U.S. are taking sustainability to heart. They don't have to worry about going it alone, however, as organizations like the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) are keen provide a forum for collaboration. AASHE is currently holding its second biennial conference to "demonstrate how colleges and universities can lead the way to a sustainable future." In addition, the organization maintains a high degree of involvement with universities, evident in programs such as the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) and the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment.

Florida Gulf Coast University is taking a bold step towards supplying its campus with clean, renewable energy and reducing its carbon footprint. Currently in construction is a 16-acre solar energy farm, which will yield 2 MW of power and seek to relieve FGCU of $22 million in energy bills over the next 30 years. Made possible by a partnership of public and private groups, the solar farm will knock out almost 9,000 pounds of nitrogen oxide, 14,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide, and 5.1 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.

Some campuses are preparing students for green-collar jobs.  Delta College of Michigan hopes to offer a 2-year wind technology training program in the fall of 2009. With an increase in wind turbine installation across the U.S., Delta graduates will be poised and ready for technical job openings.

In a move that mirrors many socially responsible corporations, the Indiana University Student Association has chosen Abby Schwimmer to be its first Student Director of Sustainability. Schwimmer, along with Stas Futoransky as Assistant Director, will be responsible for educating fellow students on sustainability and augmenting on and off-campus recycling efforts amongst the student population. The university also plans to appoint a Director of Sustainability.

For some students, the lure of going green is, quite simply, greenbacks. At Northern Maine Community College, a contest called "Go! Green!" entices student teams to develop solutions for campus energy efficiency. Participants will be competing for one heck of a prize: full-time student tuition waivers for one semester. Campus and community members will form a panel of judges. Successful proposals will save money & increase awareness without creating a 'green at all costs' mentality.

Today, Groom Energy Solutions and Nexus Environmental Partners announced a project with Trinity College of Hartford, Connecticut to reach carbon neutrality. Beginning with an assessment of campus buildings and infrastructure, Groom and Nexus have produced a plan that identifies priority amongst sustainability projects. Initial steps to increase efficiency are underway, with the two groups providing strategic and technical support to the school throughout the process.

With any luck, students will profit greatly from their experiences on campus and in conferences like AASHE's. Sustainability issues are increasingly important in corporate and governmental affairs, so it's only appropriate that our nation's higher education institutions should jump to the challenge. We've got to make the most of our youths' ingenuity and ambition if we hope to see a lasting change in society.