POTSDAM -- The Sierra Club has named Clarkson University one of its “Cool Schools” for 2018.

Out of more than 250 schools nationwide that reported on sustainability programs, Clarkson ranks 22 for academics, 9 for grounds, 32 for diversity and affordability, and 57 overall, according to the Sierra Club List (https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/cool-schools-2018/cool-schools-2018-full-ranking).

The ranking is open to all four-year undergraduate colleges and universities in the United States.

This honor follows earlier recognition for campus sustainability, as Clarkson received a gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (AASHE STARS) program for its socially responsible investment in sustainability education and research. The rating puts Clarkson in the top one-third of campuses across the globe that self-reported on sustainability programs to the organization.

Clarkson has a number of campus and community initiatives that directly connect student education and research with faculty and staff initiatives. Students in classes, design projects and research work to: operate and improve a campus anaerobic digester that converts food waste to energy and fertilizer; support the town and village of Potsdam’s Climate Smart Communities commitments; and, design components of new ducted wind turbine that will be installed on a campus building.

“As part of our climate commitment, we are working toward climate neutrality by 2025,” says Susan Powers, director of Clarkson's Institute for a Sustainable Environment. “This commitment is helping drive our efforts to increase energy efficiency in all renovation projects and consider additional sources of local renewable energy.”