Each year, Sierra, the official magazine of the Sierra Club, ranks America's most environmentally responsible and forward-looking colleges and universities in its annual "Cool Schools" issue.  Now in its seventh year, this list and the stories surrounding it draw national media attention from such outlets as the New York Times, CNN, NPR, Huffington Post, and many others. It is, by far, the magazine’s most talked about feature of the year. The Cool Schools website (www.sierraclub.org/coolschools) draws more than 1 million page views from readers eager for an in-depth look at how schools are making a difference for the planet, whether it be by improved infrastructure, energy sourcing, transportation, or academic offerings.

Illinois has participated in the Sierra Club Cool Schools survey since 2008 and has improved it's standing each year.  In 2013, this campus was ranked 28th, the highest ranking of our Big Ten peer institutions.  The complete rankings are online here.