UNO Recognized Nationally for Sustainability Efforts

OMAHA – Two recent announcements from national organizations focused on sustainability have identified the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) one of the top schools in the country when it comes to its efforts tied to areas of environmental conservation.

Association for the Advancement in Higher Education (AASHE)

On Wednesday, Aug. 22, AASHE ranked UNO as one of its top performers in its Campus Sustainability Index in the Coordination and Planning category. The ranking reflects an institution’s ability to organize, implement and publicize its sustainability initiatives.

UNO was also recognized by AASHE in 2017.

“Being recognized for our planning and coordination efforts is a huge accomplishment,” said Sarah Burke, sustainability coordinator at UNO. “Not only does this recognition highlight the creation and implementation of the Sustainability Master Plan, this recognition acknowledges the work being done by all of campus, including but not limited to the Chancellor’s Appointed Sustainability Committee, Student Government’s Sustainability Committee and the Residence Hall Association’s Sustainability Committee.”

The AASHE’s 2018 Sustainable Campus Index recognizes top-performing colleges and universities overall by institution type and in 17 distinct aspects of sustainability, as measured by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). The Index also highlights innovative and high-impact initiatives from institutions that submitted STARS reports in the 12 months prior to July 1, 2018.

Sierra Club

On Monday, Aug. 27, UNO was named alongside 272 other higher education institutions as one of Sierra Club Magazine’s “2018 Cool School” members, and the highest-ranked school from Nebraska to make the list.

The recognition is open to all four-year undergraduate colleges and universities across the United States and serves as a guide for all prospective and current students; administrators; and alumni for recognizing a school’s commitment to sustainability.

This is the third consecutive year UNO has been included on the list and ranks near the top half of all schools in the country.

“To be included on the Sierra Club’s Cool School list again this year I think really speaks to the important work being done across the entire UNO campus,” Burke said. “This list truly looks at the full scope of each institution, including everything from transportation options to water usage and campus engagement. It shows that we have made a lot of strides as a campus, but also encourages us to continue identifying areas we can improve in the years to come.”

Other Recognitions

The recent recognitions from AASHE and the Sierra Club are just a few that UNO has been honored with in recent years.

• In March 2017, UNO earned a Silver STARS rating for sustainability achievements
• Princeton Reviews recognized UNO in its 2017 “Guide to 375 Green Colleges”
• UNO has been named a Tree Campus USA each year since 2010
• The Midwest Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls recognized UNO with its “Commitment to Sustainability” Award in 2017

Learn more about UNO’s sustainability efforts.