The University of Wyoming (UW) is again ranked among the nation's most environmentally responsible colleges, according to a guidebook published by the Princeton Review and the U.S. Green Building Council.

"The Princeton Review's Guide to 322 Green Colleges: 2012 Edition" profiles 322 institutions of higher education in the U.S. and Canada "that demonstrate notable commitments to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation."

In 2007, President Tom Buchanan signed the Presidents' Climate Commitment, an initiative of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). Membership comes with a set of requirements, including reporting greenhouse gas reductions and energy efficiencies.

UW developed a Climate Action Plan (CAP), campus officials said, with goals to decrease greenhouse gas emissions 15% by 2015, 25% by 2020 and 100% by 2050. The CAP proposes a plan to achieve those targeted goals through education and outreach, energy and climate research projects, implementation of energy efficiency upgrades and initiatives, and integrating sustainability throughout the institution.

The guide cites UW's efforts to "increase energy efficiency across campus; providing alternative transportation options such as shuttle service and a bike loan program to reduce the number of cars on campus; require all new construction and major renovations to seek LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification; operate a campus-wide recycling program; and raise awareness about sustainability issues. All students can enroll in a ‘Campus Sustainability' course."

More information on the Campus Sustainability Committee and CAP can be found at www.uwyo.edu/sustainability/ .