Sierra magazine named the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) among the nation’s top 20 “coolest” schools for its efforts to stop global warming and operate sustainably. From the university’s new Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold and silver certified buildings to sustainable engineering classes, the magazine highlights how UCSD is making a difference for the planet in the fourth annual listing of America’s greenest universities and colleges. Sierra magazine is a publication of the Sierra Club, the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental group. The campus is ranked 15th on the list for its commitment to sustainability. The rankings measured universities’ energy efficiency, academics, transportation, waste management, financial investments and other initiatives. The campus was recognized for its efforts to reduce energy usage and increase reliance upon renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaics, fuel cells, wind and algal biofuels. UCSD has 1.2 megawatts of solar photovoltaics installed on campus and has ordered an additional 1 megawatt of solar photovoltaics. The university was also credited for its variety of student groups who educate and promote sustainability on campus, such as the Green Campus program, EcoNauts, AQUAholics and the Student Sustainability Collective. In addition, UCSD’s initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through its various forms of alternative transportation were honored. More than half of the university’s staff, students and faculty take advantage of UCSD’s free bus zone passes, the Triton Bike Loan program, carpool and van pool programs, subsidized Coaster Train program and campus shuttle services. For a complete description of each winning school’s green efforts, visit Sierra magazine online at http://www.sierraclub.org/coolschools.