The U. of Utah placed fourth on the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of university and college green power-partners in the nation, after a push for reform from environmentally concerned students. The EPA’s list judged campuses on making purchases that reduce electricity use and developing new renewable power sources.

The EPA takes three things into account when they rate higher education schools: renewable energy certificates, generating energy on-site and utility green power products.

“Green power purchases allow us to reduce our footprint even further in a cost-effective way,” said Jen Colby, sustainability coordinator in a press release. “It’s an honor to be in the top 5 nationally.”

As the U takes more steps in this direction we continually cut out harmful effects to the environment, she said.

The Sustainable Campus Initiative Fund program, introduced in 2005 by ASUU, uses a $2.50 student fee to support green energy at the U and the community. The program has been expanded to allow public donations and now anyone can donate to the fund and buy energy credits, which go toward the building of alternative power sources.

As the campaign to become more energy efficient grows, students remain at the heart of the project.

“Students can donate, raise money as groups, and support student initiatives,” said Remi Barron, U spokesman.

New SCIF plans are still in the works and should be announced at the start of the fall 2010 semester. The U seeks to continue moving up in the ranks—moving up six spots this year, so there sights are set on breaking into the top three in years to come, Barron said.

“Cutting down on the use of electricity,” is still the objective above rankings, he said.