Students Paul Todd of Canton and Molly MacNeill of Potsdam install solar panels for a class in the Alternative and Renewable Energy Systems program at SUNY Canton.

 CANTON -- SUNY Canton has been ranked among the top 50 colleges in the nation that are committed to saving the planet, according to the college and a list published by The Online College Database website.

SUNY Canton was ranked 26th on the list and joins an elite group of schools, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford, Penn State, Harvard, Yale, and Dartmouth College.

The list highlights schools that offer academic programs aimed at preparing students for future environmental challenges.

SUNY Canton’s four-year Alternative and Renewable Energy Systems program in the Canino School of Engineering Technology was specifically recognized for its appeal to technical students who are interested in pursuing a career in clean energy.

“The Alternative and Renewable Energy Systems program was launched in 2006 and focuses on imparting skills that allow students to respond to the dynamic needs of the alternative energy market,” said Interim Dean of the Canino School of Engineering Technology Michael J. Newtown. “Students learn about the best way to employ wind, solar, geothermal and other emerging sources of energy.”

“Tons of colleges have environmental science courses and programs,” said Wes Ricketts, vice president and general manager of The College Database. “However, those on our list stand out not only for unique concentration and scope, but also for going beyond the classroom, turning lessons learned into long-term, life-changing results.”

The campus has pursued other ways to become more environmentally friendly through energy conservation and recycling efforts.

The Grasse River Suites residence hall, the Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center, and the renovated Nevaldine Technology Center South received LEED Silver certification, and the college is developing a plan to build a wind turbine that would provide electricity to the campus.

“The College has been focusing on sustainability for several years, and it is gratifying to be recognized for our efforts,” said SUNY Canton Acting President Joseph C. Hoffman. “With the construction of a wind turbine in the works, we are hoping to continue to be the sustainability leaders in the SUNY System and beyond.”

The entire list of colleges can be found at http://www.onlinecollegesdatabase.org/50-colleges-saving-the-planet.