Walk around Emory University's main campus and you see lots of greenery —- 54 percent of the 700-acre campus is protected green space. That's not an accident.

"Sustainability manifests itself in the stewardship and values of the university," said Ciannat M. Howett, director of sustainability initiatives at Emory.

Emory's "green" projects include a free bike-sharing program and a fleet of shuttle buses that use 100 percent alternative fuel derived from cooking oil in the university's cafeteria and hospital.

Emory's efforts mirror those of other metro Atlanta colleges. Several schools have upgraded facilities, formed recycling programs and started classes or organizations to teach students about sustainability.

Emory is a national leader in "green" building. It has more Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified buildings than any other U.S. college, according to Howett.

LEED, a program implemented by the U.S. Green Building Council, is a rating system for environmentally sustainable construction.

"You would think this would be happening in California," Howett said. "But this is happening right here in Atlanta."

Oglethorpe University recently formed a sustainability committee to pay for recycling and other initiatives. Its Center for Civic Engagement supports various nonprofits, such as the Dunwoody Nature Center and Trees Atlanta.

Many university changes can be seen in the dining hall, where trays are available only by request to save water.

At Agnes Scott College, president Elizabeth Kiss is among more than 500 college presidents —- seven in Georgia —- who have signed the American College and University Presidential Climate Commitment, a program to foster sustainability efforts and reduce campuswide carbon emissions.

Over the past year, Agnes Scott has started an energy reduction effort, initiated an environmental resident program in the residence halls and has encouraged the use of public transportation to reduce gas emissions.

"If we are able to model a sustainable impact on the planet and engage students and faculty, we can learn together how to save the planet," Kiss said.

At Spelman College, a new "green" dorm is set to open in August. School officials say the 201,455-square-foot structure is the first residential facility at a historically black college to attain LEED certification.

Morehouse College now uses fluorescent and motion-activated lighting in many of its new buildings. Older buildings are being retrofitted for similar upgrades. And the school is experimenting with solar energy.

"[Solar power] is never going to supply all of our energy needs but can offset what we use," said Lawrence Blumer, director of the environmental studies program.

Nearby, Clark Atlanta University is rebuilding its School of Education building to qualify for LEED certification. Several dorms are being renovated with automated toilets and sinks, and more efficient air conditioning systems.

Georgia State University has developed a campuswide recycling program and uses Forest Stewardship Council-certified printers to produce internal publications.

Georgia Tech devotes an entire portion of its Web site, called Green Buzz, to highlighting its growing environmental initiative. The school has been increasing its sustainability programs in five key areas: green cleaning, recycling, sustainable food, green services and landscape and design management.

Although local institutions alone cannot cure Atlanta's environmental challenges, their progress is a key step toward future sustainability, experts say.

"Anything colleges are doing toward conservation should be applauded," said Kevin Chambers, communications director at the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. Chambers is particularly pleased with initiatives that help diminish automotive emissions, a key source to Atlanta's air pollution.