Hi everyone. I'm keen on going to a college that values sustainability and I heard about the 'Princeton Review most sustainable colleges' list. Could someone walk me through this list? Why do these colleges have a high sustainability ranking? Thanks in advance for the help!
The Princeton Review does indeed annually publish a list of the “Top 50 Green Colleges,” which is an assessment of the sustainability practices of hundreds of universities across the United States. The ranking is derived from detailed institutional surveys about sustainability policies, practices, and programs. The ranking combines multiple measures such as the percentage of food expenditures that go toward local/organic food, the campus' energy use, recycling programs, bicycle facilities, and the sustainability-related courses offered.
The colleges that top this list have demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability from several angles. They might have built LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings on their campuses, used renewable energy sources for the majority of their needs, or set aggressive carbon neutrality goals.
For example, recent years have seen the University of California–Santa Barbara top the list thanks to their efforts like having more than half of its buildings LEED certified, and enacting efforts to conserve over 10 million gallons of potable water annually.
Also, in addition to infrastructural changes, these colleges may offer a large number of sustainability-related degree programs, engage in research initiatives focused on sustainability, and provide sustainability-focused student organizations and community engagement activities.
As a student, it's fantastic to see that you're considering the sustainability practices of potential colleges. These practices exemplify a university's commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable development, and the wellbeing of their community and planet. Be sure to check out the individual sustainability pages of the colleges you consider, to see the specific steps they're taking towards a greener future!
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