In celebration of Earth Day, Shenandoah University is proud to announce that for the second consecutive year, it is one of the most environmentally responsible colleges in the U.S. and Canada, according to The Princeton Review. The university is profiled in the fifth annual edition of the free downloadable book, “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 332 Green Colleges: 2014 Edition.”
In the guide’s profile on the university, The Princeton Review highlights Shenandoah University’s Blue Ridge Institute for Environmental Studies (SU-BRIES). Since its inception in 1991, SU-BRIES has focused on environmental quality, community education and natural places in the Shenandoah Valley region. The group also tackles service-learning projects at Shawnee Springs and Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve, as well as research projects on local water quality, terrestrial sites, fish and box turtles.
The guide profile notes the institute’s “efforts to reduce the university’s ecological footprint, while demonstrating responsible environmental practices through energy conservation projects, sustainable purchasing choices, and the protection of habitats and water quality.”
Also noted in the guide are the university’s downsizing of the campus fleet of service vehicles and purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as the promotion of the Winchester Green Circle – a walking and bicycling path designed to connect neighborhoods and points of interest in the City of Winchester.
Other highlights include: the existence of a sustainability-focused degree; employment of a sustainability officer; provision of guidance on green jobs; adoption of a policy prohibiting idling; utilization of bike racks; organic maintenance of school grounds; and use of cleaning products that are Green Seal-certified.
For more on the university’s Office of Sustainability, click here.
The Princeton Review chose the schools based on a survey it conducted of hundreds of colleges across the U.S. and in Canada in 2013 to tally its “Green Ratings” (scores from 60 to 99). The survey asked administrators about their institutions’ sustainability-related policies, practices and programs. Green Ratings were reported for 832 institutions in summer 2013. The 332 schools in the guide received scores of 83 or above in that assessment. Information about The Princeton Review’s Green Rating methodology is at www.princetonreview.com/green.aspx.
The Princeton Review created its “Guide to 332 Green Colleges” in partnership with the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
