Plymouth—Plymouth State University’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability has led to its being named among North America’s greenest colleges. The Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges is an in-depth look at the most environmentally friendly institutions of higher learning. The Princeton Review, in collaboration with the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council, noted PSU has demonstrated ‘notable commitments to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation.’ PSU President Sara Jayne Steen said the students, faculty, and staff are dedicated to sustainability, and the ranking recognizes the
University’s achievements.
“When you see the campus efforts through the EcoHouse, for example, a living and learning laboratory in which students make sustainability decisions about the building, you are impressed,” said Steen. “Sustainability at PSU is a campus-wide initiative.”
The Review notes that “there is a rising interest among students in attending colleges that practice, teach, and support environmentally responsible choices.” Plymouth State was also included in last year’s greenest college ranking by the Princeton Review.
The Princeton Review chose the schools based on a detailed survey it conducted in 2011 of administrators at hundreds of colleges across the U.S. and in Canada to tally its annual “Green Rating” scores of colleges for its school profiles in its college guidebooks and website.
Brian Eisenhauer, PSU’s Director of Environmental Sustainability, said he is heartened that the University’s sustainability efforts are being recognized.
“Plymouth State University has a long commitment to sustainability in operations and in our educational efforts,” said Eisenhauer. “Our achievements are only made possible through the hard work of many students, staff, and faculty, and it is a great honor to see them recognized.”
“College-bound students are increasingly interested in sustainability issues,” said Robert Franek, Senior Vice President and publisher, The Princeton Review. “Among 7,445 college applicants who participated in our 2012 ‘College Hopes & Worries Survey,’ nearly 7 out of 10 (68 percent) told us that having information about a school’s commitment to the environment would influence their decision to apply to or attend the school,” he said.
For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU News Services Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu
Overcast. Temperature: 52; Wind: ESE at 3; Conditions as of Tue May 21 at 10:00 PM EDT