The Princeton Review ranks RU among greenest U.S. campuses

Green College Badge

Radford University is one of the 332 most environmentally responsible colleges in the U.S. and Canada, according to The Princeton Review.

It's the fifth year in a row Radford University has been recognized by the education service company for its commitment to building and maintaining a sustainable, environmentally friendly campus.

The Princeton Review company, known for its test prep programs and college rankings, ratings and guidebooks, profiles RU in the fifth annual edition of its free downloadable book, "The Princeton Review's Guide to 332 Green Colleges."

The Princeton Review singled out RU for its three LEED Gold building certifications and for submitting its Climate Action Plan with a target climate neutrality date of 2040.

"We are honored that, for the fifth consecutive year, The Princeton Review has recognized Radford University's efforts toward making our campus one of the greenest in the Commonwealth and in North America," said RU President Penelope W. Kyle. "We are continuing to make tremendous strides and I applaud RU faculty, staff and students for their dedication to sustainability."

The Princeton Review also lauded RU for being the recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star certification for six buildings, five of which are residence halls. RU is the only university in Virginia to receive certification for residence halls, the publication noted.

In addition, RU was recognized for partnering with the City of Radford to provide a new Radford Transit system that offers expanded service and hours around campus and beyond, said RU Sustainability Coordinator Julio Stephens. More highlights from The Princeton Review include RU's car-sharing program, the university's energy-efficient measures and its dedication to sustainability.

The Princeton Review chose the schools for its guide based on a survey it conducted in 2013 of administrators at hundreds of four-year colleges to measure those schools' commitment to the environment and to sustainability.  The institutional survey included questions on the schools' course offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation. 

The 216-page publication can be downloaded at www.princetonreview.com/green-guide and www.centerforgreenschools.org/greenguide

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).

The 332 school profiles in the guide feature essential information for applicants – facts and stats on school demographics, admission, financial aid – plus write-ups on the schools' sustainability initiatives.  A "Green Facts" sidebar reports on a wide range of topics from the school's use of renewable energy sources, recycling and conservation programs to the availability of environmental studies and career guidance for green jobs.

Apr 24, 2014