University selected for The Princeton Review's new e-book, "Guide to 322 Green Colleges"
University of Richmond is listed in a free downloadable book, “Guide to 322 Green Colleges,” published this week by The Princeton Review and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) at www.princetonreview.com/green-guide.
Colleges and universities in the book “demonstrate notable commitments to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation,” said Robert Franek, senior vice president and publisher at The Princeton Review.
Franek said The Princeton Review selected colleges for the book based on a survey it conducted of hundreds of colleges across the United States and Canada. Results also are used to tally a “green rating score” of 60-99, used in the company’s other college guidebooks and website. Colleges in the book are not ranked, but each scored a green rating of at least 83. Richmond scored 95.
As a signatory to the Presidents' Climate Commitment, Richmond has adopted sustainable construction techniques for new projects, including a goal that all new campus construction meet a minimum of LEED Silver standards. Nine campus buildings have received or are applying for LEED certification.
The university’s expanded transportation system includes a variety of on- and off-campus options, including shuttles, buses, Zipcar car-sharing service and Zimride, a ride finder network. The university has been involved in recycling since 1991 and is continually improving its recycling and waste management programs. Energy conservation efforts include an electrical energy monitoring system that allows users to see their energy consumption in real time. The curriculum includes an environmental studies program, an environmental center in the law school, geography and the environment program, and an environmental studies speaker series.
“It is incredibly rewarding to receive national recognition for the many diverse sustainability projects on campus,” said Megan Zanella-Litke, sustainability coordinator.
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