For More Than a Decade, University of Richmond Highlighted By The Princeton Review as a Top School for Environmental Stewardship

October 28, 2020

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — The University of Richmond has been one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges for 11 consecutive years, according to The Princeton Review.

Students walking along eco-corridorSince 2010, The Princeton Review has released its annual Guide to Green Colleges, which highlights schools with strong commitments to environmentally conscious practices and programs and serves as a resource to college applicants seeking schools with exemplary commitments to the environment and sustainability.

University of Richmond has made the list every year.

“We have a responsibility to include students in the development of sustainability solutions," said Director of Sustainability Rob Andrejewski. "By providing hands-on experience with sustainability challenges, our students are better positioned to contribute to innovative solutions to similar challenges on the job and in their communities after graduation.”

The 11-year history of recognition coincides with the development of the University’s Office for Sustainability, which was established in 2009.

Since its establishment, the Office for Sustainability has guided many successful milestones, including:

  • Virginia’s first solar project under a 2013 General Assembly program;
  • UR is one of 98 Bee Campus USA affiliates, which acknowledges the University's efforts to make campus landscapes conducive for pollinators. UR has two beehives, and several pollinator gardens;
  • A second solar project, which is expected to go online January 2021, which will make UR the first institution of higher education in the Southeast to match 100% of its electricity needs with solar energy;
  • The Gambles Mill Eco-Corridor, which opened earlier this year.

The Princeton Review's Green College Guide is released each October, which is Campus Sustainability Month.

Schools are selected based on data from student surveys about the influence of sustainability issues on their education and life on campus; administration and student support for environmental awareness and conservation efforts; and the visibility and impact of student environmental groups.

To see a comprehensive list of sustainability initiatives taking place at UR, visit sustainability.richmond.edu.

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These images showcase student learning taking place on campus in environments stewarded by the University of Richmond, including Westhampton Lake and UR's new Eco-Corridor.