Princeton Review's Green College Guide

The Princeton Review's Guide to 311 Green Colleges: 2011 Edition offers a comprehensive look at colleges and universities across the United States and Canada that have made significant strides in sustainability. This guide highlights institutions that have embedded sustainability into their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, student activities, and career preparation. The featured schools are not only contributing to environmental responsibility but are also fostering an educational culture that embraces sustainability as a core principle. Among the colleges and universities profiled in the guide, several stand out for their remarkable commitment to "green" practices. Four notable examples are Clark University, Guilford College, Wofford College, and Western Carolina University (WCU), each of which has incorporated environmental stewardship into its academic and operational framework.

Clark University, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, has earned a reputation as an innovator in sustainability and environmental studies. The university’s commitment to green initiatives is reflected in both its academic offerings and campus infrastructure. Clark University is well-known for its strong focus on interdisciplinary programs that address global issues such as environmental sustainability, urban development, and social justice. The institution’s Environmental Science and Policy Program is particularly notable for its depth and emphasis on practical solutions to global environmental challenges. In addition to its academic offerings, Clark University has implemented sustainable practices across campus, including energy efficiency improvements and waste reduction initiatives. The university’s leadership in integrating environmental sustainability into its curriculum and operations makes it a key player in promoting the green movement within higher education. Clark University’s dedication to environmental stewardship is further reinforced by its participation in the American Colleges and Universities Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), which aims to reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality.

Guilford College, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, also shines in terms of sustainability. With a green rating of 94, Guilford ranks among the top in North Carolina for its efforts to reduce its environmental impact. Guilford College’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its ongoing work to integrate sustainable practices across campus life, from energy conservation and waste reduction to sustainable food sourcing. The college joined the ACUPCC in 2007, further solidifying its commitment to addressing climate change. Additionally, the college has established a robust Environmental Studies Program, which provides students with the knowledge and skills to address contemporary environmental issues. Guilford’s emphasis on sustainability extends beyond academics, as the college has made strides to green its campus, reduce its carbon footprint, and invest in sustainable infrastructure. The campus features a variety of initiatives, including a comprehensive recycling program, water conservation measures, and the use of renewable energy sources. Guilford’s long-standing dedication to sustainability places it at the forefront of environmentally responsible higher education institutions in North Carolina and beyond.

Wofford College, located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, has also been recognized for its green initiatives. The college’s commitment to sustainability is demonstrated by its development of the Office of Community Sustainability, which coordinates efforts to improve the campus’s environmental footprint. Wofford College has made significant strides in creating a more sustainable campus, including the development of the Sustainable Living Initiative, which focuses on improving residence halls and student life. The college’s sustainability efforts are also reflected in its Goodall Environmental Studies Center, which was renovated from the old Glendale Mill office building and is the first academic building in South Carolina to achieve LEED Platinum certification—the highest level of certification awarded by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The center serves as a hub for environmental studies and provides students with the resources to engage in sustainability-related research and activities. In addition to these efforts, Wofford College has established the Wofford Santee Cooper Lecture Series on Sustainability and Energy, which brings together experts in the field of sustainability to discuss key topics related to energy efficiency, sustainable development, and environmental policy. Through these initiatives, Wofford College continues to enhance its role as a leader in environmental responsibility within South Carolina.

Western Carolina University (WCU), located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, is widely recognized as one of the most environmentally responsible universities in the United States. WCU has made impressive strides in sustainability, both through its academic programs and its commitment to greening the campus. The university has been recognized for its efforts in reducing its environmental impact and its active engagement in sustainability-related projects. A key aspect of WCU’s sustainability efforts is its commitment to sourcing 9 percent of its food budget from local or organic food, which supports sustainable agriculture and reduces the campus’s carbon footprint. WCU also hosts a variety of events and initiatives aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues, including Campus Sustainability Day and Earth Day celebrations. These events encourage students and faculty to participate in sustainability-related activities and to think critically about the environmental challenges facing society. In addition to these programs, WCU has implemented several campus-wide sustainability initiatives, such as recycling drives and green building projects. These efforts not only reduce the university’s environmental impact but also provide students with opportunities to engage in hands-on learning about sustainability practices. WCU’s commitment to sustainability has positioned it as a leading example of environmental responsibility within higher education.

The universities featured in The Princeton Review's Guide to 311 Green Colleges represent a broad spectrum of institutions that are committed to making sustainability an integral part of their academic missions and campus cultures. Clark University, Guilford College, Wofford College, and Western Carolina University are just a few examples of institutions that are leading the way in promoting environmental responsibility in higher education. These schools have made sustainability a central component of their educational offerings, campus operations, and community engagement efforts. Through their innovative programs, green initiatives, and long-term commitments to sustainability, these universities are preparing students to address the pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century.

As environmental issues continue to grow in importance, universities like Clark, Guilford, Wofford, and WCU are demonstrating that higher education can play a crucial role in fostering sustainability. By integrating sustainability into their academic offerings, student life, and campus infrastructure, these schools are helping to shape a generation of leaders who will be well-equipped to tackle the complex environmental challenges of tomorrow. As such, these institutions serve as role models for other colleges and universities seeking to make meaningful contributions to the green movement and promote a more sustainable future.