The Princeton Review’s Guide to 311 Green Colleges: 2011 Edition profiled 308 colleges and universities in the United States, and three in Canada that “demonstrate notable commitments to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation”.

Some of the top performers include:

Clark University - It joined the ranks of outstanding universities and colleges nationwide that are leading the “green” movement through their own special programs and initiatives. Clark University in Worcester, Mass., is an innovative liberal arts college and research university offering a range of expertise, particularly in the areas of psychology, geography, urban education, Holocaust and genocide studies, environmental studies, and international development and social change.

Guilford College - It is one of only 10 colleges in North Carolina appearing in the guide. Its 94 “green rating” ranks Guilford fifth in the state. Guilford also appeared in last year’s guide with a green rating of 95. Guilford’s administration is committed to sustainability, joining the American Colleges and Universities Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) in 2007.

Wofford College - The guide notes a number of “green highlights” for Wofford, including: the establishment of the Office of Community Sustainability; the work toward finalizing the campus Climate Action Plan; the college’s Sustainable Living Initiative aimed at residence halls and other areas of student life; the development of the interdisciplinary environmental studies program; the renovation and restoration of the old Glendale Mill office into the Goodall Environmental Studies Center, the first academic building in South Carolina to be LEED Platinum certified; and the Wofford Santee Cooper Lecture Series on Sustainability and Energy.

Western Carolina University (WCU) - It is recognized as one of the most environmentally responsible colleges in the United States and Canada. In addition, the report also notes that 9 percent of WCU’s food budget is spent on local or organic food, and that WCU hosts a variety of efforts and projects to green the campus, including recycling drives, Campus Sustainability Day and Earth Day.

* Next: Green Metric World University Ranking

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Kelvin Wong Loke Yuen is a top academician with extensive years of teaching experience. He holds an MBA and a Postgraduate Diploma from Heriot-Watt (UK's World-Class University) and a BCom degree from Adelaide (Australia's Group of Eight University), as well as many other internationally recognized certifications. Check out his profile on: LinkedIn

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