OSU named a “top green school” by Princeton Review

By Abbie Leland on Oct. 15, 2015
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Benton Hall

Oregon State University was ranked number 38 of “50 Top Green Schools” in the 2015 edition of The Princeton Review Guide to 353 Green Colleges.

The guide profiles colleges with exceptional commitments to sustainability, based on their academic offerings and career preparation for students, campus policies, initiatives, and activities. It also gives college applicants information about each school’s admission requirements, cost and financial aid, as well as student body facts and statistics.

OSU received a green rating score of 98, and was recognized for its formal sustainability committee, available transportation alternatives and the availability of sustainability-focused degrees, among other things.

The company tallied 861 colleges in summer 2014, using data from its 2013-14 survey of school administrators. The survey asked them to report on their school’s sustainability-related policies, practices, and programs.

The guide is available online at http://bit.ly/1DQ8te0 and is the only free comprehensive resource of its kind.

According to the review, students at OSU enjoy an “exceptional ‘green living’ education” on campus. Even the exercise machines at the recreation center help power the university’s electrical grid. Known for its excellent reputation in sustainability, many students are drawn to OSU’s outstanding engineering, forestry, biology, and geoscience programs.

“OSU continues to be recognized for going above and beyond in its efforts to create a sustainable campus and a well-rounded student experience that increases awareness of critical global issues,” said Brandon Trelstad, OSU’s sustainability coordinator. “It’s great to be consistently recognized by the Princeton Review and other organizations, and it encourages us to keep meeting higher goals for our sustainability efforts.”