USU “Green” College for Third Year in a Row

The Princeton Review, in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council, has named Utah State University a “green” college for the third year in a row. The designation honors the university’s commitment to sustainability and recognizes the wide-range of “green” initiatives taken to minimize USU’s carbon footprint.
 
“It is an honor to be included on this list as it shows that USU believes that doing what is right for the environment and what is right for our students don’t have to be mutually exclusive,” said Frazer.
 
The Princeton Review rates schools based on criteria such as availability of transportation alternatives, new construction LEED-certification, the existence of a sustainability committee and whether or not it offers a degree in environmental education.
 
The review took notice of USU’s use of natural gas heating, the ever-expanding recycling program and the Aggie Blue Bike program, where students can use free bikes to commute or travel around campus. To its credit, USU also has seven LEED-certified buildings including the new Agricultural Sciences building and the almost-completed Regional Campuses and Distance Education building.
 
According to Frazer, these projects and programs, combined with future initiatives, are helping USU become a truly “green” university.
 
“In 2007, USU President Albrecht was the first from Utah to sign the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment,” said Frazer. “USU is committed to becoming a more sustainable as well as carbon-free university.”
 
The list includes 322 colleges and universities from across the nation. Both University of Utah and Westminster College were named as well.
 
For more information about sustainability at USU, visit the website.