BGSU again recognized as a ‘green college’ by Princeton Review

University receives designation for fourth straight year

For the fourth year in a row, Bowling Green State University has been named one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges, according to the 2019 Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges.

The guide, released Oct. 22, profiles colleges “having the most exceptional commitments to sustainability … based on their academic offerings, campus policies, initiatives, activities and career preparation for students.” This is the fifth time overall that BGSU has been recognized by the guide.

The Princeton Review chose colleges based on “Green Rating” scores tallied using data from its survey of administrators in 2018-19. The survey asked administrators to report on their sustainability-related policies, practices and programs. Schools with Green Rating scores of 80 or higher (out of 99) made it into the 2019 guide; BGSU’s score was 98.

The ranking provides a good reference for prospective students, who show a growing interest in attending colleges committed to the environment. Robert Franek, the Princeton Review’s editor-in-chief, said that college applicants and their parents are increasingly concerned about the environment and sustainability issues.

“It’s nice to be recognized for some of the things happening in the sustainability area,” said Nicholas Hennessy, BGSU sustainability manager. “It’s important to recognize that sustainability is something that needs support from the entire University community, and is not achieved by one office alone. We plan to continue to move forward with our plans for sustainability since there is still a great deal more to do to reduce our environmental impact.”

Academic areas across BGSU offer courses that educate students about the environment and sustainability, from the School of Earth, Environment and Society to construction management to biology to architecture and environmental design and interior design, among others.

In 2012, BGSU signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, committing the University to take action on climate change through a goal of carbon-neutrality. In 2014, BGSU submitted its Climate Action Plan and began to implement it.  Those efforts are currently being coordinated by the President’s Council on Sustainability with the help of the entire campus. Among the many projects moving the University toward carbon neutrality and emissions reduction are numerous LED lighting upgrades, LEED building construction/renovation, increases in waste diversion, and the study of renewable energy feasibility. More information on the University’s progress toward its sustainability goals and its Climate Action Plan is available on the Office of Campus Sustainability website.