BGSU sustainability efforts score high marks in national 'green college' rankings

BGSU is the only university in Ohio to earn a perfect score in The Princeton Review's 2025 Guide to Green Colleges rankings

By Branden Ferguson

Bowling Green State University has once again been recognized nationally for its commitment to sustainability across the learning community, earning a perfect score in The Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges 2025 rankings.

BGSU is the only university in Ohio, and one of 45 nationwide, to receive a 99 out of 99 in the annual rankings. This is the twelfth time the University has been recognized as a green college by The Princeton Review.

"We are thrilled with the recognition and are continually looking at ways to improve sustainability and environmental impact reduction at BGSU," said Dr. Nicholas Hennessy, sustainability manager at BGSU. "As a public university for the public good, we are proud to be recognized for our efforts, but we are eager to continue to further our sustainability journey and decrease our carbon footprint."

Recognizing 511 colleges nationwide in this year's rankings, The Princeton Review surveyed schools on their conservation efforts, pollution reduction, student-led sustainability initiatives and buildings with high energy efficiency and sustainability features.

Conservation and sustainability are demonstrated throughout campus in building renovations, green roof bike racks, a solar charging table that allows students to charge their devices with solar power, and the recent addition of LED lighting inside the renovated Slater Family Ice Arena, which was partially funded by the BGSU Student Green Initiatives Fund, among other things.

The Student Green Initiatives Fund — a pool of money available from an opt-out fee per semester — has supported nearly $2 million in student-proposed projects across campus, reducing waste and energy consumption, decreasing the University's carbon footprint and promoting environmentally-friendly behavior.

"Students who participate in the fund have the opportunity to have their voices heard and help decide how the Green Fund money is going to be used to make the University more sustainable," Hennessy said. "If proposals align with the University's sustainability goals, we work with students to help them fit their ideas into a project."

Projects funded through the Green Fund include BGSU propane shuttle bus conversion, LED lighting in Perry Field House, exterior LED lights throughout campus and the dedication of $500,000 toward the University's commitment to solar energy. BGSU also diverts an average of more than 30 tons of pre-consumer food waste annually from landfills through a composting program funded through the Green Fund.

"Our students care about the environment and come to us with proposals and ideas surrounding sustainability," said Hennessy. "Student ideas lead to student-funded projects - each one furthering our commitment to sustainability."

Hennessy said the University's push for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – or LEED – certified buildings is a key part of maintaining a green campus. BGSU currently has 13 LEED-certified buildings across campus, a number that is likely to increase to 14 with the construction of the new Technology Engineering Innovation Center.

Hennessy said that while alternative energy sources, including geothermal heating and cooling for buildings, continue to be explored, solar power could become more prevalent on campus in the coming years.

"Renewable solar energy is probably the closest we are getting to having truly renewable energy generated on campus," Hennessy said. "There's plenty of space for it, and several locations could house rather large solar arrays. Partnering with the city of Bowling Green on this holds great potential."

BGSU has seven electric vehicle charging stations, 18 green-certified offices, 79 approved Green Fund proposals and a commitment through the University's climate action plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2040, among other metrics and accomplishments.

For a full list of sustainability efforts, visit BGSU.edu/sustainability.