For fourth consecutive year, Virginia Tech ranked among the 'greenest colleges' in nation
For the fourth consecutive year, Virginia Tech ranks among the most environmentally responsible universities in the United States and Canada, according to the Princeton Review.
The Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges profiles institutions of higher education that demonstrate a notable commitment to course offerings, campus infrastructure, activities, and career preparation. The Princeton Review selected 322 schools for this guide based on “green rating” scores of 83 or higher. Virginia Tech earned a score of 98.
“Virginia Tech is recognized at both the state and national levels for being a leader in campus sustainability, and to be featured in the Princeton Review’s annual publication demonstrates our commitment,” said Denny Cochrane, Virginia Tech’s sustainability program manager.
Research conducted by the Princeton Review suggests nearly two-thirds of all incoming freshmen include sustainability as a factor when making a decision to attend a specific college or university.
"Advancing sustainability on campus provides a very positive impact on our ability to recruit the best and the brightest students,” said Cochrane.
In 2009, Virginia Tech adopted the Climate Action Commitment and Sustainability Plan which set goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, and the commitment to pursue LEED Silver certification standards or better for new campus buildings. The university conducts annual assessments to measure progress on the 14 point plan every year.
"We are pleased Virginia Tech continues to be ranked among the most environmentally responsible universities in the nation," said Sherwood Wilson, vice president for administration. “Our inclusion is a testament to the hard work and dedication of students, staff, faculty, and alumni ensuring sustainability is supported at all levels on Virginia Tech’s campus."
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech takes a hands-on, engaging approach to education, preparing scholars to be leaders in their fields and communities. As the commonwealth’s most comprehensive university and its leading research institution, Virginia Tech offers 240 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 31,000 students and manages a research portfolio of $513 million. The university fulfills its land-grant mission of transforming knowledge to practice through technological leadership and by fueling economic growth and job creation locally, regionally, and across Virginia.
