Binghamton University is one of only 11 colleges in the nation to be named to The Princeton Review’s first-ever “green rating” of colleges. Binghamton is also the only SUNY institution named to the honor roll.
The green rating is a numerical score of 60 to 99 that The Princeton Review tallied for 534 colleges and universities based on data collected from the schools in the 2007-08 academic year concerning their environmentally related policies, practices and academic offerings. Binghamton scored a 99.
"The commitment that many colleges and their student bodies have made to environmental issues — indeed, to the environment — in their practices, use of resources and academic and research programs is truly compelling," Robert Franek, vice president and publisher of The Princeton Review, said. "It is the students of today who will face and hopefully find solutions for the enormous environmental challenges confronting our planet’s future."
Binghamton’s sustainability efforts range from an energy management system to recycling efforts that include organic gardening and composting. Other initiatives include a range of energy-saving projects, LEED building standards and educational efforts that include a residential community energy contest as well as regular programs and events that engage and educate the campus community in thinking about and changing energy habits.
The honor roll also includes Arizona State University-Tempe; Bates College and College of the Atlantic, both in Maine; Emory University; Georgia Institute of Technology; Harvard College; University of New Hampshire; University of Oregon; University of Washington and Yale University.
In fall 2007, President Lois B. DeFleur was a charter signatory endorsing the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. To date, more than 500 universities nationwide have signed on to work toward a goal of climate neutrality.
