The Princeton Review analyzes data from the survey about the schools’ course offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation to measure their commitment to the environment and to sustainability.

“The OSU community has once again demonstrated a high level of interest in and competency around sustainability,” said Brandon Trelstad, OSU’s sustainability coordinator.

The 215-page guide is the only free comprehensive resource of its kind. It can be downloaded at www.princetonreview.com/green-guide and www.centerforgreenschools.org/greenguide.  It does not rank schools hierarchically, but each school’s green score can be found in their school profile on the main site (http://www.princetonreview.com/).

The 322 school profiles in the guide feature essential information for applicants – facts and stats on school demographics, admission, financial aid – plus write-ups on the schools’ specific sustainability initiatives.  A “Green Facts” sidebar reports on a wide range of topics from the school’s use of renewable energy sources, recycling and conservation programs to the availability of environmental studies and career guidance for green jobs.

“The volume and breadth of sustainability related work at this institution is amazing, and fascinatingly diverse,” Trelstad said. “I think what continually sets OSU apart is its broad spectrum of sustainability expertise. This is supported by students who care about global issues and come to OSU to build on that interest.”

Among OSU’s green highlights were an overall waste diversion rate of 42 percent, its numerous sustainability awards, its annual Nonprofit Career Day, and a building policy that ensures students will typically walk no further than 10 minutes across campus for class.

“OSU has a history of creating innovative projects to reduce energy use and meet its goal of climate neutrality by 2024,” the guide states.

The Princeton Review created its “Guide to 322 Green Colleges” in partnership with the Center for Green Schools (www.usgbc.org) at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)), with generous support from United Technologies Corp. (www.utc.com), founding sponsor of the Center for Green Schools.

The Princeton Review partnered with the U.S. Green Building Council and released their third annual edition of a guidebook showcasing North America’s most environmentally responsible “green colleges.” The list profiles 322 different schools in the United States and Canada “that demonstrate notable commitments to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation.”

Schools were chosen based on a survey that was conducted in 2011 to hundreds of colleges across the U.S. and Canada. The survey asked more than fifty questions about the institution’s sustainability-related policies, practices, and programs. Of the 768 institutions that received a Green Rating, only 322 of the schools received a score of 83 or above.

College applicants using this free, 232 page, guide will be able to view each school’s most impressive environmental and sustainable initiatives, view facts and statistics, and identify schools with LEED-certified buildings. Of course the applicants will also be able to view each school’s admission, financial aid, and student enrollment information.

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OSU Solar Trail in the Memorial Union Quad

The OSU Solar Trailer captures and stores solar energy. The trailer is used to power outdoor events on campus and in the community. Viviane Simon-Brown is the coordinator for OSU Extension’s Sustainably Living Project and the founder of the National Network for Sustainable Living Education. The network is comprised of natural resource and extension professionals who “investigate, educate, and model sustainable living practices to individuals, families, institutions, businesses, camps, and schools.” Oregon State also has a growing number of LEED-certified buildings on campus, including the only LEED Platinum-certified building, the OSU Energy Center, in the United States. Other categories that OSU did well in during the evaluation include co-curricular education, research, dining services, grounds, water, coordination and planning, diversity and affordability, and human resources.

“We are the first Oregon university to be rated, let alone reach the (gold) rating,” said Brandon Trelstad, the coordinator for OSU’s sustainability coordinator. Oregon State University is fulfilling its mission to the state of Oregon by keeping our continued commitment to sustainability.

To read more: http://oregonstate.edu/ua/ncs/archives/2011/feb/osu-receives-gold-sustainability-designation

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The Energy Center at OSU has been awarded Platinum LEED status, the highest certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. In addition to Kearney Hall and Kelley Engineering Building (both Gold LEED status) as LEED certified buildings on campus, the Energy Center is the first power facility in the nation to achieve platinum certification. The Energy Center provides half of OSU’s electricity supply and will reduce carbon emissions by 38 percent.

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