UCF maintained its standing this year as one of the 330 most environmentally responsible colleges in the nation, according to The Princeton Review’s annual “Guide to Green Colleges.”
The 2014 list was released this week just ahead of April 22 Earth Day in partnership with the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council. The schools are not ranked on the fifth annual list, which also included UCF last year.
The Princeton Review education-services company chose the schools based on a survey of administrators at about 830 four-year colleges to measure a commitment to the environment and to sustainability. The survey included questions on the schools’ course offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation. The guide also includes information on the schools’ use of renewable energy sources, recycling and conservation programs, availability of environmental studies and career guidance for green jobs.
The guidebook praised UCF’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gases by offering shuttles to improve efficiency and convenience of transportation to and around campus. Among other measures, the campus uses a 3 million gallon thermal energy storage facility that reduces the cost of cooling the university, and an annual Student Energy Conservation Competition program helps save energy and increase student awareness.
“We have seen that sustainability on campuses continues to be an important deciding factor for today’s four-year college-bound students,” said Rachel Gutter, director of the Center for Green Schools. This annual resource helps students and parents navigate the decision-making process of where to apply, she said.
Nine other institutions in Florida made the list: Eckerd College, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida State University, Rollins College, Stetson University, University of Florida, University of Miami, and University of South Florida.
The 216-page guide is available to download at www.princetonreview.com/green-guide and www.centerforgreenschools.org/greenguide.