The Princeton Review has named Temple University one of the 332 most environmentally responsible colleges in the U.S. and Canada.
Environmental issues are increasingly important to those applying to college. A 2013 Princeton Review survey found that 62 percent of 9,955 college applicants said their decision to apply to or attend a school would be impacted by information about that college s commitment to the environment.
We know that students are now weighing a school s climate commitment when they are deciding where to attend, said Kathleen Grady, director of the Office of Sustainability at Temple. Temple s inclusion in Guide to 332 Green Colleges showcases the university s sustainability initiatives and makes the university more competitive when recruiting new students.
The report praises Temple for creating its Office of Sustainability only three months after signing the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment a pledge created to address global climate disruptions made by colleges and universities through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the promotion of research and educational efforts focused on re-stabilizing Earth s climate.
The Office of Sustainability also is highlighted for its creation of an Eco Village a pop-up exhibit that features displays, demonstrations and performances about sustainability at the Bell Tower on Main Campus and the completion of a Climate Action Plan, which details the university s efforts toward carbon neutrality.
Among Temple s many eco-friendly initiatives are three solar-charging stations, which allow students to plug in and recharge their electronic devices in an environmentally friendly way; a solar array installed on the south-facing roof of Edberg-Olson Hall; and a green roof atop the new Architecture Building.
Selections for The Princeton Review s Guide to 332 Green Colleges: 2014 Edition are made based on a survey of administrators at hundreds of four-year colleges that measures their schools commitment to sustainability. The survey includes questions about course offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation.
To view a complete list of colleges included in the guide, visit the Princeton Review.
Lindsey Murray
