Schools

KSU Named 'Green College'

Kennesaw State makes the list of environmentally responsible colleges for the second consecutive year.

With Earth Day fast-approaching, has been named one of the nation's most environmentally responsible "green colleges" by The Princeton Review.

University officials announced Thursday that for the second consecutive year, Kennesaw State earned a spot in the Guide to 322 Green Colleges. The publication profiles institutions of higher education that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation. In order to make the list, institutions must receive a score of 83 or better out of a possible 99 points.

“A growing number of students look at green ratings as part of their choice criteria,” KSU Sustainability Director R.C. Paul said in a release. “Kennesaw State is becoming a school of choice, and I think this rating is something that can add to the university’s appeal.”

To produce the third annual edition of the free guidebook, The Princeton Review partnered with the United States Green Building Council, a national nonprofit organization that developed the LEED green building certification program.

According to Paul, the university's Social Sciences Building and Commons Student Culinary Center are both fully certified LEED green buildings. Prillaman Hall is in the process of being certified, and a fourth, the Science Laboratory Addition, is currently under construction.

“From fiscal year 2008 to fiscal year 2010, we experienced 8 percent growth in our student population, but only 1 percent growth in greenhouse gas emissions,” Paul said. “The biggest declines came in emissions per student, which dropped by 9 percent, and emissions per square foot.”

Paul credited facilities, planning and The Commons with doing the most to green the campus. The Commons has 100 acres of farmland, which supplies organic, locally grown fruits and vegetables to the student dining hall.

The biggest challenge facing the university’s green effort continues to be single-occupancy vehicles, Paul said, noting the new shuttle system is helping to reduce the university’s carbon footprint.

On Monday, April 23, the university will celebrate Earth Day with live music, giveaways, games and recycling for old computers, printers, cellphones and other electronic devices.

“KSU can and should be at the vanguard in promoting sustainability and environmental awareness in this region,” Paul said. “The Princeton Review rating acknowledges that we’ve begun to make progress in this endeavor.”


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