Gordon Named One of Country's 'Greenest' Colleges

has been named one of the 322 “greenest” colleges in the country, according to a list released by The Princeton Review.

The release of the list "The Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges: 2012 Edition" coincided with Earth Day last weekend. It put Gordon among “the most environmentally responsible green colleges in the nation.”

The guide highlights the environmental commitments of schools like Gordon, including details about the institutions' sustainability initiatives, conservation programs, green reporting statistics, environmental studies programs and green job career guidance.

"A dedication to sustainability has permeated all aspects of the college’s operations, not the least of which is academics," the guide says about Gordon, later adding: "The Frost Hall Wetland Restoration Project reclaimed a wetland that had been paved over, and the Gordon College Physical Plant emphasizes recycling and energy conservation."

The guide also contains an introductory section discussing sustainability issues and advice on living green on campus.

“As a Christian liberal arts college, Gordon believes that it has a responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world through stewardship and environmental care, both locally and internationally,” the college said in an announcing that it was named to the list. “Signature Gordon programs include the Green Chemistry program, Restore Creation initiatives and the student club Advocates for a Sustainable Future.”

The Green Colleges list was first released by The Princeton Review in 2010 in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council, the organization that developed the LEED green building rating system.

Nearby, the list also includes Endicott College in Beverly. The complete list is attached to this story as PDF.

"College-bound students are increasingly interested in sustainability issues," said Robert Franek, senior vice president and publisher for The Princeton Review in the announcement this week. "Among 7,445 college applicants who participated in a 2012 'College Hopes & Worries Survey,' 68 percent told us that having information about a school’s commitment to the environment would influence their decision to apply to or attend the school."

The Princeton Review chose the 322 schools on the list based on a 2011 survey conducted of 768 colleges across the U.S. and in Canada. The survey tallied its annual "Green Rating" scores - from 60 to 99 - for profiles in the guidebook. The survey asked administrators more than 50 questions about their institution's sustainability-related policies, practices and programs. The 322 schools in the guide received scores of 83 or above in that assessment.