Greening of the American Campus

Abstract

"I am perhaps proudest that Willamette's susainability achievements were largely studentinitiated," said M. Lee Pelton, Willamette's president. "These are students whose passion, leadership and creativity transformed our campus culture. They inspire and motivate others on this campus and beyond."For this reason, several organizations, including the Sustainable Endowments Institute and the Sierra Club, offer college ratings and rankings. The Princeton Review, best know for its test-prep courses and other resources that help students get into college, recently rolled out its first "Green Honor Roll." Officials at the Princeton Review said the green ratings were initiated this year because of the importance environmental issues are playing in quality of life on campus. The Review's annual "College Hopes & Worries" survey revealed that 63 percent of respondents said they would value information about the college's commitment to the environment, and 24 percent of students said the rating would affect their decision to apply or attend the school."It is difficult to determine whether Georgia Tech's sustainability effort wtil affect the recruiting of undergraduate students," said Anderson Smith, senior vice provost for academic affairs. "It is interesting to note, however, that the undergraduate student government listed environmental sustainabdity as their highest priority on campus. This shows that students today are very interested in the environment and in helping Georgia Tech increase our sustainabdity efforts."