St. Mary’s College is one of the 322 most environmentally responsible colleges in the U.S. and Canada, according to The Princeton Review. The education services company, known for its test prep programs and college rankings, ratings and guidebooks, profiles St. Mary’s College in the fourth annual edition of its downloadable book, “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges.”
The Princeton Review chose schools for this guide based on a 50-question survey it conducted in 2012 of administrators at hundreds of four-year colleges. The company analyzed data from the survey about the schools’ course offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation to measure their commitment to the environment and to sustainability.
Published April 16, a few days before the April 22 celebration of Earth Day, the 215-page guide is the only free comprehensive resource of its kind. The 322 school profiles in the guide feature essential information for applicants – facts and stats on school demographics, admission, financial aid – plus write-ups on each school’s specific sustainability initiatives. A “Green Facts” sidebar reports on a wide range of topics from a school’s use of renewable energy sources, recycling and conservation programs to the availability of environmental studies and career guidance for green jobs.
In the guide’s profile on St. Mary’s College, among many other sustainability practices, The Princeton Review highlights that the college derives 63 percent of its energy consumption from renewable sources.
“We are truly pleased to recommend St. Mary’s College along with all of the fine schools in this book to the many students seeking colleges that practice and promote environmentally responsible choices and practices,” said Robert Franek, senior VP/publisher, The Princeton Review.
The Princeton Review created its “Guide to 322 Green Colleges” in partnership with the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), with generous support from United Technologies Corp., founding sponsor of the Center for Green Schools.