Towson University is one of the country’s most environmentally responsible campuses, according to The Princeton Review’s Guide to 332 Green Colleges: 2014 Edition, a guidebook focused solely on institutions of higher education that have demonstrated an above-average commitment to sustainability via campus infrastructure, activities and initiatives.
From solar panel study rooms to the percentage of budget spent on local/organic food, the guidebook looks at an institution’s commitment to environmental literacy programs; formal sustainability committees; use of renewable energy resources; recycling and conservation programs; and other green initiatives.
“To all students seeking to study and live at ‘green’ colleges we strongly recommend these schools,” says Robert Franek, senior VP/publisher of The Princeton Review.
TU is one of seven Maryland schools selected for inclusion, and one of just four from the University System of Maryland. The Princeton Review developed the guidebook in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council, based on a survey of hundreds of colleges in the U.S. and Canada.
“At Towson we take great pride in our commitment to sustainability and preserving our previous natural resources,” says university president Maravene Loeschke. “We view our campus as a learning lab, where our students gain valuable lessons about sustainability that will stay with them throughout their lives.”
Among its many green programs, the university was recognized for its carbon neutrality policy, the single-stream recycling system, participation in RecycleMania, the “Go Green” orientation campaign, the Conservation Contest and the annual Stream Clean-Up.
The sustainability of TU’s Dining Services division was also given special recognition for its use of products like antibiotic-reduced pork and chicken, cage-free eggs and fair trade coffee. The university has a “Trayless Tuesdays” program in dining halls to reduce water consumption and food waste, and processes its used fryer oil into biodiesel.
