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Niagara University listed among Princeton Review's 'Green Colleges'

by jmaloni

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Tue, Apr 22nd 2014 04:00 pm

Niagara University is one of the 332 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 NU in the fifth annual edition of its free downloadable book, "The Princeton Review's Guide to 332 Green Colleges."

The Princeton Review chose the schools for this guide based on a survey it conducted in 2013 of administrators at hundreds of four-year colleges to measure the schools' commitment to the environment and to sustainability. The institutional survey included questions on the schools' course offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation.

Published April 17, a few days before the April 22 celebration of Earth Day, the 216-page guide is the only free comprehensive resource of its kind. It can be downloaded at www.princetonreview.com/green-guide.

The Princeton Review created its "Guide to 332 Green Colleges" in partnership with the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The 322 school profiles in the guide feature essential information for applicants - facts and stats on school demographics, admission and financial aid - plus write-ups on the schools' sustainability initiatives. A "Green Facts" sidebar reports on a wide range of topics from the 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 Niagara University, The Princeton Review recognizes the school "has outlined a thorough set of goals that include developing new sustainability-related educational programs, environmentally responsible practices, energy conservation, recycling, green building project initiatives, and a conscientious self-evaluation of what Niagara is doing to protect the environment. The campus boasts both a LEED-certified, 55,000-square-foot academic complex and the Dwyer Ice Arena, equipped with 25-kilowatt roof solar panels. Bike racks, a new bike path, a free shuttle bus, and a new Zipcar program show NU's commitment to green transportation. The university has policies in place to use only green cleaning products and recycled paper, and a whopping 98 percent of NU's electricity is purchased from a hydroelectric generator! With all its green initiatives, it seems NU's plan to go carbon neutral by 2050 is more reality than dream."

"We are extremely pleased to be recognized by The Princeton Review, as it fortifies Niagara University's ongoing campus-wide commitment to sustainability," stated Dr. Mark Gallo, co-chair of Niagara's sustainability task force. "This honor is really an expression of the remarkable efforts that so many students, faculty and staff have put forth to create a more sustainable campus and it's great to see these efforts acknowledged."

"We are pleased to recommend Niagara University to the many students seeking colleges that practice and promote environmentally responsible choices and practices," said Rob Franek, senior VP/publisher, The Princeton Review.

Franek noted his company's recent survey findings indicating significant interest among college applicants in attending "green" colleges. "Among 10,116 college applicants who participated in our 2014 'College Hopes & Worries Survey,' 61 percent said having information about a school's commitment to the environment would influence their decision to apply to or attend the school," he said.

Rachel Gutter, director of the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council, commented, "In collaborating with The Princeton Review on this annual guide, we have seen that sustainability on campuses continues to be an important deciding factor for today's four-year college-bound students. We are excited to once again provide prospective students and their parents with a resource to help them navigate this often daunting decision-making process."

For more on Niagara University's sustainability initiatives, visit www.niagara.edu/green.

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