RU ranks again among greenest U.S. campuses

Receives unique recognition among Virginia universities

For the fourth year in a row, Radford University has been recognized by The Princeton Review for its commitment to building and maintaining a sustainable, environmentally friendly campus.

The Princeton Review announced this week that RU is included in its "Guide to 322 Green Colleges: 2013 Edition." Radford has been listed every year since the green colleges guide's first publication in 2010 in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Center for Green Schools.

The Princeton Review singled out RU for receiving the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star certification for five buildings, four of which are residence halls, noting that Radford is the "only university in Virginia to receive certification for residence halls."

"This recognition by The Princeton Review is a reflection of the unwavering commitment of our administration, faculty, staff and students to Radford University’s goal of being a model of sustainable campus practices," RU President Penelope W. Kyle said. "We are particularly pleased The Princeton Review noted that Radford is the only Virginia university to achieve the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star certification for residence halls. Being recognized for these accomplishments is certainly an indicator that we are making strides toward our goal of being the Commonwealth’s greenest campus."

This year's green colleges guide profiles 320 institutions of higher education in the United States and two in Canada that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation.

RU also was recognized for its WeCar vehicle sharing program, for partnering with the City of Radford to provide the RU Transit bus service and for energy-efficiency measures that "continue to keep Radford ahead of the curve." The guide also commended RU students who have participated in sustainability efforts.

RU Sustainability Coordinator Julio Stephens said, "This is another great recognition of Radford University’s ongoing sustainability efforts. Being included for the fourth straight year will only help to build on previous successes and attract even more sustainability-minded students."

The Princeton Review calls its publication the "only free, comprehensive guide that focuses solely on colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to the environment and to sustainability." The guide is available online.

Learn more about Radford University at www.radford.edu.

Apr 17, 2013
Chad Osborne
(540) 831-7761
caosborne@radford.edu