The LEED platinum-rated Roe Center, a hallmark of Central’s commitment to sustainability.
Central College has been chosen as one of the most “green” colleges in the nation by The Princeton Review. The publication, “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges: 2013 Edition,” named Central to the list as one of only six Iowa institutions.
The guide is published in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council’s Center for Green Schools and focuses solely on colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to the environment and sustainability.
A number of factors were used to determine the top schools. Some include whether the college has an environmental studies major, minor or concentration, whether the school has a formal committee with participation from students that is devoted to advancing
sustainability on campus and the percentage of cleaning products used at the school that are green certified.
“This national recognition—which takes into account many aspects of our commitment to campus sustainability, but even more importantly, cites our national leadership in incorporating sustainability education across our curriculum as a graduation core requirement and in the form of our new interdisciplinary minor in global sustainability—is a strong vote of confidence in a key aspect of our institutional mission and goals,” said Jim Zaffiro, professor of political science.
Of the 806 schools reporting green ratings, 322 were chosen for the guide. Green Ratings, according to the guide, range from 60-99, using data from surveys. All schools in the guide received an 83 or higher Green Rating. Central received a rating of 84.
All Central students must complete a global sustainability core curriculum requirement, and a global sustainability minor was recently added. Central is also home to Iowa’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver building, the Vermeer Science Center, and added a gold-certified residence hall. In 2009, the Roe Center received a platinum LEED rating. The facility features a green roof, natural ventilating system, radiant floor heating/cooling system and daylight harvesting systems.
“Sustainability remains a core value of the college and a signature initiative for our future,” said Mark Putnam, president. “This recognition reinforces the importance of our commitments and keeping our promises for the future.”
For a full list of the schools included in the guide, visit www.centerforgreenschools.org/greenguide.
