Radford University ranks among greenest college campuses in 2018

The Princeton Review has once again recognized Radford University for its commitment to building and maintaining a sustainable, environmentally friendly campus.

Known for its test preparatory programs and college rankings, ratings and guidebooks, the company profiled Radford University in its 2018 edition of The Princeton Review Guide to 399 Green Colleges. The guide was released Oct. 16, and is available online. 

It is the ninth consecutive year that Radford University has been recognized by the education service company for sustainability practices. The guide recognizes the importance of sustainability to prospective students and their families in their choice of college.

“We’re excited to again be listed on The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green College,” said Josh Nease, Radford University Sustainability manager and academic program manager. “We appreciate the recognition for our concerted and ongoing efforts to create a sustainable Radford University.” 

The Princeton Review chose schools for its annual guide based on data from the company's 2017-18 survey of 648 colleges and universities. Questions centered on each schools' sustainability-related policies, practices and programs.

The survey asked participants to report on their school's sustainability-related policies, practices and programs. More than 25 data points were weighted in the assessment, according to The Princeton Review. Data from student surveys include rankings of how sustainability issues influence their education and life on campus and the visibility and impact of student environmental groups.

At Radford, the Student Sustainability Internship Team and the Green Team plan and organize many campus sustainability initiatives.

"Radford University is continually making an effort to become more sustainable every day,” said Karla Colina, a senior from Winchester who serves as secretary of sustainability for the university’s Student Government Association. “Throughout the four years that I have been here, sustainability has been a huge part of my Radford experience and I hope that this pattern continues amongst our entire student body."

Schools with Green Rating scores of 80 or higher made it into this year’s guide. Radford scored 92 out of 99, a two-point improvement from last year’s ranking. Most of the 399 institutions in the guide are in the United States. Thirteen are in Canada, and one is in Egypt and another is in Greece.

The profiles found in The Princeton Review's guide provide information about each school's admission requirements, cost and financial aid, and student body statistics. Profiles also include "Green Facts" about the schools with details focusing on the availability of transportation alternatives and the percentage of the school’s food budgets spent on local/organic food.

"We strongly recommend Radford University and the other fine colleges in this guide to the many environmentally-minded students who seek to study and live at green colleges," wrote The Princeton Review's Editor-in-Chief, Robert Franek.