The Princeton Review Names Gordon College a Top "Green" School

As the nation gears up to celebrate Earth Day this weekend, Gordon College received news that The Princeton Review has selected Gordon as one of the most environmentally responsible green colleges in the nation.

"The Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges: 2012 Edition" was released this week, just days prior to the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day. The guide highlights the environmental commitments of schools like Gordon College, including details about the institutions' sustainability initiatives, conservation programs, green reporting statistics, environmental studies programs, and green job career guidance. It also contains an introductory section discussing sustainability issues and advice on living green on campus.

"Gordon College is in many ways at the leading edge of environmental leadership in the way it uses energy and natural resources," said Paul A. Helgesen, director of plant operations and sustainability. "We take very seriously our role in overseeing how Gordon impacts our local and global environment. We strive to make decisions every day to limit our use of fossil fuels, water and sewage." Gordon has a daytime population of approximately 1900 people. "We have the impact of a small town," said Helgesen. "We must be careful to manage our resources in a manner which would be pleasing to our Creator. "

As a Christian liberal arts college, Gordon believes that it has a responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world through stewardship and environmental care, both locally and internationally. Signature Gordon programs include the Green Chemistry program, Restore Creation initiatives and the student club Advocates for a Sustainable Future.

The Princeton Review, well known for its education and test-prep services, first created this one-of-a-kind resource for college-bound students in 2010 in collaboration with the U.S. Green Building Council, which is best-known for developing the LEED green building rating system. In 2010, USGBC launched its Center for Green Schools to increase its efforts to drive change in how campuses and schools are designed, constructed and operated so that all educational facilities might not only enhance student learning experiences, but also contribute to a campus culture of environmental stewardship.

"College-bound students are increasingly interested in sustainability issues," said Robert Franek, senior vice president and publisher for The Princeton Review. "Among 7,445 college applicants who participated in a 2012 'College Hopes & Worries Survey,' 68% told us that having information about a school’s commitment to the environment would influence their decision to apply to or attend the school."

"I am very pleased to have Gordon included in the Princeton Review's Green Colleges list," said Biology Professor Dorothy Boorse, who is also a member of Gordon's Sustainability Committee. "All over campus there are efforts to be sustainable and to care for the creation as a part of our action as transformative agents in the world. Students, faculty and staff contribute a great deal to the work of Gods people in caring for the creation and for our neighbors."

The Princeton Review chose 322 schools based on a 2011 survey conducted of 768 colleges across the U.S. and in Canada. The survey tallied its annual "Green Rating" scores (scaled from 60 to 99) for profiles in the guidebook. The survey asked administrators more than 50 questions about their institution's sustainability-related policies, practices and programs. The 322 schools in this guide received scores of 83 or above in that assessment.

University Press Release here.