Binghamton University has recently been recognized for its “green activities” by the Princeton Review in its second annual “Green Rating” contest this past July.
SUNY Binghamton is one of 15 colleges in the nation to achieve this recognition, and the only SUNY school to do so.
The Green Rating is a score from 60 to 99 given by the Princeton Review to 637 colleges across the United States. Those in the Green Rating list that score perfect 99s are placed on a Green Honor Roll, which includes Binghamton University.
“[The Green Rating system] is growing tremendously among students and administrators alike,” Robert Franek, vice president and publisher of the Princeton Review said. “This year we saw a 30 percent increase in the number of colleges participating in our Green Rating survey. Many have shown extraordinary commitments to environmental issues and to the environment in their practices and programs.”
Campus Climate Task Force, an environmental group at BU, has created many initiatives related to improving the amount of green area on campus, including increasing the use of solar power and starting a comprehensive recycling program.
The “America’s Greenest Campus” contest has been going on since March of this year, with several prizes for campuses who contribute the most.
“The grand prize is $10,000,” said Ryan Lichtenstein, a Southern Illinois University student who interned at America’s Greenest Campus this summer. “But there are multiple winners. The campus that has the most people participating wins $5,000, and the campus that reduces its carbon the most wins $5,000, to name a few. Obviously, the same campus can win multiple awards.”
Prize money will be handed out when the contest concludes on Oct. 5.
Binghamton is far from alone in its dedication to achieving climate neutrality. Over 640 universities across the country have signed on with American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). Binghamton University President Lois DeFleur signed a charter endorsing the organization during the fall of 2007.
“Binghamton University is committed to sustainability,” DeFleur said, “because it is important not only for our environment on campus but also in the way we impact our community and the world at large.”
Binghamton has been making strides in its environmental conservation programs. Currently Binghamton uses an energy management system (EMS) that monitors energy use closely. On campus, two acres of pavement have been pulled out and replaced with green area within the last five years. A big symbol of environmentalism on BU’s campus, though, is the 182-acre nature preserve, which is upheld by a dedicated team of students and faculty alike.