Marquette University has been recognized as one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges, being named a “Green College” by The Princeton Review, which recognizes 455 schools based on its survey of administrators and students at over 700 colleges.
The Princeton Review assessed Marquette and other schools on over 25 data points regarding uses of renewable energy, recycling and conservation programs, the availability of environmental studies in their academic offerings, and their career guidance for green jobs.
“Earning a Green College designation from The Princeton Review is an affirmation that we are heading in the right direction with our progress toward a more sustainable and climate-forward campus,”
said Chelsea Malacara, sustainability and energy management coordinator. “For the second year in a row, we are being recognized because of all the incredible work happening across campus to put climate education and environmental stewardship forward in our curriculum, operations, and campus engagement.”
Marquette recently received the STARS Bronze rating for comprehensive sustainability achievements and committing to the WAVE program, the Water Council’s program for improving, reporting and recognizing good water stewardship by institutions, is the latest way in which the university is working toward a sustainable future.
“As a Catholic, Jesuit university, Marquette is committed to Pope Francis’ call for us to ‘collaborate in the care of our Common Home,’” said Lora Strigens, vice president for planning and facilities management. “We are consistently looking for opportunities to be greener through campus initiatives and in the planning of each new project on campus. I am appreciative to the community’s collective efforts to make Marquette a green campus.”
Marquette was given a green score of 88/99 based on a comprehensive measure its performance as an environmentally aware and prepared institution. Specifically, the university was recognized for:
- Having a formal sustainability committee (Sustainable Marquette Employee Resource Group)
- Offering more than one sustainability-focused degree (Environmental Science, Environmental Studies and Environmental Engineering)
- A dedicated sustainability officer
- The percentage of food budget spent on plant-based food (52%)
- Cleaner transportation alternatives
- Car sharing program
- Free or reduced-price transit passes and a free campus shuttle for students
- Indoor and secure bike storage, shower facilities and lockers for bicycle commuters
Other recent initiatives include an updated endowment policy that prohibits direct investments in fossil fuels; the Marquette University Police Department moving to hybrid squad cars; renewable energy initiatives; sustainable building standards; and the Sustainability Internship Program. More information about Marquette’s sustainability efforts is available online.