Citing DePaul University’s “significant strides toward becoming more environmentally sustainable through green building initiatives, conservation efforts, use of alternative energy sources and academic programs,” the Princeton Review named DePaul to its list of the nation’s greenest colleges for the third year in a row.

The Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges, released in conjunction with Earth Week, profiles each of the honored colleges and credited DePaul for the work of its Sustainability Initiatives Task Force, its sustainability-oriented curriculum and its LEED-certified buildings on campus. This past year, DePaul opened its second LEED building, the Art Museum, 935 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, which was awarded a Silver certification. Previously, DePaul had received LEED Gold certification for the Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan Science Building.

"DePaul's ranking as a top green college is indicative of the values we share in light of our Catholic, Vincentian and urban mission,” said Scott Kelley, assistant vice president for Vincentian Scholarship. “It is an honor to be recognized for this work, and an ongoing reminder of its relevance.”

The Princeton Guide also surveyed DePaul faculty in and identified 139 courses that have a “sustainability focus” and 155 courses that are “sustainability-related.” The courses span 30 departments across the university.

“Interest in environmental science and sustainability studies is growing each year and we have four times as many students in this area as we had four years ago.  We are exploring ways to continue that growth,” said Professor Judy Bramble, chair of environmental science department.

U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) applauded DePaul being named to the list. “DePaul University’s dedication to environmental responsibility and sustainability make it a shining example for other universities across the country. Chicago is fortunate to have such a good steward of the environment right here in our own backyard, and I hope other organizations in our area are inspired to embrace ‘green’ initiatives.”

Schools were selected based on a survey conducted in 2011 of 768 of colleges across the U.S. and Canada, in which administrators responded to more than 50 questions regarding their school’s sustainability-related programs, policies and practices. 

The full guide can be downloaded at www.centerforgreenschools.org/greenguide.

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