Going Green and Staying Clean

By Grace Collins ’23, November 4, 2020

IC recognized by Princeton Review for sustainability efforts.

The Peggy Ryan Williams Center is one of two building on the IC campus to receive a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design platinum certification.

(Photo by: Andrew Frasz)

Ithaca College was once again named to the Princeton Review’s “Guide to Green Colleges,” a list of the most environmentally sustainable colleges.

This year’s guide features 416 schools, which were selected based on a survey of administrators at 695 colleges. The administrators were asked about their institutions' sustainability-related policies, practices, and programs. Survey topics ranged from academic offerings and campus initiatives to career preparation for "green jobs.”

Each school is given a Green Rating on a scale of 60 to 99. Institutions with a score above 80 make it onto the list. This year, IC was given a Green Rating of 98/99, with the guide citing the College’s sustainability initiatives and Gold Star rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

Sustainability at IC

Learn more about Ithaca College’s green initiatives and commitment to sustainability here.

One of the objectives of the college’s strategic plan “Ithaca Forever” is to Create an environmental sustainability mindset that recognizes the impact of climate change.

"We strongly recommend Ithaca College to students who want to study and live at a green college."

Rob Franek, Editor-in-Chief of The Princeton Review

"We strongly recommend Ithaca College to students who want to study and live at a green college," said Rob Franek, The Princeton Review's Editor-in-Chief. "Each and every one of the outstanding colleges in this edition of our guide offers both excellent academics and exemplary evidence of environmental commitment."

Franek noted that The Princeton Review has seen a high level of interest among college applicants and their parents in colleges with green practices, programs and offerings.

Ithaca College’s profile highlights several sustainability initiatives, which include developing sustainability-focused curriculum and research opportunities, incorporating sustainable decision-making into campus operations, and campus programs and community outreach.

IC offers more than 150 sustainability courses across all five schools and has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 50% over the last decade. In 2009, the college committed to carbon neutrality by 2050, but is currently ahead of schedule, and might achieve that goal by 2030.

Also noted were the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications earned by buildings across campus. The Peggy Ryan Williams Center and the Dorothy D. and Roy H. Park Center for Business and Sustainable Enterprise both have a platinum certification — the highest possible standard — while the Athletics and Events Center and Classroom Link corridor are both LEED Gold rated.