School News

Last Updated on Thursday, 01 May 2014 21:48

California University of Pennsylvania again has been recognized as one of the most environmentally responsible colleges in North America.

The Princeton Review has included Cal U in the 2014 edition of its free downloadable book, "The Princeton Review's Guide to 332 Green Colleges," published in partnership with the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council.

Cal U has been profiled in the guide annually since 2010. The 216-page guide can be downloaded at www.princetonreview.com/green-guide.

Schools were selected for the guide based on a 2013 survey of more than 800 colleges and universities across the United States and Canada. The Princeton Review collected data in 25 fields, including sustainability-related policies, practices, and programs.

This year's edition of "Green Colleges" notes that by using geothermal energy to heat and cool its residence halls, Cal U "reduced energy usage on campus to an astounding 57% below the average university in the Pennsylvania State System." It reports that 37% of the school's energy comes from renewable resources.

"The university also offers internships and employment counseling for environmentally aware and sustainability-related industries," the guide says, adding that Cal U has been working to "promote campus-wide sustainability awareness programs so that students are informed about what they can do to lead greener lives both on campus and off."

Each of the 322 school profiles in the guide features essential information for college applicants — facts about school demographics, admission, financial aid and more — plus write-ups on the schools' sustainability initiatives. A "Green Facts" sidebar reports on topics ranging from the school's use of renewable energy sources, recycling and conservation programs to the availability of environmental studies and the%age of the campus food budget spent on local/organic food.

Among Cal U's academic offerings are programs of study in geology, environmental earth science, conservation ecology, environmental studies, fisheries and wildlife biology, meteorology and more. To learn more, visit www.calu.edu.