EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University has earned a spot on the 2024 Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges, highlighting the institution's commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. This marks EMU's inaugural appearance on the list, a significant achievement given the rigorous criteria.

The Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges features profiles of the 522 schools chosen based on outstanding programs, policies, and practices related to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Including EMU on this list demonstrates the University's dedication to green initiatives and sustainability practices.

"Eastern Michigan University's inclusion on The Princeton Review's list of Green Colleges is a resounding affirmation of our institution's unwavering commitment to sustainability,” said Thomas Kovacs, chair of the President's Commission on Sustainability at EMU. “Our collective efforts are making a tangible impact, and we are determined to continue our journey toward a greener and more sustainable future.”

One of the standout features of EMU's sustainability efforts is its impressive Green Rating of 87 out of 99, showcasing the university's substantial commitment to eco-conscious practices and policies. This score far surpasses the minimum requirement of 60 to make it onto the list, highlighting EMU's significant contributions to sustainability.

EMU's commitment to sustainability is evident through its ongoing initiatives, such as composting food waste at its eateries, sustainability education, partnership with EnergySage to help the EMU community purchase solar panels, creation of the Career Closet to help students dress for professional activities and more. 

Additionally, in October 2022, Eastern Michigan was awarded a bronze Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) recognition from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. STARS measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education. 

“I believe that EMU has a legitimate shot at the top 50 Green Colleges list in the forthcoming years, especially in the run-up to our next STARS report,” added Kovacs.

The complete list of Green Colleges for 2024 can be found on The Princeton Review's website.

For more information about Eastern Michigan University's commitment to sustainability, please visit the Sustainability@EMU landing page.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.