Georgia Southern Named Environmentally Friendly “Green College”

As the nation prepares to celebrate Earth Day on April 22, Georgia Southern University has been recognized as being named one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible “green colleges” by The Princeton Review and the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council for the third consecutive year.

“This great honor has put us on the nation’s sustainability map and indicates that our academics, facilities and policies lead the country in a commitment to taking care of our limited natural resources and finding solutions to sustainability issues,” said Lissa Leege, director of the Center for Sustainability at Georgia Southern. The Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges: 2013 Edition profiles Georgia Southern and 319 other schools in the U.S. that demonstrate notable commitments to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation. The honor comes as Georgia Southern celebrates “No Impact Week” and just days after the Georgia Board of Regents approved a $10 sustainability fee that nearly 75 percent of students voted in favor of paying. “The fee will be used in part to support the Center for Sustainability and its activities, including speakers, events, development of sustainability curriculum, outreach and promotion of sustainable solutions,” said Leege. “In addition, the fee will help to support sustainability efforts on campus to be determined by students, potentially including such advances as building retrofits and relamping.” “No Impact Week” concludes at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 22 in the Nessmith-Lane Conference Center’s Assembly Hall with a discussion on our future energy needs. The panel will include Congressman John Barrow along with  representatives from utility agencies and environmental groups. “The panelists represent an array of energy options for Georgia and can help us to understand the promise of each for the energy future of the southeast,” explained Leege. “Congressman Barrow brings a national perspective as a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which deals with national energy policy and related legislation.” Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 125 degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement.  Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.