There is an increasing interest in college students to be environmentally sustainable and want their choice of college to do the same. Three universities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania have embraced the need to take action by making a commitment to sustainability.
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University located in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh provides environmental innovation as a part of its education. The Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research provides a variety of grants for the university's undergraduate and graduate students interested in environmental concerns. The university has made it a priority to make sure that environmental needs of the present are met without affecting the needs of future generations.
- 31% of the university’s budget for food is spent on local and organic cuisine.
- The university offers an environmental studies degree.
- 15% of the university’s energy is from renewable resources.
- 38% of the university’s cleaning supplies are green-certified.
- 8% of the university grounds are organically maintained.
- 50% of the campus buildings are energy efficient.
- All new construction is required to be LEED certified.
Chatham University
Chatham University located in Shadyside, just outside of Pittsburgh, instituted the School of Sustainability and Environment that provides environmental sustainability education to students. Other sustainable efforts include purchasing a hybrid police car, instituting a composting program to recycle used cooking oil, and implementing a program for students to recycle cell phones and computers.
- 31% of the university’s budget for food is spent on local and organic cuisine.
- The university offers an environmental studies degree.
- 19% of the university’s energy is from renewable resources.
- The university provides guidance on green employment opportunities.
- 100% of the university’s cleaning supplies are green-certified.
- 100% of the university grounds are organically maintained.
- 15% of the university's energy comes from wind-generated sources.
Duquesne University
Duquesne University is a private university located in an uptown neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The university produces the electricity it uses from a cogeneration plant located on campus. This enables the campus to rely totally on clean energy. Evergreen, the university’s student organization, was created to educate faculty and students on sustainability related issues such as recycling. The group sponsors activities throughout the year.
- 21% of the university’s budget for food is spent on local and organic cuisine.
- The university offers an environmental studies degree.
- 15% of the university’s energy is from renewable resources.
- 40% of the university’s cleaning supplies are green-certified.
- The university provides guidance on green employment opportunities.
- All new construction is required to be LEED certified.
These three universities have made it their responsibility to preserve their campuses by building strong foundations that will benefit students today and in the future. Their continuing efforts will lead the way for a more economic friendly environment on campus and throughout the city. For information on other colleges and universities around the country who are making efforts to be green, visit The Princeton Review.
Jenny Shinsky - Jenny is a freelance writer and has written many online and print articles through her current employer. She has a Bachelor's Degree in ...
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