RIT Named Campus Sustainability Leader

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A. Sue Weisler

The RIT campus has been recognized as one of the most sustainable campuses in the nation by the Sustainability Endowments Institute.

Rochester Institute of Technology’s efforts to develop comprehensive campus, research and education programs in sustainability have earned the university recognition as one of the most sustainable campuses in the nation.

The College Sustainability Report Card has selected RIT as a “Campus Sustainability Leader” as part of its annual survey of American colleges and universities. It is the first time RIT has been selected for this honor.

“We are very excited to have been included in this list of sustainable campuses and are honored that our efforts in this area have been recognized,” says RIT President Bill Destler. “RIT is committed to incorporating sustainability into all aspects of university operations, from construction and facilities management to research and education.”

To be named a “Campus Sustainability Leader,” universities had to receive an average grade of A- or better in the survey’s six campus categories. RIT received a B grade overall, with A grades for administration, green building development, student involvement and investment priorities.

RIT was praised for its policy on green construction—as all new facilities built on campus need to be LEED certified—and the incorporation of sustainability into the university’s latest strategic plan. The university was also cited for strong student involvement across the university in sustainable activities, including RIT’s annual Greeks Go Green competition and strong university chapters representing the Student Environmental Action League and Engineers for a Sustainable World.

The College Sustainability Report Card evaluates campus and endowment sustainability activities at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, focusing on administration and investment priorities; student involvement; transportation, recycling and energy use; and endowment transparency and shareholder engagement.

The Sustainability Report Card is produced by the Sustainability Endowments Institute, a non-profit corporation dedicated to enhancing sustainable practices in campus operations and endowment practices.

To view RIT’s complete report, visit The college of Sustainability: Report Card website.