POTSDAM, NY (09/28/2017) (readMedia)-- The State University of New York at Potsdam was featured as one of the most environmentally responsible colleges in the U.S. and Canada in Princeton Review's 2017 Guide to Green Colleges.
Princeton Review chose 375 institutions for the seventh edition of its "green guide," based on data from its survey of hundreds of colleges concerning their commitments to sustainability.
"SUNY Potsdam is surrounded by natural beauty, and our students learn from educational experiences that can only be found in the unique landscape of the North Country and the Adirondacks. It is only natural that the College is committed to fostering a deep understanding of sustainability and environmental protection among our students as well, by leading through example as an institution," said President Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg.
The Princeton Review chose the colleges in its guide based on "Green Rating" scores (from 60 to 99) that the company tallied over the summer for 629 colleges, using data from its 2016-17 survey of school administrators. The survey asked them to report on their school's sustainability-related policies, practices and programs. More than 25 data points were weighted in the assessment. Information about Princeton Review's Green Rating, is at www.princetonreview.com/green-guide.
As a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, SUNY Potsdam is dedicated to reducing its impact on the environment, by reducing its energy use, renovating and constructing buildings to LEED specifications, using local food, diverting waste and more.
SUNY Potsdam's sustainability programs are overseen by Kelly Carter, who also spearheads sustainability efforts for SUNY Canton.
SUNY Potsdam's sustainability highlights include:
SUNY Potsdam offers a major and a minor in environmental studies. The environmental studies program is designed to prepare environmental leaders of the future, with an interdisciplinary curriculum that uses the nearby Adirondack Park as a case study and field site. The environmental studies program seeks to provide students with an understanding of human attitudes and behaviors toward nature, and provides a grounding in science to prepare them to shape viable environmental policy and practice. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/envstudies.
Beyond environmental studies, numerous majors and programs at SUNY Potsdam incorporate sustainability and conservation into their coursework, from chemistry, biology, geology, environmental science and wilderness education, to the environmental studies First-Year Interest Group and the Adirondack Experience Program.
To find out more about sustainability at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/about/sustainability.
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 3,700 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.
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