SDSU Recognized by The Princeton Review for Sustainability Efforts
SDSU was named to The Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges for its commitment to sustainability.
“We, as a university, are proud to be recognized for this honor and are dedicated to being a leader in sustainability.”
San Diego State University has once again been recognized for its exceptional commitment to sustainability.
SDSU has been included in The Princeton Review’s 2021 “Green Colleges” list that honors the most environmentally responsible colleges.
In addition to SDSU, schools on the list include Stanford University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Ohio State University, University of California, Los Angeles and University of California San Diego. Of the 416 schools listed, 393 are in the U.S., 22 are in Canada, and one is in Greece.
“Sustainability is and will continue to be an integral part of SDSU’s identity as outlined in the university’s five-year strategic plan,” said SDSU President Adela de la Torre. “We, as a university, are proud to be recognized for this honor and are dedicated to being a leader in sustainability.”
The Princeton Review selects each school based on 25 data points, including academic offerings, campus policies, initiatives, activities and the career preparation offered to its students who are interested in green jobs. Nearly 695 colleges were considered this year.
SDSU continues to prioritize environmental sustainability in its academic offerings and initiatives on campus.
SDSU offers a major and minor in sustainability and numerous other academic programs that focus on sustainability.
In August, SDSU’s newest residential community, Huaxyacac, earned LEED Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for new building construction. Huaxyacac was completed and opened in August 2019 and is the university’s first residential community to attain LEED Gold status.
It is the university’s sixth residential facility to be LEED-certified along with South Campus Plaza North, South Campus Plaza South, Tenochca, Tula and Zura, which are all certified LEED Silver.
In addition to the residential communities, a number of SDSU buildings have achieved LEED certifications in recent years. The Mission Bay Aquatic Center became the first in 2013 and was soon followed by the Children’s Center, Storm and Nasatir Halls, Aztec Recreation Center, Aztec Aquaplex, Viejas Arena and Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union.
In 2017, the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union achieved LEED Double Platinum status, joining an elite group of energy-efficient buildings
The university has also replaced grass with more responsible and drought-tolerant landscaping and, through the leadership of the Associated Students, installed solar throughout campus. The campus has installed hydration stations to allow individuals access to filtered water without the need to purchase bottled water. SDSU Dining requires all tenants to meet the GRA's Certified Green Restaurant environmental standards. The Aztec Shops’ "Campus Grown" campaign grows fresh produce in plots and community gardens for use in dining facilities.
The university's five-year strategic plan, "We Rise We Defy: Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives," emphasizes the university’s commitment to sustainable practices through its strategic priorities.
