'Change-makers'

Dec. 5—WILLIMANTIC — Eastern Connecticut State University was recognized by Princeton Review for its green practices for the 13th year in-a-row.

Eastern was recognized among more than 710 schools.

It was one of 455 schools recognized for prioritizing sustainability and environmentally- conscious initiatives, all of which are included in Princeton Review's green colleges guide.

" Eastern's recognition as a Green College signals to prospective students and their families that we align programs, policy and practice to meet our sustainability goals," Eastern Institute for Sustainability Director Patty Szczys said in a press release. "Students can expect to find a sustainability thread connecting academic, student life and pre-professional opportunities at Eastern that empower the next generation of problem-solvers and change-makers."

Princeton Review assembles a panel of experts annually to produce a survey for college and university administrators in the United States.

The ratings are based on survey responses.

The following standards are measured: whether students have a campus life that is healthy and sustainable; how well a school is preparing students for employment in the clean energy economy of the 21st century and for citizenship in a world now defined by environmental concerns and opportunities; and how environmentally- responsible a school's policies are.

Eastern was recognized for its use of 100 percent renewable energy and its pledge to reach carbon neutrality by 2030. The university has five high efficiency buildings that are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Designcertified. Other environmentally- friendly features at Eastern include electric vehicle charging stations and a composting program in the dining hall.

Eastern has been home to the Institute for Sustainability for 22 years.

See MAKING, Page 4