Princeton Review, U.S. Green Building Council collaborate on choices

The University of Missouri-Kansas City is one of the 332 most environmentally responsible colleges in the U.S. and Canada, according to The Princeton Review. The education services company – known for its test prep programs and college rankings, ratings, and guidebooks – profiles UMKC in the fifth annual edition of its free downloadable book, “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 332 Green Colleges.”

The Princeton Review chose the schools for this guide based on a 2013 survey of administrators at hundreds of four-year colleges to measure the schools’ commitment to the environment and to sustainability.  The institutional survey included questions on the schools’ course offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation.

The 322 school profiles in the guide feature essential information for applicants – facts and stats on school demographics, admission, and financial aid – plus write-ups on the schools’ sustainability initiatives.  A “Green Facts” sidebar reports on a wide range of topics from the school’s use of renewable energy sources, recycling and conservation programs to the availability of environmental studies and career guidance for green jobs.

The guide’s profile on UMKC highlights the school’s “impressive bicycle plan” including repair stations, lockers and showers; its “strong recycling program”; sustainable dining hall practices; and new LEED-certified buildings.

“We are pleased to recommend UMKC to the many students seeking colleges that practice and promote environmentally-responsible choices and practices,” said Rob Franek, Senior VP/Publisher, The Princeton Review.

Franek noted his Company’s recent survey findings indicating significant interest among college applicants in attending “green” colleges.

“Among 10,116 college applicants who participated in our 2014 College Hopes & Worries Survey, 61 percent said having information about a school’s commitment to the environment would influence their decision to apply to or attend the school,” he said.