Princeton Review names 91ֱƵa top “Green College” for seventh straight year

An aerial view of the Biddeford Campus
The “Guide to Green Colleges: 2024 Edition" was published in late October.

The 91ֱƵ has once again been named one of the nation's most environmentally responsible colleges, according to 

The education services company known for its college rankings, books, and test preparation services features 91ֱƵin its annual list, which was published in late October. The 2024 edition profiles 522 four-year colleges and universities chosen for their deep commitments to the environment and sustainability.

This is the seventh consecutive year 91ֱƵhas been named a top green college by The Princeton Review. 91ֱƵwas ranked in the top 50 of the country’s most eco-friendly colleges and universities this year.

The rankings were decided based on survey data of 683 institutions concerning sustainability-related institutional policies, practices, and programs; healthy and sustainable campus qualities of life; and student feedback on topics ranging from academic offerings and campus initiatives to career preparation for sustainability-focused jobs.

Based on more than 25 data points from the survey, schools were assigned a “Green Rating” of 60 to 99, and the 522 schools with a Green Rating higher than 80 made the list. 91ֱƵwas assigned a Green Rating of 95.

Scott Steinberg, MBA, vice president of University Admissions, said a college or university’s track record on sustainability issues is an increasingly important factor among prospective students.

“How ‘green’ colleges are matters to prospective students and their parents,” Steinberg said. “91ֱƵdemonstrates its commitment to environmental issues through our strategic planning, facilities, and the work of our faculty, professional staff, and students. It is very gratifying to have UNE’s work in sustainability continue to be nationally recognized, including as a top 50 ‘Green College’ by The Princeton Review.”

According to The Princeton Review, 69% of college-bound teens and their parents said having information about a college or university’s commitment to the environment would 

In its profile on UNE, The Princeton Review cites the University’s sustainability focused degrees and committees, ride and bike sharing programs, and local food purchasing, among other attributes, as desirable green qualities. 91ֱƵalso boasts a Green Office Program, the Edible Campus Initiative, sustainability focused landscaping and building design plans, hands-on learning opportunities for students, and student groups focused on sustainable initiatives.

“The 91ֱƵcommunity is proud of our reputation as a sustainable institution,” remarked Alethea Cariddi, M.Ed., associate director of sustainability at UNE. “Our students, faculty, and professional staff have come to expect that sustainability is a criterion for decision-making and the ‘way we do business.’”