Princeton Review Names Holy Cross a 'Green College'

Brendon Connor of Grounds moves pansies from the greenhouse to areas on campus for planting.

The college has been recognized for a ninth year in a row as one of the most environmentally responsible colleges in the country

The College of the Holy Cross is one of the most environmentally responsible colleges in the country, according to The Princeton Review's "Guide to 399 Green Colleges." The Guide, now in its ninth year, is the only free, comprehensive resource identifying colleges with exemplary commitments to sustainability based on their academic offerings and career preparation for students, campus policies, initiatives and activities.

Holy Cross has been included on the Princeton Review's list since its inception in 2010. The Princeton Review cites the College's efforts to become carbon neutral by the year 2040 and the big feat of having reduced its carbon footprint by 41 percent since 2012, as exemplary commitments to sustainability. Also, with the support of the Presidential Task Force on the Environment, the College has made a substantial investment in sustainable infrastructure, allowing for the completion of numerous projects to minimize the impact on the environment.

"We strongly recommend College of the Holy Cross and the other fine colleges in this guide to the many environmentally-minded students who seek to study and live at green colleges," said The Princeton Review's Robert Franek, Editor-in-Chief.

Franek noted that college applicants and their parents are increasingly concerned about the environment and sustainability issues. Among nearly 11,000 teens and parents The Princeton Review surveyed earlier this year for its 2018 "College Hopes & Worries Survey," 63 percent overall said having information about a college's commitment to the environment would influence their decision to apply to or attend the school.

Holy Cross received a "Green Rating" score of 91 out of 99, with scores being based on data from the company's 2017-18 survey of hundreds of four-year colleges concerning the schools' commitments to the environment and sustainability.

"From installing energy efficient lighting to purchasing electricity from a hydroelectric supplier, the College's commitment to environmental stewardship is stronger than ever and will only continue to grow,” said John Cannon, Director of Facilities Operations. "I am especially proud of our students, who have been taking part in sustainable activities in historic numbers this year through student-led groups such as the Student Government Association and Eco-Action."

Learn more about the College’s sustainability efforts.