Colorado State University continues streak of sustainability honors

Note to Reporters: For more information about CSU’s "green" streak, go to http://source.colostate.edu/csu-builds-on-its-green-reputation/.

Forget a blue streak. Colorado State University is on a green streak.

The U.S. Department of Education today honored CSU with one of its new Postsecondary Sustainability Awards through its Green Ribbons Schools program, which recognizes both public and private education institutions for “their exemplary efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, promote better health, and ensure effective environmental education, including civics and green career pathways.”

The award marks the fourth time in a month CSU has been recognized by an independent organization for its sustainability efforts.

CSU’s “green” streak started in March when it became the first university ever to earn a platinum rating from the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System – or STARS – an independent assessment that measures sustainability efforts at universities and colleges around the world.

Earlier this month, The Princeton Review ranked CSU 12th overall on its Top 50 Green Colleges List and fifth among public research universities in the country. In addition, one of the newest facilities on campus, the Pavilion at Laurel Village, achieved an LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council — a first for CSU.

“Being sustainable as a campus community is very closely tied to our land-grant heritage,” said CSU President Tony Frank. “All of us on campus recognize our commitment to the day-to-day efforts that bolster sustainability across campus. These accolades from respected, independent organizations showcase to the public and future Rams our ongoing and long-term commitment to sustainability.”

CSU was one of nine colleges and universities honored by the Department of Education with a postsecondary award, a new recognition for 2015. Until this year, only K-12 schools received federal Green Ribbon designation. CSU was nominated for the federal recognition by the Colorado Department of Education.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the first recipients of this prestigious award,” said Tonie Miyamoto, co-chair of the President’s Sustainability Committee at CSU, which coordinates sustainability efforts across campus. “All of these awards are the reflection of all the hard work our faculty, staff and students have been doing for years.”

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