Framingham State Named Green College, Again

Framingham State University is one of just 23 colleges in Massachusetts included in the Princeton Review’s Guide to 332 Green Colleges, 2014 
Edition.

To be included in the list, a college needs to earn a “Green Rating” of 83 or higher. Framingham State received a Green Rating of 95. 

“The FSU community cares deeply about environmental sustainability and we are very proud to once again receive this recognition from the Princeton Review,” Framingham State University Interim President Robert Martin said. “I’d like to thank members of our Facilities Department, our student Green Team, and University Sustainability Coordinator Carl Hakansson for their leadership in making Framingham State a model of environmental stewardship in the Commonwealth.” 

"We are pleased to recommend Framingham State University 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% said having information about a school’s commitment to the environment would influence their decision to apply 
to or attend the school," he said. 

The University’s overall efforts to Go Green are guided by its Climate Action Plan, which was written in 2010 and is updated every year. 

Framingham State University was honored by the state with a 2013 Leading by Example Award for its efforts to be a more environmentally responsible campus. 

Framingham State received recognition for its comprehensive energy project that converted heating fuel from oil to natural gas, a project that has reduced emissions by 33 percent and will save the University $15 million over the 20-year life of the system. The University also installed two solar PV arrays on the campus center and athletic building, completed a 
LEED Gold-certified residence hall on campus and implemented a composting program.

Other steps the University has taken to reduce energy consumption include eliminating lunch trays in the dining hall to conserve water; installing water-saving dishwashers; altering class schedules to reduce the number of days commuter students have to drive to campus; and installing a university vegetable garden. Framingham State has received considerable support from food service provider Sodexo.