The university was recognized for standing out within a pool of nearly 600 schools for its sustainability-related policies, practices and programs.
The Princeton Review has again recognized Elon University for being among the country’s most environmentally responsible colleges and universities.
“The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges 2025 edition” profiles colleges with the most exceptional commitments to sustainability based on their academic offerings and career preparation for students, campus policies, initiatives and activities. The list was published Oct. 15.
“This recognition demonstrates Elon’s continued commitment to sustainability through operational and educational initiatives,” said Elaine Durr, senior director of sustainability at Elon.
The profiles in the guide provide information about each school’s admissions requirements, cost and financial aid, and student body statistics. They also include “Green Facts” about the schools with details on the availability of transportation alternatives on campus and the percentage of the school food budgets spent on local and organic food.
“Since we created our Green Guide in 2010, we have also seen dramatic growth in the number of colleges committing to sustainability practices—from sourcing food locally and constructing LEED-certified buildings to making commitments to becoming fossil fuel-free,” said Rob Franek, editor in chief of The Princeton Review. “We are proud to shine our light on these exceptional schools and to recommend them to students who want their ‘best-fit’ college to also be a green one.”
In announcing the list of “Green Colleges,” Franek noted that 61% of the nearly 8,000 college applicants who participated in The Princeton Review’s 2024 College Hopes & Worries Survey said information about a college’s commitment to the environment would affect their decision to apply to or attend the school.
Elon has been included in The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges for each of the 15 years the guide has been published. This year, Elon earned a “green rating” of 90 out of a possible 99.
Among Elon’s initiatives and policies that contributed to its recognition as a “Green College”:
- Sixty-seven percent of academic departments have sustainability course offerings.
- The Eco-Reps program provides opportunities for students to learn about sustainability issues from their peers in a variety of ways (e.g., residential neighborhood programs, Sustainable Living Lessons, Guided Campus Sustainability Tours).
- Twenty-one percent of annual food and beverage expenditures are on plant-based foods.
- Elon’s net greenhouse gas emissions during fiscal year 2023 were 26% lower than fiscal year 2008 levels.
- Since 2008, energy consumption per square foot has decreased 32% even though square footage has increased by more than 60%.