UAlbany Named One of America’s Most Environmentally Responsible Colleges

University Recognized in Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 22, 2013) -- The University at Albany is one of the 322 most environmentally responsible colleges in the U.S. and Canada, according to "The Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges." In its assessment, the Princeton Review highlights UAlbany’s energy initiatives including the "Change a Light" campaign and the Empire Commons student residence electric bill program.

UAlbany students help in the 'Change a Light' Campaign.

In the fall of 2012, the "Change a Light" campaign replaced 1,000 incandescent bulbs with CFL light bulbs across campus resulting in 22,500 kwh saved and a decrease of 34,650 pounds of CO2. The Empire Commons electric bill campaign is an educational initiative providing simulated energy bills to UAlbany students four times per year. The program raises student awareness about energy costs and helps them learn ways to conserve and regulate resources. In 2012, the Empire Bills program saved 123,800 kwh, decreased CO2 by 80,393 pounds, and saved approximately $14,000 in residential hall energy costs.

The Princeton Review also recognized the recent New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) grant awarded to UAlbany for the installation of solar panels on the University’s Social Sciences building. The forty-nine-kilowatt solar array on UAlbany’s Social Sciences building is expected to reduce the University’s carbon footprint by 500 tons.

"Initiatives such as our 'Change a Light' campaign, Empire Commons electric bill campaign and the installation of solar panels on our Social Sciences building further underscore the sustainability commitment of our faculty, staff and students," said Mary Ellen Mallia, director of environmental sustainability, University at Albany. "Overall our commitment to renewable energy will decrease the University’s carbon footprint by 500 tons."

The University is a perennial participant in Recyclemania, a competition between hundreds of universities across the nation that promotes waste reduction and recycling.

The Princeton Review chose UAlbany based on a 50-question survey it conducted in 2012 of administrators at hundreds of four-year colleges. The Company analyzed data from the survey about the schools' course offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation to measure their commitment to the environment and to sustainability.

"SUNY's commitment to an energy-smart New York and to sustainability throughout our system is a critical component of our strategic plan, one that our campuses have widely embraced and consistently shown leadership on," said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. "Congratulations to UAlbany for being listed as one of eight SUNY schools in the 2013 Guide to Green Colleges. This recognition is much deserved and highly commendable."

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