Dickinson College Ranked First Among Baccalaureate Institutions In Comprehensive Sustainability Report; CMU, Penn, Penn State, Muhlenberg Also Recognized

On September 14, Dickinson College announced, for the second year in a row, it has earned the top position among baccalaureate institutions in the prestigious Sustainable Campus Index, a publication of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). 

Other Pennsylvania colleges and universities were recognized in the Sustainable Campus Index in these categories--

-- Buildings: Carnegie Mellon University (Doctoral), Pittsburgh

-- Food & Dining: University of Pennsylvania (Doctoral), Philadelphia

-- Research: Penn State University (Doctoral), State College

-- Water: Muhlenberg College (Baccalaureate), Allentown

This is the sixth consecutive year Dickinson has been recognized as a top performer. 

In addition to remaining in the top spot in the coveted Overall Top Performer category, Dickinson earned the No. 2 place in the air & climate category with a perfect score of 100%.

“This incredible recognition speaks to Dickinson’s commitment to sustainability and our achievements,” said Neil Leary, director of the Center for Sustainability Education. “Wherever our students’ academic journeys take them, they will carry with them skills and passions for working toward a world that is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.”

The Sustainable Campus Index recognizes top-performing sustainable colleges and universities overall and in 17 impact areas, as measured through the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). 

“All of us at AASHE extend our warmest congratulations to Dickinson for their achievement,” said AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser. “By fostering sustainable practices and initiatives, you set an inspiring example for your peers and future generations.”

The college is no stranger to recognition for its sustainability efforts. Newsweek recently named Dickinson one among “Seven of the Greenest College Campuses in the U.S.” 

The Princeton Review ranked the college second in the nation on its list of “Top 50 Green Colleges” and named the institution to its annual “Green Honor Roll.” 

Other sustainability achievements include being one of the first 10 colleges in the U.S. to reach carbon neutrality.

Visit Dickinson College’s Sustainability webpage to learn more about their initiatives.

[Posted: September 14, 2023]  PA Environment Digest