For the City-Times

For the second year in a row, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has received the highest score possible in The Princeton Review’s 2013 Green College Honor Roll.

In recognition of its environmentally related practices, policies and academic offerings, UW-Stevens Point received a top Green Rating of 99. Only 21 colleges and universities in the country earned the distinction. Criteria included having a healthy and sustainable quality of life, preparing students for employment and citizenship in a world defined by environmental changes and the school’s overall commitment to environmental issues. (www.princetonreview.com/green-guide.aspx)

“For forty years UW-Stevens Point has been a national leader in sustainability. Not only do we have the largest undergraduate natural resources program in the country, we were the first university in the nation to offer a major in conservation education,” said Chancellor Bernie Patterson. “We are proud to continue this legacy in all aspects of campus life and to, once again, be counted among the top green colleges and universities.”

The Princeton Review recognized UW-Stevens Point for its Operations and Waste Management Facility, wastewater treatment plant, Residential Living recycling programs, vermicomposting program, Student Government sustainability committees, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design silver rating in constructing the new [email protected] Reserve residence hall and history of conservation education since 1946.

Other sustainable practices at UW-Stevens Point include:

·         Four residence halls furnished with solar panels that heat domestic hot water.

·         Biodegradable, earth safe-cleaning products, purchased in bulk with use of refillable containers that minimize waste, are primarily used at the university.

·         Residence halls participate in the NatureWise Program and currently use 40 percent green energy generated through wind and biogas renewable resources instead of coal and natural gas.

·         An end of the year recycle/reuse program donates items such as clothing, furniture and electronics to the community to avoid landfill disposal.

·         The Greenest Residence Room in Knutzen Hall demonstrates to students and the public how to live a comfortable and affordable environmentally friendly lifestyle.

·         A student in each hall serves as a Green Advocate, providing environmental programming and serving as an environmental resource for residents.