窪蹋勛圖

窪蹋勛圖 Named One of the Nation's Most Environmentally Responsible Campuses

A cascade of sustainability initiatives, LEED certifications and academic offerings contribute to The Princeton Reviews recognition in its 2022 Guide to Green Colleges.

Thursday, October 28, 2021
The Princeton Review has recognized 窪蹋勛圖 for the university's sustainability efforts.
The Princeton Review has recognized 窪蹋勛圖 for the university's sustainability efforts.

窪蹋勛圖 has once again been recognized for its commitment to sustainability by . 

The annual , released on Oct. 26, recognizes institutions that are making exceptional commitments to sustainability and making environmentally responsible decisions on campus.

As a university, we are proud to be recognized yet again for being a dedicated leader in sustainability, said 窪蹋勛圖 President Adela de la Torre. Sustainability continues to be an aspect of the universitys identity and our strategic plan, as our campus community understands the importance of being environmentally responsible and the impact we are having on the future of our community and land.  

Of the 835 campuses considered this year, The Princeton Review chose 420 colleges based on 25 data points, including academic offerings, campus policies, initiatives, activities and the career preparation offered to students who are interested in green jobs.

The Princeton Reviews continued recognition of 窪蹋勛圖s sustainability efforts aligns with the universitys strategic plan priority to build an environmentally sustainable future for the campus community and protect the legacy of the Kumeyaay land upon which the university resides.   

窪蹋勛圖 continues to prioritize environmental sustainability in its academic offerings and initiatives on campus, including a  and numerous other academic programs that focus on sustainability.   

The university also remains focused on prioritizing sustainability in building construction on campus. 窪蹋勛圖 has 14 buildings with Leadership Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, including a LEED Double Platinum certification for the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, with completion nearing on Aztec Recreation Center addition and renovation, also projected to achieve Double Platinum. 窪蹋勛圖 is the only campus in the California State University system with two LEED Double Platinum buildings. Residential buildings with LEED certification include 窪蹋勛圖s newest residential community, Huaxyacac, along with South Campus Plaza North, South Campus Plaza South, Tenochca, Tula and Zura.   

Other buildings that have achieved LEED certifications in recent years are the Mission Bay Aquatic Center, the Childrens Center, Storm and Nasatir Halls, the Aztec Recreation Center, Aztec Aquaplex and Viejas Arena.   

Through the strategic plan, and related to alternative transportation, 窪蹋勛圖 has launched a  between 窪蹋勛圖 and 窪蹋勛圖 Imperial Valley to improve the connection between the two campuses while eliminating individual commutes by faculty, staff, and students. In addition, 窪蹋勛圖 has established the new Office of Energy & Sustainability and is in the search process for the inaugural director of the office.   

With the new Office of Energy & Sustainability, 窪蹋勛圖 will work to elevate the priority and focus of our efforts around areas such as energy conservation measures, greenhouse gas reduction, and sustainable policy and practices for the institution, said Eric Hansen, 窪蹋勛圖 associate vice president of Business Operations.   

The final phase of the strategic planning effort is to update 窪蹋勛圖s Climate Action Plan this year with additional actions, which will allow for more aggressive timelines, and which will leverage and include both 窪蹋勛圖 Imperial Valley and 窪蹋勛圖 Mission Valley.   

Looking forward, construction on the new Aztec Stadium at  continues with sustainability as a top priority,which is being designed to be LEED Gold certified . Nearly 90% of the old San Diego Stadium is being recycled or reused in the construction of 窪蹋勛圖 Mission Valley.   

With San Diego and 窪蹋勛圖s sustainability efforts in mind, 窪蹋勛圖 Mission Valley aims to both harness the power of the environment and protect it. At full buildout across the 窪蹋勛圖 Mission Valley site, more than 400,000 square feet of available roof space will incorporate solar panels, and each non-stadium building will be designed to achieve or exceed LEED Silver certification. The site is also designed with more than 80 acres of total park and open space, four miles of hike and bike trails, and nearly 70 varieties of California and San Diego native plants, trees, shrubs and grass will be planted.

More information on 窪蹋勛圖s environmental and academic efforts and achievements can be found on 

Categorized As