Area schools put their greenest foot forward

As spring turns Kalamazoo green, Kalamazoo College and Western Michigan University show to a green advantage.

WMU, for the third year in a row, has been named one of America’s most environmentally responsible colleges. Princeton Review and the U.S. Green Building Council's Center for Green Schools named WMU a top "green college" based on what they described as the university’s "notable commitments to sustainability" in its academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation.

The university particularly was lauded for its use of LEED construction standards for both new projects and existing building renovations. WMU’s extensive electric vehicle infrastructure, water management record, numerous energy conservation efforts and use of locally sourced food and trayless dining also were praised. Transportation options that include free bus service for students, faculty and staff also led to the recognition.

The university was also noted as the only Michigan school with a student sustainability fee that provides support for sustainability efforts as well as grants for student-initiated research.

WMU is one of 322 U.S. and Canadian colleges and universities in a free guidebook made available by Princeton Review.

Meanwhile, at Kalamazoo College participation in the National Recyclemania Competition for large and small schools led to the college finishing among the top 15 schools in five of eight categories. Kalamazoo College finished No. 1 in the Bottles and Cans category, No. 6 in the  Cardboard category, No. 10 in  Food Service Organic, No. 12 in the "Grand Champion" competition, and No. 12 in the Per Capita standings. More on the final results can be found here.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave
Sources: Cheryl Roland, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College News