Linfield makes ‘greenest’ college list

Linfield College was profiled in The Princeton Review’s new “Guide to Greenest Colleges” on April 20 along with the University of Oregon, Portland State University, the University of Portland, Oregon State University and Willamette University.

According to a Linfield College press release, the guide provides a comprehensive profile of 311 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada based on schools’ commitment to and excellence in sustainable practices.

Director of Institutional Research Jennifer Ballard said The Princeton Review sent her a survey regarding sustainability on campus. Some of the questions that the survey asked were follows: What percentage of meals are vegetarian? Does your school have an environmental studies major? What’s the level of participation when it comes to sustainability on campus?

Linfield was chosen based on its commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of the college through green building standards and energy conservation. Several of the buildings on campus were renovated to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design silver standards for energy efficiency. The school was also among the first in the Northwest to participate in the U Car Share Program, which allows students to borrow vehicles for day trips.

Senior David Kellner-Rode said that while it’s great to be noticed by The Princeton Review, there are still efforts that need to be made.

He said one change that could be made is looking more at what is being purchased to come onto campus, such as food and fertilizers.

Kellner-Rode also mentioned that he has noticed there are certain student groups and people within the administration that are working to be more sustainable, but he would like to see more of the college working together.

“I think it’s good to recognize that we have made some steps, but we need to realize that there is a long way to go,” he said.
For more information about sustainability contact Kellner-Rode at dkellne@linfield.edu.

Chelsea Bowen/Opinion editor
Chelsea Bowen can be reached at linfieldreviewopinions@gmail.com.