Pacific again recognized as "Green College" by Princeton Review

University of the Pacific has been featured in the Princeton Review 2018 Guide to 399 Green Colleges for the eighth year.

Chosen from a pool of 2,000 contenders, the colleges and universities were selected for the guide based on student surveys and a Green Rating. Students were asked about how sustainability influenced their education and life on campus, their support for environmental awareness and conservation efforts, and the visibility and impact of student environmental groups. Pacific's Green Rating, based on school-reported data, is 95 out of 99.  

"Students at Pacific understand the extreme importance of leading sustainable lives. We understand that sustainability is about changing the way we live and creating a campus culture that encourages sustainable lifestyles," said Grant Kirkpatrick, president of the Associated Students of University of the Pacific (ASuop). "As the main inhabitants of our campus, students are eager to work with the Sustainability Department to bring about positive, lasting and significant change."

Sustainability features highlighted in the guide's university profile include: Pacific's stated Commitment to Sustainability, the commitment of resources to support sustainability efforts at the university through the Sustainability Project Investment Fund (SPIF), the university's partnership with dining services vendor Bon Appétit to offer more food grown sustainably and locally, establishment of the policy that new buildings meet the United States Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) "Silver" certification requirements, and efforts that increase student engagement in sustainability.

"Pacific has always stressed the idea of sustainability on campus, reaching out to myself, fellow students and faculty to play their part in a greener learning environment and globe," said first-year student and ASuop Senator-at-Large Robert Andrews.

Some of the resources available to encourage student participation in sustainability efforts include recycling, the Green Team, Green Move-in and Move-out, annual Sustainability Month events like the Green Fashion Show and educational programs such as the Pacific Garden Program.

Current efforts being implemented to improve sustainability on campus include the ability for students to print double-sided documents when using Pacific's print services as well as improved waste signage at Green Team events and on recycling bins located throughout campus. In addition, Physical Plant is developing plans to increase the volume of non-potable water used for irrigated areas of the Stockton Campus from 80 to 100 percent. 

Ongoing sustainability efforts include the opportunity for individuals or departments to initiate sustainability projects through SPIF like the recent installation of high-tech, human-powered treadmills in the Baun Fitness Center; landfill waste diversion through Green Team participation in campus events; and integrating sustainability into students' lives through educational programs, daily habits, volunteer opportunities or class projects.

"This work is constant and not possible without partnerships like we have with ASuop, the Sustainability Committee, Physical Plant, and faculty, staff and students across the university," says Jessica Bilecki, sustainability director. "I hope everyone involved in sustainability at Pacific sees this as a celebration of their contribution."

Anyone interested in receiving monthly email updates with sustainability stories, events and information on how to get involved with sustainability at Pacific should email SustainingPacific@Pacific.edu.

Learn more about Sustainability at Pacific.