We’re proud of the fact that environmental responsibility has long been a priority here at Endicott, but are especially pleased to have been commended for our efforts this year in the Princeton Review’s “Guide to 322 Green Colleges.”

Created by The Princeton Review in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the free downloadable book recognizes institutions with a notable commitment to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation. Of 768 schools who participated, 322 are recognized with this distinction.

Endicott’s overall “Green Rating” is based on a narrative description of our efforts and facts from last academic year, 2010-11. The following chart illustrates some of the facts that went into the recognition:

Below is the entry for Endicott in the list, which you can download here (you’ll find Endicott on pg. 69):

Endicott firmly believes “colleges and universities serve as microcosms – true learning labs – to demonstrate the issues, the solutions, and the rewards of sustainable practices,” and if this small oceanfront campus on the North Shore is the epitome of the sustainability movement, the world is on the right track. Here, the Endicott Sustainability Initiative, as it is called, is a thriving college-wide effort to operate the campus in an “environmentally responsible manner, with a focus on incorporating sustainability into students’ academic and residential experiences.”  To that end, Endicott has implemented a multi-pronged approach. The college focuses on governance – a college-wide sustainability committee is in the works; it promotes campus action to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and tread lightly on the earth; it offers a blossoming curriculum filled with environmental topics– including a major and a variety of courses spanning such departments as political science, politics, interior design, business, psychology, arts and creative art therapy; and it values engagement of the entire community in the process. Endicott Environmental Society is active in promoting sustainability in student life, including hosting Earth Day and an Energy Summit on campus in 2011. Environmental research flourishes at the college. Besides a comprehensive, year-long, wind monitoring and engineering study to determine the feasibility of installing a largescale turbine, Endicott is assessing the viability of large-scale photovoltaic installation. Endicott already has comprehensive single-stream recycling and composts 100 percent of its yard waste. Interested in green infrastructure? Endicott’s environmentally friendly new construction and renovations include a green roof on the Center for the Arts, and Marblehead Hall, which features low-VOC paints and finishes, carbon-neutral carpet tiles, and low-flow fixtures to save water. Throughout campus energy efficiency is a priority in existing and new buildings.