LSU was recently listed in the 2012 Edition of The Princeton Review's Guide to 322 Green College. This guide profiles 320 institutions of higher education in the United States and two in Canada that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities, and career preparation.
LSU has focused its efforts on developing programs that reduce the number of vehicles on campus (so far by 60 percent!), including a bus service study, restricted parking, a guaranteed ride home program, and a bike share/rent program.
All building upgrades must meet energy performance standards beyond code requirements, which include the use of Energy Star appliances.
Strict new guidelines are being enforced on all new construction and renovations, including mandating bike racks, materials with recycled content, construction waste diversion and indoor air quality control.
Students can work on sustainability research projects or volunteer in a student-run organization such as Environmental Conservation Organization (ECO@LSU), a grassroots student group that works to improve the quality of life and environmental health on campus and in the Baton Rouge community.
Students can opt to make the environment and issues of sustainability a formal focus of their studies by taking advantage of course offerings in areas such as agriculture, architecture, biology, environmental science, engineering, and geography.
And while the graduation gowns may be purple and gold, they are also green. Each gown is made from 100 percent recycled materials - including 23 recycled bottles!
