Cal Poly Humboldt Named One of America’s Greenest Colleges
Cal Poly Humboldt has once again been recognized as one of the most environmentally committed campuses in the country, earning a spot on The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges. The annual list highlights schools that are leading the way in sustainability through their academics, campus operations, and student-driven initiatives.
“Our inclusion in the Princeton Review’s Green Colleges list affirms what our community has known for years: that Cal Poly Humboldt is deeply committed to sustainability,” said Morgan King, climate analyst at the university. “This recognition inspires us to keep innovating and engaging students, faculty, and staff in the work of building a resilient, environmentally responsible campus and region.”
The Princeton Review evaluates more than 25 data points—from renewable energy use and green building design to waste diversion, academic programming, and student involvement. Only schools scoring above 80 out of 99 qualify for the list, and Cal Poly Humboldt is one of 388 colleges to make the cut.
Sustainability also matters to prospective students. According to the Review’s College Hopes & Worries Survey, 59% of high schoolers said a college’s environmental values influence where they apply.
Cal Poly Humboldt’s long-running commitment shows up across campus and beyond. The university launched the now-international Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental Responsibility in 1987, ranks No. 4 in the nation for zero-waste efforts, and houses the world-renowned Schatz Energy Research Center. It was also the first public university in California to stop selling single-use plastic water bottles.
Student programs like WRRAP, CCAT, and Oh SNAP! lead hands-on sustainability projects, while the campus Library holds a rare Sustainable Library Certification. The university also maintains a gold STARS rating from AASHE for its campus-wide environmental achievements.
More information is available at humboldt.edu/sustainable-campus.
