Villanova Named Green Business of the Year

Villanova University has been named the 2014 Green Business of the Year by the Main Line Chamber of Commerce for its green achievements and commitment to practicing sustainability within the organization and the outside community.

This distinguished accolade was presented to Villanova on June 26 during the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Celebration of Business Leadership.

Villanova has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability through environmentally focused policies, initiatives and academic programs. Sustainability achievements and initiatives on campus include five LEED-certified buildings, the installation of hydration stations to save bottles and the use of ionized water cleaning technology on campus that reduces wasted materials and cuts down on toxic chemical use.

Over the past five years, Villanova has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by seven percent. The University recently signed the St. Francis Pledge to raise awareness of the suffering felt by the poor as a result of climate change and participated in the 2013 national Campus Sustainability Day.

In addition to the efforts to make Villanova’s physical campus more sustainable, the University offers numerous academic programs that provide an emphasis on sustainability. Some of these degrees include a master’s degree in sustainable engineering, bachelor’s degrees in environmental science, environmental studies and environmental biology/ecology; undergraduate minors in environmental studies and sustainability studies; a biology master’s degree, graduate certificate, a master’s degree in water resources and environmental engineering and a graduate certificate in urban water resources design.

In addition to the Main Line Chamber of Commerce recognition, the Princeton Review and the Sierra Club previously recognized Villanova as one of the nation’s greenest colleges.

regions: Philadelphia

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