Institutional sustainability efforts awarded by Princeton Review for 13th year in a row
UMass Dartmouth has been named one of the nation's most environmentally responsible colleges, according to The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges: 2025 Edition, for the 13th year in a row. Colleges and universities worldwide are analyzed on more than 25 survey data points for inclusion on The Princeton Review's annual list. The schools are selected for their exceptional programs, policies, and practices related to sustainability and the environment.
UMass Dartmouth demonstrated its expertise in sustainability and climate change studies through its notable research contributions. UMass Dartmouth was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy for involvement in the $11.9 million Academic Center for Reliability and Resilience of Offshore Wind, which emphasized the university's commitment to clean energy and sustainable development in the offshore wind industry.
Also this year, Vineyard Wind enlisted the expertise of SMAST scientists with $1 million of funding to investigate how their planned offshore wind farm 35 miles off the coast of mainland Massachusetts would impact recreational and commercial fisheries. The University helped create a sustainable seafood supply while supporting renewable energy development.
"Since we created our Green Guide in 2010, we have also seen dramatic growth in the number of colleges committing to sustainability practices—from sourcing food locally and constructing LEED-certified buildings to making commitments to becoming fossil fuel-free," said Rob Franek, Editor in Chief of The Princeton Review. "We are proud to shine our light on these exceptional schools and to recommend them to students who want their 'best-fit' college to also be a green one."
UMass Dartmouth has implemented several sustainability initiatives across the campus recently. The campus's largest dining hall, the Grove, offers more plant-based food options to support sustainable agriculture and reduce the environmental impact of food choices. The University has also continued to utilize Arnie's Thrift shop, which has served hundreds of UMassD students by recycling items students no longer need when they move out and offering a variety of home goods, appliances, and cleaning supplies for their rooms or apartments at a low price.