Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University has been named among the top environmentally responsible colleges in the United States by The Princeton Review. The university earned a place in the 2026 edition of The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges, which features 388 institutions nationwide recognized for their commitment to sustainability.

The guide assesses colleges based on academics, operations, and campus culture related to environmental responsibility. Eastern Michigan University received a Green Rating of 81 out of 99 for 2026. Selection was determined through surveys conducted during 2024–2025 with administrators and students at more than 400 colleges, examining over 25 data points connected to sustainability policies and practices.

“Eastern Michigan University continues to strengthen its focus on sustainability in ways that touch every part of our campus, from curriculum and research to operations and community partnerships,” said Ronald Rich, chair of the President’s Commission on Sustainability. “This recognition reinforces our belief that preparing students for the future also means preparing them to be responsible stewards of our planet.”

Recent data from EMU’s President’s Commission on Sustainability shows an increase of more than 14% in graduates completing majors requiring an understanding of sustainability between 2021 and 2025. In addition, EMU implemented its first sustainability-focused Student Learning Outcome for general education courses in 2024, aiming to foster sustainable and ethical decision-making among students as global citizens.

The university has also reported improvements in waste reduction and energy efficiency. Over the past three years, EMU increased recycled materials by 19% and expanded composting efforts by more than twenty-three times. These initiatives have involved collaboration with Chartwells Dining Services, E Dining, and CenTrio Energy.

“Through data-driven assessment and collaboration across campus, we’ve seen dramatic improvement in how EMU manages its waste and energy,” said Meaghan Gavagan, sustainability manager at EMU. “With support from our partners, we’re identifying new opportunities to reduce emissions and build a more sustainable university community.”

The Princeton Review has published its Guide to Green Colleges annually since 2010. It also produces The Best 391 Colleges (2026 Edition), which includes a ranking list focused on conservation efforts.

Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University is Michigan’s second-oldest public university with over 12,000 students enrolled across various degree programs spanning arts, sciences, business, education, engineering and technology, health and human services. The institution emphasizes career readiness through hands-on learning experiences and industry partnerships.

For further details about Eastern Michigan University or updates on news and activities visit the University's website or EMU Today.