The Princeton Review: George Mason University

As a signatory of the ACUPCC and a STARS Charter Participant, George Mason University takes its dedication to a greener world seriously. The University has completed greenhouse gas inventories for all years since 2006, and it has completed its first Climate Action Plan. One surefire way of achieving its goal of climate neutrality is through environmentally sound construction; to this end, it has committed all new buildings be built to LEED Silver standards or its equivalent, with eight buildings certified or in the queue for certification. In addition, all equipment on campus must be Energy Star-rated, where available. In an effort to reduce campus-based greenhouse gas emissions, Mason has worked to increase the size and also the appeal of public and alternative transportation. There are now multiple shuttles that take passengers to the Metro, satellite campuses, and off-campus lots, and all Mason ID holders ride free on local buses. Eager to jump into action, Mason students formed the Environmental Action Group and the Green Patriots to both address the presence of environmental issues on campus and work toward their solution. A thriving student-run organic vegetable garden provided more than 350 pounds of food to local food banks last year. The Patriot Green Fund is an annual $100,000 grant that funds both facility improvement projects and student research around sustainability. Mason has launched two undergraduate majors (environmental science, environmental and sustainability studies), sustainability and renewable energy minors, and one of the first energy and sustainability master’s degree concentrations in the nation. For more information, visit green.gmu.edu.