Commitment to sustainability yields another high green rating for SDSU

San Diego State University has been named in The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges: 2026 Edition, earning a green rating of 97 out of 99 for its commitment to environmental sustainability and demonstration of campus stewardship.

Announced Oct. 21, the recognition highlights SDSU's comprehensive approach to sustainability across academics, operations and campus life. The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges selection process was based on surveys conducted during 2024-25, including surveys of students about their "green" campus experience.

The 97 score is up a notch from 96 last year. The publication’s green rating evaluates universities on multiple levels, including students’ rating of their quality of life on campus as both healthy and sustainable, the university’s opportunities to prepare students for employment in an increasingly green economy, and how environmentally responsible university policies are.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire campus community who continue to make sustainability an essential part of SDSU’s culture,” said Andrea Altmann, director of energy and sustainability, SDSU Office of Energy and Sustainability. 

SDSU’s inclusion reflects the university’s commitment to sustainability while expanding environmental education and research opportunities.

The university offers multiple degree programs focused on environmental stewardship, including a Bachelor of Arts in sustainability and a Bachelor of Science in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, urban studies with a sustainability emphasis, and recreation tourism management with a sustainable tourism emphasis.

Additional programs across campus — from geography and public health to mechanical and electrical engineering — incorporate sustainability principles, reflecting SDSU’s commitment to preparing graduates for careers in an increasingly green economy.

“Sustainability remains one of Associated Students’ (A.S.) core values,” said Milan Rawls, A.S. executive vice president. “Through shared understanding, each individual, regardless of their major, position or background, can make an impact in furthering sustainability efforts on campus and beyond.” 

Students play an active role in advancing campus sustainability through organizations such as Green Love, an A.S. student-run sustainability commission that promotes environmental awareness and conservation.

SDSU also offers the Sage Project through the Center for Regional Sustainability, providing students with hands-on experience through real-world projects in local communities. 

Recent campus achievements demonstrate SDSU’s commitment to sustainability. In September, SDSU’s A.S., Office of Energy & Sustainability, and Facilities Services received more than $83,000 from CLEAResult's Higher Education Efficiency Performance Program for efforts to reduce campuswide energy consumption.

The Aztec Recreation Center’s heating and cooling setpoints were optimized to increase efficiency without sacrificing comfort, and lighting schedules were programmed to ensure that lights in and outside of the ARC were not on when they did not need to be. 

Over the last two years, A.S. has been able to reduce energy consumption at the ARC by more than 30%, resulting in significant decreases in energy purchasing costs and energy production demand for the all-electric building.

In June, the University Library became the first academic library in California to earn certification from the Sustainable Libraries Initiative, joining a national network committed to advancing sustainability and equity practices. Under the leadership of sciences and sustainability librarian Sarah Tribelhorn and the University Library’s Green Team, the certification reflects the library’s alignment with both campus and community sustainability goals.

“Looking ahead, we are focused on making campus even more energy efficient by optimizing how our buildings run, exploring ways to expand food waste collection, improving food security  and engaging the campus community through additional  sustainability education and outreach,” said Altmann.

Each spring, the President’s Sustainability Advisory Committee collaborates with A.S. and the Office of Energy & Sustainability along with multiple campus partners to host the SDSU Sustainability Summit, bringing together experts from various fields to provide the campus community with resources and insights for enhanced sustainability opportunities and integration into academic, research, operations and outreach programs.

The Princeton Review is a New York City-based college admissions services, test preparation and tutoring company that has featured SDSU in its Green Colleges lists since at least 2020. Its 2026 Edition coincides with Campus Sustainability Month, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s annual international celebration of sustainability in higher education.

Additional information about SDSU's sustainability initiatives can be found online.