FRAMINGHAM – Framingham State University is featured in the Princeton Review’s 2025 Guide to Green Colleges, which profiles schools that foster a culture of environmental responsibility and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.

Framingham State has been included in the annual ranking each year dating back to 2010.

“This distinction reflects our deep commitment to environmental sustainability and the collective efforts of our campus community,” says Framingham State President Nancy S. Niemi.  “From integrating green practices into our facilities and operations to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among students, faculty, and staff, sustainability is central to who we are and what we stand for. Our goal is not only to minimize our ecological footprint but also to empower the next generation of leaders to make a lasting, positive impact on the world. These efforts also align with our strategic priority of being a leading force for good within our greater MetroWest community."

Framingham State’s sustainability efforts include installing solar panels on three campus buildings, in addition to a solar canopy and new electric car charging stations currently underway in the Salem End parking lot.  In spring of 2023, FSU began a textile recycling program in partnership with BayState Textiles, and Food Services provider Sodexo also operates a food composting program. The University also recently became an affiliate of the Bee Campus USA program, designed to marshal the strengths of educational campuses for the benefit of pollinators.

Framingham State’s sustainability efforts are guided by a Climate Action Plan overseen by Dr. Megan Mayer, the Campus Sustainability Coordinator. 

The University’s efforts around sustainability also extend to the classroom, where faculty use an interdisciplinary approach to teach about the climate crisis and climate justice. These efforts are led by the Department of Environment, Society and Sustainability.

"We are delighted to recommend Framingham State University to students who want their ‘best-fit’ college to also be a 'green' one," said Rob Franek, The Princeton Review's Editor-in-Chief. “Framingham State University, which offers excellent academics, also demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability in its campus programs, policies and practices.”

Franek noted that The Princeton Review is seeing substantive interest among college applicants in attending green colleges. Of the nearly 8,000 college-bound students the company polled for its 2024 College Hopes & Worries Survey, 61% said having information about a college's commitment to the environment would affect their decision to apply to or attend a school. A report on the survey is at www.princetonreview.com/college-hopes-worries.  

The profiles in the Guide report The Princeton Review’s Green Ratings of the schools, which the company tallies on a scale of 60 to 99. Framingham State received a Green Rating score of 91. The profiles also provide notes on the schools’ uses of renewable energy, their recycling and conservation programs, the availability of environmental studies in their academic offerings.