UNIVERSITY VILLAGE — The University of Illinois at Chicago was among 46 schools and districts across the country to be recognized as a “Green Ribbon School” by the U.S. Department of Education.
One of only six college or universities recognized, the university received the award for the school’s commitment to initiatives that reduce environmental impact and promote health on campus. UIC received the honor at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C. last month.
Among other accomplishments, the university has reduced energy use by 26 percent since 2008. The school was also honored because of its stormwater diversion plan, ridesharing and public transportation initiatives and its educational programs focused on energy, climate and sustainability.
UIC is proud of the recognition in sustainability, Cynthia Klein-Banai, associate chancellor for sustainability, said in a statement.
“This is work that has to be done across the campus, and I think the breadth of what we’re being recognized for shows that occasion from hundreds of people across campus toward creating a more sustainable, just world,” Klein-Banai said.
In addition to the “Green Ribbon School” award, UIC was also honored last month with a STARS Silver rating for its sustainability efforts and achievements by the Association of the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
“Our goal is to be responsible stewards of the environment and to serve as a model for universities around the nation,” Chancellor Michael Amiridis said.
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