The Princeton Review has recognized Fordham University as a school with a commitment to sustainability for two consecutive years, awarding it a 93/99 “green rating.” 

The green rating assesses the measures universities take to ensure sustainability within their campuses and facilitate a culture that encourages students to take eco-friendly actions throughout their lives. 

According to Fordham’s Deputy University Spokesperson and Director of Media Relations Jane Kidwell Martinez, Fordham’s commitment to sustainability is rooted in its Jesuit mission, and Fordham has taken several actions in recent years to ensure sustainability within its campus. 

“As a Jesuit institution, sustainability is part of our core mission at Fordham,” Kidwell Martinez said in an email to The Fordham Ram. “Addressing ecological crises is a matter of justice that affects both the planet and the most vulnerable populations.”

An article published by Fordham Now explained that Fordham’s name appears on a list called the “Guide to Green Colleges: 2026 Edition,” which highlights the top colleges in the United States committed to sustainability. The article states that the list was curated using statistics from a survey conducted during the 2024-25 academic year, which looked at how a school’s sustainability measures affect its perception by prospective students. 

Some of Fordham’s most recent efforts to ensure sustainability include the expansion of renewable energy initiatives, such as the purchase of additional solar energy from the Staten Island solar field, according to Nelida LaBate, grants proposal and funding manager for the Office of Sustainability, who responded to questions from The Ram through Kidwell Martinez. 

LaBate noted that Fordham voluntarily reports to the United States Environmental Protection Agency and complies with New York City’s reporting requirements on how much energy it consumes and emits. 

“We partnered with NYSERDA (New York State [Energy] Research and Development Authority) to conduct studies of our buildings, then performed HVAC equipment optimizations, and exceeded its 10% energy reduction goals,” LaBate said to Martinez. 

LaBate also said that Fordham’s Office of Sustainability has  expressed interest in partnering with NYSERDA to conduct “building feasibility studies” to “identify additional buildings that could be converted from natural gas power to electric.” She also explained the effect that a university’s commitment to sustainability can have on its students.

“Sustainability impacts all aspects of our University, including curriculum, student development and education, faculty and staff involvement and physical plant and campus operations,” LaBate said.

Fordham’s recognition in the Princeton Review was not an easy title to earn, according to university officials. Vice President of Administration Marco Valera said that the biggest challenge of upholding a commitment to sustainability is “the cost of implementing energy-efficient systems into older buildings.” 

Despite this challenge, Fordham’s Office of Sustainability has facilitated a student internship program, where student interns advocated for Fordham’s involvement in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) that “recognizes and measures sustainability performance.” The student interns advocated for Fordham’s involvement in a sustainability program tied to the Princeton Review, according to LaBate.  

“Interns advocated for Fordham’s participation, supporting the entire submission process, which resulted in dual achievements: reaching the Bronze level and inclusion in the Princeton Review’s Green Campus Guide,” LaBate said. “STARS is a partner with Princeton Review and uses the STARS data as part of their green rating criteria.”

According to Kidwell Martinez, Fordham’s dedication to upholding sustainability extends beyond the confines of the campus gates.

“Fordham has convened a coalition of community, industry, and higher education partners to launch the Bronx Green Jobs Center, a new home for a pioneering initiative designed to create career paths for Bronx residents to the expanding green economy,” Kidwell Martinez said. “It will offer job training, employment services, and support for aspiring entrepreneurs in sustainable industries, helping community members access good-paying jobs in innovative and high-demand fields that are shaping the future. Doors will open in the Fall of 2026.”

For LaBate, this recognition brings her a sense of pride towards Fordham’s efforts to showcase its commitment to maintaining a sustainable campus to prospective students. 

 “I feel proud to be part of the team that supports Fordham’s dedication to environmental sustainability,” LaBate said. “These rankings recognize our efforts and help prospective students understand our values, especially with advancing sustainability.”