Cal Poly Pomona continues to burnish its reputation as a leader in higher education when it comes to sustainability. The university finished No. 30 nationally in the Princeton Review's 2015 "Guide to 353 Green Colleges."

The university's inclusion in the "Top 50 Green Colleges" list places it ahead of schools that include UC Santa Cruz, Emory University and Oregon State. This marks the sixth consecutive year that the university has been recognized by the Princeton Review for its commitment to the environment.

"To receive this recognition again demonstrates the continued commitment of the university, the faculty, staff and students to support our mission of promoting sustainability on campus," says DeWayne Hurst, Cal Poly Pomona's manager of Land Use Planning, Development & Sustainability.

In ranking Cal Poly Pomona, Princeton Review considered categories that ranged from the presence of a sustainability-focused degree to free shuttle service on campus.

Some of the university's sustainability efforts include the following:

For 21 years, the John T. Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies has served as the heart of Cal Poly Pomona's sustainability efforts. It offers a master's degree in regenerative studies, an undergraduate minor in regenerative studies, and regularly organizes environmental outreach efforts with surrounding communities.

Additionally, campus construction projects in recent years have been designed to meet the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards. The Bronco Recreation and Intramural Complex, or BRIC, and the College of Business Administration complex have both achieved LEED Silver certification, and the ongoing expansion at the Collins College is aiming for gold certification.

The campus rideshare program offers incentives to students, staff and faculty who choose to carpool or take public and alternative transportation to campus.