Furman has been at the cutting edge of sustainability in higher education and is consistently recognized regionally and nationally for its sustainability work. We are very proud of our progress and accomplishments with regards to our sustainability efforts and initiatives. Sustainability has been a core university value and a dynamic force on campus for decades.

AASHE STARS Gold

AASHE STARS Gold

The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System™ (STARS) is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. Furman has had a GOLD STARS rating since 2015 and is the highest rated baccalaureate institution in the southern United States.

Carnegie Community Engagement Classification

Carnegie Community Engagement Classification

The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification is an elective designation that indicates commitment to, and activity toward, “finding ways to engage with community partners, building on community assets, and addressing a wide array of community challenges." Furman joins 119 colleges and universities, and is one of only 18 liberal arts universities, to receive the designation in 2020.

AASHE Sustainable Campus Index

AASHE Sustainable Campus Index

AASHE's Sustainable Campus Index highlights the most sustainable colleges and universities in 17 impact areas and overall by institution type. Furman is ranked 10th nationally in overall performance among all baccalaureate institutions and is the highest rated in the Southern United States.

Green Ribbon Schools Sustainability Award

Green Ribbon Schools Sustainability Award

The U.S. Department of Education recognizes schools for their sustainability practices and efforts. Furman was selected as a National Green Ribbon School awardee in 2020 and is the first and only higher education institution in South Carolina to receive this award.

Carolinas Green Building Council’s Community Change Agent Award

Carolinas Green Building Council’s Community Change Agent Award

In 2019, Furman received a Sustainable Community Change Agent Award from the U.S. Green Building Council Carolinas. The award recognizes excellence in high-performance design, environmental stewardship and community impact.

Tree Campus USA

Tree Campus USA

For the past twelve years, Furman University has been named a Tree Campus USA. Tree Campus USA is a national Arbor Day Foundation program that honors universities for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and employees in the spirit of conservation.

AASHE Campus Sustainability Achievement Award

AASHE Campus Sustainability Achievement Award

In 2016, Furman won AASHE's National Campus Sustainability Achievement Award for its Community Conservation program, an innovative, home weatherization program for low-income homeowners in Greenville.