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.
Awards and Recognition
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.
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 fifth nationally in overall performance among all baccalaureate institutions. Furman is ranked third out of 355 universities, technical colleges and other institutions in the category of campus engagement.
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
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
For the past 15 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
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.
NACUBO Award for Excellence in Sustainability
We were proud to be recognized by the National Association of College and University Business Officers for our CCC Home Weatherization program in 2022.