Awards and Recognitions
Several prestigious awards and recognitions spanning over two decades demonstrate our commitment to creating a sustainable future. From national rankings by the Sierra Club and The Princeton Review to specific accolades for energy efficiency, waste management, and innovative recycling initiatives, LMU has consistently been at the forefront of sustainable practices in higher education. These honors reflect our ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact and engage our community in meaningful ways to ensure a healthier planet. Join us in celebrating these milestones as we continue to lead, inspire, and excel in sustainability.
"Top 50 Green Universities"
Princeton Review, 2025
"Top 20 'Cool Schools'"
The Sierra Club, 2018
Gold Rated University
Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
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Diversion & Per Capita Recycling
Campus Race to Zero Waste
Bicycle Friendly University
League of American Bicyclists
Top 50 Green Universities
The Princeton Review's "Guide to Green Colleges: 2025" highlights colleges and universities that have made significant commitments to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The guide provides in-depth profiles of these institutions, focusing on their eco-friendly initiatives, such as energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable food sourcing. It serves as a valuable resource for prospective students interested in attending schools with strong environmental practices. LMU ranked in the top 25 green schools, placing #23. The schools ranked in the 2025 Edition of the Guide to Green Colleges have outstanding sustainable statistics with, 28% of their energy coming from clean and renewable sources, 46% of their waste being diverted from incinerators or solid-waste landfills, 98% of the schools offer a sustainability focused undergraduate major or degree and 100% have a sustainability officer.
Sierra Club Cool School
The Sierra Club's "Cool Schools" ranking highlights colleges and universities in North America that lead the way in sustainability efforts. Schools are assessed based on their environmental initiatives, such as carbon neutrality, waste management, green building projects, and community engagement in eco-friendly practices. This ranking serves as a guide for students seeking institutions with strong commitments to sustainability. LMU is ranked in the top 50 of cool schools.
Gold STARS rating
A gold rating in the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) The STARS system, a self-reporting framework, signifies a college or university's strong commitment and performance in sustainability across various areas, including academics, engagement, operations, and planning, and innovation. LMU placed an overall ranking of 81.82/100 when it comes to sustainability, scoring highly in departments such as Curriculum, Public/Campus Engagement and Innovation & Leadership.
Campus Race to Zero Waste
The Campus Race to Zero Waste is a nationwide competition that encourages colleges and universities to improve their waste reduction and recycling efforts. Participants engage by tracking and reporting their recycling and waste diversion data, aiming to reduce their environmental footprint and promote sustainability on campus. The initiative provides resources, goals, and categories to help schools organize and measure their success in waste management. LMU ranked first place in Food Organics and second place in diversion. LMU successfully implemented food waste minimization activities that addressed overage, as well as managed the recovery of food waste through donation and composting. 59.68% of our total weight of recyclables and food waste were diverted from the landfill during this 8-week competition.
Other Sustainability Awards
- 2025 International Business Ethics and Sustainability Case Competition (IBESCC): This hybrid competition, held online and in person on the LMU campus, aims to explore the moral imperatives of sustainable development.
- RecycleMania: LMU has won national championships in this waste reduction and recycling competition, formerly known as Campus Race to Zero Waste.
- Green Honor Roll: The Princeton Review recognized LMU on their 2025 Green Honor Roll.
- Green Power Partner: LMU is recognized as a Green Power Partner by the Environmental Protection Agency for its clean energy use.
- recycLA Star: LMU received this award from Los Angeles Sanitation for its commitment to recycling and waste reduction
- Faculty Opportunity Fund: This fund supports research projects that address the SDGs.
- SDGs Curriculum Development Grant: This grant supports faculty in developing courses that incorporate global-local learning and advance the UN SDGs.
- Inclusive Excellence Grants and Awards: These grants support projects that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.