Complete List of Sustainability Awards
Loyola’s commitment to sustainability has been recognized by local, national, and international organizations for achievements in climate action, green buildings, sustainable transportation, responsible purchasing, and environmental stewardship. These awards reflect years of collaboration across our campuses and our ongoing commitment to creating a more just and sustainable future.
Sustainability Leadership & Climate Action
STARS Platinum Rating | 2026
Loyola earned a Platinum rating through the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), the highest recognition available through the program. Loyola became the first institution in the Midwest to achieve Platinum status, joining a select group of universities worldwide recognized for comprehensive sustainability leadership.
Previously, Loyola earned STARS Gold ratings in 2014, 2017, 2020, and 2023, demonstrating consistent progress across academics, engagement, operations, planning, and administration.
Explore Loyola’s 2026 STARS Report →
Princeton Review Best Green Colleges & Green Honor Roll | Multiple Years
Loyola has consistently been recognized by The Princeton Review for its commitment to sustainability in academics, campus operations, and student life. The University ranked 12th nationally in the 2025 Guide to Green Colleges and earned a perfect Green Rating of 99/99 in The Princeton Review's 2027 college guide.
Climate Action Hero Award | 2024
The Climate Action Museum recognized Loyola with its Climate Action Hero Award for education, honoring the University's leadership in climate action, sustainability education, and environmental stewardship.
U.S. Laudato Si’ Champion Award | 2023
Loyola received the inaugural U.S. Laudato Si’ Champions Award in the University category from Catholic Climate Covenant. The award recognizes Catholic institutions demonstrating outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability and care for our common home.
U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools | 2019
Loyola received recognition through the U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools program for its efforts to reduce environmental impacts, improve health and wellness, and provide effective environmental and sustainability education.
Climate Leadership Award | 2017
Second Nature and the U.S. Green Building Council recognized Loyola for its leadership in addressing climate change through campus operations, institutional commitments, and sustainability education.
Illinois Sustainability Award | 2017
Loyola received an Illinois Sustainability Award for initiatives addressing energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and environmental education across campus.
Catholic Climate Leadership Award | 2016
The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities and Solution Generation recognized Loyola for its leadership in advancing climate action and environmental stewardship within Catholic higher education.
Sierra Club Cool Schools Rankings | 2014–2017
Loyola was recognized among the nation's leading environmentally responsible colleges and universities in the Sierra Club's former Cool Schools rankings, placing 4th in 2014, 7th in 2016, and 16th in 2017.
Sustainable Campus Operations
Tree Campus Higher Education | Multiple Years
The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Loyola as a Tree Campus Higher Education institution, including in 2024, for its commitment to campus tree care, urban forestry, and community engagement.
EPEAT Purchaser Award | 2015–2025
Loyola has received repeated recognition from the Global Electronics Council for environmentally responsible electronics purchasing. The award recognizes institutions that prioritize products meeting EPEAT sustainability standards.
Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) Silver Certification | 2024
Loyola earned Silver certification through the Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership program, recognizing efforts to support electric vehicle adoption and sustainable transportation.
Bicycle Friendly University — Silver | 2022
The League of American Bicyclists awarded Loyola Silver-level Bicycle Friendly University recognition for its efforts to make biking more accessible through campus infrastructure, education, and encouragement.
NACDA Sustainability Award | 2018–2019
Loyola Athletics received a sustainability award from the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), recognizing efforts to incorporate sustainable practices into collegiate athletics and campus sporting events.
Program & Individual Achievements
AASHE Fellows Recognition | 2026
Aaron Durnbaugh, Loyola's Director of Sustainability, was named to the 2026 class of AASHE Fellows, recognizing leadership and contributions to sustainability in higher education.
St. Peter Canisius Medal for Extraordinary Service | 2026
Nancy Tuchman and Michael Schuck received lifetime achievement recognition from the International Association of Jesuit Universities for their contributions to environmental sustainability and Jesuit higher education.
Searle Biodiesel Lab Recognition | 2016
Loyola's Searle Biodiesel Lab was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its work advancing sustainable practices and environmental innovation.