Mitigating air and soil pollution are important aspects of Princeton’s sustainability goals. The campus is considered a "working lab" for the testing and implementation of sustainability efforts.
Some University buildings constructed before 1981 have asbestos-containing components, such as pipe insulation, floor tiles and fireproofing. EHS and Facilities have a program in place to inspect such materials to ensure that they are intact, monitoring conditions, and having external, certified abatement contractors safely remove asbestos as needed.
Campus drinking water is supplied by NJ American Water. EHS and Facilities work together to prevent and respond to concerns regarding drinking water.
The quality of the air inside a building is affected by a variety of comfort, physical, chemical and biological factors. EHS will work with you to identify and address indoor air quality concerns.
Information on response to mold and microbial growth in University buildings can be found in the Health and Safety for the Campus Community section of the website.
Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) is an organic chlorine compound once used in a variety of industrial applications and electronics. PCBs are still found in transformers and other equipment containing oil or hydraulic fluid mixed with PCBs.
Princeton University has implemented a comprehensive radon testing program to measure radon levels in its residential facilities, including dormitories, its administrative and academic buildings, and other University-owned buildings.
Information about the University's program for control of residential lead paint hazards and whom to contact if you have questions can be found at Health and Safety for the Campus Community.
Princeton University proudly earned an AASHE Silver STARS rating for its efforts in sustainability. The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS) is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance.
Underground storage tanks at Princeton are subject to EPA and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) regulations and are regularly inspected and tested by Princeton University Facilities.
Princeton University is committed to managing the University's waste streams in an environmentally sensitive and responsible manner, and EHS is an active partner in the University's program of achieving reductions in total waste stream and higher recycling percentages.