Apr 21, 2010 - Claremont, CA -

Just in time for Earth Day, Harvey Mudd College has been recognized as one of the country’s most environmentally-responsible colleges in “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 286 Green Colleges.” The guide looks at an institution’s commitment to building certification using the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC, www.usgbc.org) LEED green building certification program as well as its use of environmental literacy programs, formal sustainability committees, budget percentage spent on local/organic food, use of renewable energy resources, and recycling and conservation programs.

Developed by The Princeton Review in partnership with the USGBC, this guide is the first comprehensive book focused solely on institutions of higher education that have demonstrated above-average commitment to sustainability in campus infrastructure, activities and initiatives. The guide also provides information on schools with dedicated environmental studies curricula.

“Beyond the cost savings to an institution, even the simplest aspects of a green campus – such as increased use of natural light – have been found to improve student learning and quality of life,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “Green facilities make colleges more attractive to students and can dramatically reduce energy costs. Higher education is a top priority market segment for USGBC because graduates of green colleges become incredible drivers of change when they call for similar surroundings in their jobs and communities.”

Of the 697 schools The Princeton Review gave green ratings to in 2009, the 286 schools in the guide received scores in the 80th or higher percentile. The Princeton Review does not rank schools numerically. The free guide can be downloaded at www.princetonreview.com/greenguide or www.usgbc.org/campus.