The schools appearing in the guide are not ranked. The entries range from Ivy Leagues such as Yale University to small liberal arts schools such as Oberlin College in Ohio. David Soto, director of college ratings and rankings for Princeton Review, said all schools approach environmental consciousness in different ways, but many promote alternative transportation, the use of local foods and look for ways to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

“Each of the universities are at a bare minimum are doing something,” Soto said.

Knowing that being green is increasingly important to prospective students, OSU’s admissions office aims to show how the university is committed to sustainability efforts by using both an electronic admissions process and paper made from sustainable forestry practices.

They also are sure to mention OSU’s environmental high points during campus tours, pointing out items Dixon Recreation Center’s elliptical machines, which put power back into the electrical grid when used, and the ventilation and lighting system in the Kelley Engineering Center atrium.

“All of those steps are ways that we back up what we talk about,” Vawter said.