For the fourth consecutive year, Western Kentucky University is one of the 322 most environmentally responsible colleges in the United States and Canada, according to The Princeton Review.

The education services company, known for its test prep programs and college rankings, ratings and guidebooks, profiles WKU in the fourth annual edition of its free downloadable book, “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges.” WKU and Berea College are the only Kentucky schools in the 2013 edition.

The Princeton Review chose the schools for this guide based on a 50-question survey it conducted in 2012 of administrators at hundreds of four-year colleges. The company analyzed data from the survey about the schools’ course offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation to measure their commitment to the environment and to sustainability.

In the guide’s profile on WKU, The Princeton Review highlights the school’s commitment to sustainability in operations and academics, citing inclusion of sustainability in the WKU “Challenging the Spirit” Action Plan for 2012-2018, Big Red Bikes bicycle lending program, energy conservation and efficiency initiatives, use of used cooking oil for biodiesel at the WKU Farm, and LEED building standards. For information about sustainability at WKU, visit the Office of Sustainability website at www.wku.edu/sustainability.

Robert Franek, Senior VP/Publisher of The Princeton Review, said: “We are truly pleased to recommend Western Kentucky University, along with all of the fine schools in this book to the many students seeking colleges that practice and promote environmentally-responsible choices and practices.”

Franek noted his company’s recent survey findings indicating significant interest among college applicants in attending “green” colleges.

About the Green Guide: Published April 16, a few days before the celebration of Earth Day, the 215-page guide is the only free comprehensive resource of its kind: it can be downloaded at www.princetonreview.com/green-guide and www.centerforgreenschools.org/greenguide.

The 322 school profiles in the guide feature essential information for applicants – facts and stats on school demographics, admission, financial aid – plus write-ups on the schools’ specific sustainability initiatives. A “Green Facts” sidebar reports on a wide range of topics from the school’s use of renewable energy sources, recycling and conservation programs to the availability of environmental studies and career guidance for green jobs.

The Princeton Review created its “Guide to 322 Green Colleges” in partnership with the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), with generous support from United Technologies Corp., founding sponsor of the Center for Green Schools.

More: 2013 Green Guide news release is available at http://www.princetonreview.com/green-guide-press-release.aspx