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Lawrence University has been recognized in the 2025 edition of The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges. This guide, available for free online, profiles 511 colleges committed to environmental responsibility and sustainability.

The selection for this guide was based on a survey conducted by The Princeton Review during 2023-2024. It assessed sustainability-related policies, practices, and programs at various institutions. Students were also surveyed about their experiences on these "green" campuses.

At Lawrence University, several initiatives highlight its commitment to sustainability. Björklunden, the university's retreat in Door County, is progressing with its Net Zero Björklunden Initiative. A geothermal project aims to cut carbon emissions by over 36 metric tons annually by eliminating the use of more than 6,500 gallons of LP gas each year. This follows the installation of a solar array in 2023. These efforts provide research opportunities for faculty and students in renewable energy sources.

On campus, the Sustainable Lawrence University Garden (SLUG) offers fresh produce and research opportunities using sustainable agriculture methods. It features a honeybee apiary, fruit orchard, vegetable garden, and hoop house. SLUG has been part of Lawrence's campus for nearly two decades.

Lawrence University provides majors in environmental science, environmental studies, and geosciences. It also offers a cooperative program with Duke University focusing on environmental management and forestry.

In May 2024, Lawrence hosted the New North ESG Summit to discuss sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices with corporate and community leaders in northeast Wisconsin.

Student organizations at Lawrence involved in sustainability include Greenfire, the Food Recovery Network, Outdoor Recreation Club, and Bird and Nature Club. The LUCC Sustainability Committee acts as a liaison between student organizations focused on the environment and engages with the broader Appleton community.

Rob Franek from The Princeton Review stated: "We are delighted to recommend Lawrence University to students who want their ‘best-fit’ college to also be a 'green' one." He added that interest among college applicants in attending green colleges is significant; 61% of students polled indicated that information about a college's environmental commitment would influence their application decisions.

The Princeton Review has published its Guide to Green Colleges annually since 2010.