With the United States higher education sector representing over five billion square feet and expending over six billion dollars annually on energy costs, the higher education institution has an opportunity to flourish as a thought leader in integrating exemplary approaches to sustainable development throughout the campus. This manuscript puts forward a formal green rider framework as part of the on-campus housing contract as well as a research design for future implementation. The aim of this proposed instrument is to increase participation and accountability of students and higher education institutions in marshalling innovative sustainable development features. While a formal green rider can further the higher education institution mission of environmental stewardship, it can also prepare the next generation of leaders by furthering their ecological literacy by understanding how to apply environmentally sustainable concepts into environmentally friendly habits.