Electronic Green Journal

Institutions of higher education have increasingly engaged in environmental sustainability initiatives, reflecting growing societal concern about climate change and resource conservation. This case study examines a collaborative sustainability initiative at Western Colorado University in which five campus units, including the Leslie J. Savage Library and the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC), addressed the environmental impacts of waste-intensive campus events. Confronted with logistical and infrastructural obstacles to sustainable practices, the library and TLC implemented a low-cost, high-impact solution involving a portable, energy-efficient dishwasher and reusable “zero-waste kits.” This initiative significantly reduced event-related waste improved operational efficiency, and increased sustainability awareness across campus. The project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and shows how modest infrastructural changes, supported by cross-departmental collaboration, can foster a culture of sustainability in higher education. The pilot project and partnership provide a replicable framework for other institutions looking to integrate environmental stewardship into everyday operations.