Sustainability at the Libraries

The mission of the DU Libraries Sustainability Committee is to help University of Denver students, faculty, staff, and others find the information they need to create a community of clean water and air, vibrant ecosystems, locally sourced food, strong economies, and healthy, productive individuals.

The Sustainability Committee promotes sustainability by adopting policies and practices committed to environmental justice, social equity, and economic sustainability, in alignment with IMPACT 2025 and ALA’s Resolution on the Importance of Sustainable Libraries.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver-certified Anderson Academic Commons, home to the Main Library, offers features that create an environment of wellness and supports sustainable practices. The university installed LED lighting in the AAC in 2019 and solar panels on the AAC roof in 2020.

• Sustainability Actions and Programs in the Libraries
  • Encourage participation in the So Long Single Use pledge
  • Promote the Intersectional Environmentalist pledge
  • Tri-bin receptacles for recycling, composting, and landfill
  • Compostable and recyclable food packaging at the Front Porch Café
  • Encourage compostable catering materials at internal and public events
  • Zero Waste Finals to educate library visitors about sustainability practices
  • Staff training
  • Special events (e.g., film screenings and panel discussions about climate change)
  • Strategic collection development around sustainability
  • Research and curricular support
  • Promote energy efficient commuting
  • Reusable totes for patron checkouts
  • Book displays
  • Participate in the Bridge Community Garden