LibAnswers: Library answers

Lancaster University has some of the most ambitious sustainability goals in the higher education sector and the Library is deeply committed to playing its part in that activity.

We focus our sustainability action around three themes:

Building and Spaces

The Library refurbishment was the first building on campus to target a BREEAM Excellent standard, and the building utilises a range of energy-saving approaches. We've worked with Facilities to find further energy saving efficiencies, starting with a pilot during vacation periods in 2024/25. We've now implemented a new energy-saving approach to the way the Library building operates overnight in term times. 

Service Delivery

The Library uses both Anybook and Better World Books as book disposal partners. The unneeded books that we send to Anybook and Better World are either resold or recycled. We're introducing a new Book Exchange point during the 2025/26 academic year to ensure that more books from across campus are disposed of in a sustainable way. 

Education and Engagement

Our collections provide extensive coverage of sustainability. We facilitate access to databases such as GreenFILE, Environmental Issues Online, ENDS Report and JSTOR Sustainability. A new tab of Sustainability resources has been added to all of the Library's Subject Guides for the 2024-25 academic year. See an example on our Business & Management Subject Guide.

We've hosted a range of sustainability-focused events in the Library, such as the regular Sustainability Knowledge Exchange. Got an idea for a sustainability-focused event? See our Event Proposal Form.  

You can find out more on our sustainability page.