Learn how departments can implement eco-friendly solutions that improve operations, enhance student experience and reduce environmental impact.
Sustainability has become an increasingly important priority for campus recreation departments in recent years, driven mainly by student expectations and rising operational demands.
While the push for eco-friendly practices continues to grow, many campus rec departments face significant barriers when trying to turn environmental goals into practical, long-term solutions.
From facility design and long-term planning to cost management and student experience, industry partners share how sustainability is shaping campus recreation spaces, and how departments can approach green initiatives in ways that are both practical and impactful.
Incorporating Sustainability into Building Design
Rather than treating sustainability as an optional add-on, many campus rec facilities are integrating eco-friendly solutions directly into their design.
Mason Johnson, the associate project architect at Moody Nolan, said he’s seen a significant trend in integrating nature into building design — including interior spaces with green walls, natural finishes and abundant daylight.
Other vendors have taken notice of this trend as well. Alison Nash, a senior associate, sustainability coordinator and architect at Sasaki, said her team has been inspired by the use of bio-based materials, such as panelized straw waste and wood-based insulation.
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Even beyond materials, sustainability is shaping how campus rec spaces function every day. Cihan Ozdemir, the vice president of sales at DynaDome Retractable Structures, noted an increased focus on flexible designs allowing facilities to blend indoor and outdoor environments.
Ruben Mejia, the executive vice president of SportsArt Americas, discussed how equipment choices also play a role in sustainable facility design. He explained how many departments increasingly view energy-efficient equipment is as a necessity.
“Operators are no longer satisfied with lower energy use alone,” said Mejia. “They want equipment that actively contributes to reducing a facility’s carbon footprint by capturing and reusing human energy.”
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But as expectations grow, so do the obstacles campus rec professionals have to face.
Balancing Budgets and Managing Costs
Cost continues to be one of the most significant barriers for campus rec departments despite the growing interest in sustainability.
Vendors noted how eco-friendly initiatives are often evaluated based on upfront expense rather than long-term operational value — a perspective that can make environmentally responsible solutions feel out of reach or difficult to justify.
“The most common challenge is managing upfront costs for sustainability systems and materials, which can feel prohibitive during early budgeting,” explained Johnson. “Even when long-term savings are clear, initial investment can be a hurdle to overcome.”
Want to learn more about Moody Nolan? Visit https://moodynolan.com/.
Maintenance and ongoing operating expenses also play a major role in sustainability decisions. Ozdemir said budget pressures can sometimes lead operators to make short-term decisions, compromising long-term building performance, particularly when it comes to indoor air quality.
“When equipment begins to break down, corners are often cut to save costs,” noted Ozdemir. “This not only affects the health and comfort of the building’s occupants, but also leads to higher replacement costs, increased downtime, and reduced satisfaction among members and guests.”
Want to learn more about DynaDome Retractable Structures? Visit https://dynadome.com/.
While cost remains a persistent challenge, vendors noted how sustainability initiatives are more likely to succeed when departments shift their focus from individual purchases to long-term planning.
By approaching sustainability as an operational strategy rather than a standalone expense, campus recreation leaders can identify practical ways to move forward — even within tight budgets.
Advice for Implementing Eco-Friendly Solutions
When it comes to campus rec sustainability initiatives, vendors agree the most success comes from clarity and early planning. Establishing clear goals at the start can help departments make more strategic decisions throughout the process.
“My advice is to start with clear, measurable goals,” said Mejia. “Whether it’s reducing energy consumption, lowering emissions or engaging members, sustainability works best when success is defined upfront.”
Engaging partners and designers early in the process is another common tip across the industry. Nash said design teams are better equipped to support sustainable outcomes when they have a clear understanding of a client’s priorities from the start — and can help ensure the most impactful outcomes.
Johnson echoed the importance of early planning, particularly when departments are balancing sustainability goals with financial constraints. He also stressed the importance of how departments can manage sustainability with tight budgets by shifting the focus from upfront costs to long-term value.
“Incorporating sustainable infrastructure during initial design is far more cost-effective than retrofitting later on,” emphasized Johnson. “Consider lifecycle costs rather than just first costs. Many sustainable systems pay for themselves over time through energy savings and reduced resource consumption.”
When navigating tight budgets, Ozdemir suggests designing flexible spaces to reduce costs while improving indoor air quality. “Retractable structures not only enhance the occupant experience but also reduce the load on HVAC systems, potentially eliminating the need for costly equipment and associated maintenance or operating expenses,” he said.
The Bottom Line
As sustainability continues to shape expectations across higher education, campus rec departments are being asked to do more with limited resources. Vendors across the industry agree that meaningful progress takes more than one-time investments — it requires thoughtful planning and long-term thinking.
By focusing on lifecycle costs, engaging partners early and setting clear goals, campus rec leaders can approach sustainability realistically and continue to serve as highly visible examples of commitment to student health and well-being.
“When sustainability is visible, measurable and engaging, it stops being an abstract concept and becomes part of everyday impact,” said Mejia. “That’s where real change happens.”
