Program on the Environment

Because of their scale and influence, organizations have immense potential to address environmental challenges and drive meaningful change. Yet, while 90% of executives report that sustainability is important, only 25% meaningfully integrate it into their operations. This gap is critical: when organizations fail to turn values into practice, sustainability remains aspirational rather than transformative. Understanding how to close this gap is essential for achieving institutional change and advancing long-term environmental goals. The purpose of this study was to understand why organizations struggle to operationalize their sustainability commitments. To accomplish this, I interned with UW Housing and Food Services (HFS), conducting interviews with 13 full-time staff and 5 campus partners from UW Recycling, UW Sustainability, the Campus Sustainability Fund, and the UW Food Pantry. Interview data was transcribed and analyzed to identify recurring barriers, underlying causes, and growth opportunities. Findings revealed that while commitment to sustainability was widespread, implementation was hindered by gaps in accountability, stakeholder engagement, and communication that prevented consistency and effective execution. Through reflecting on these findings, I came to understand that meaningful sustainability depends not only on intent but on implementation. This can be accomplished by building systems that assign ownership, foster collaboration, and embed sustainability into everyday practice. By strengthening these systems, organizations can transform sustainability from a set of ideals into a reality. The lessons from HFS highlight how institutional structures and culture must evolve together, offering insights for universities and other large organizations seeking to turn commitment into impact.