Florida Gulf Coast University, located in southwest Florida in the United States, opened its doors in 1997 with approximately 1,500 students as the tenth institution in the State University System. The site of the campus was a topic of disagreement between proponents of economic growth and development and proponents of sustainability and environmental sensitivity. The concept of sustainability is built into the foundation of the university and although it has not always been upheld, it has led to some significant developments both in the curriculum and the physical plant. Despite, and perhaps because of, the challenges and controversies, Florida Gulf Coast University has begun to realise its potential in terms of environmental sustainability. This article describes Florida Gulf Coast University as a case study for the advancement of sustainability practices. It discusses the building construction and institutional practices, for which the university received a National Wildlife Federation award.