Purpose: To apply the concepts of lean and sustainability to higher education. Design/methodology/approach: A questionnaire was developed, administered to 18 public and private universities and analyzed. Findings: The focus in higher education is now on cost reduction or budget containment initiatives. Although these initiatives were not implemented with the knowledge that they were implementing "lean" practices, their application has often reduced waste, improved operational efficiency, and contributed to sustainability. Research limitations/implications: This is a preliminary study with a sample size of 18 universities in the northeastern United States. Future research should include more universities in the United States as well as in other countries. Practical implications: The participating universities in this study shared their beliefs about how "lean" thinking can contribute to the sustainability of higher education. Other universities can "learn from their lessons". Originality/value: Very little past research, except in the area of green marketing, has focused on lean sustainability concepts in higher education.