For the past decade, academic institutions have made significant strides toward sustainability--creating greener facilities, and educating and engaging their students in the process. With budgets tight, any green initiatives need to be backed, first and foremost, by a compelling economic argument. Harper College in Palatine, Illinois is a 180-acre campus about 30 miles northwest of Chicago. Established in 1965, the college serves 16,000 students, offering associates degrees, certificates, and continuing education classes. With less than 10 percent of Harper's funding coming from the state, student tuition and property taxes do not allow for costly spending on sustainability initiatives. Priorities are set according to which activities have a zero-net cost, a cost savings, or a near-term return on investment. From water usage to waste management and energy consumption, Harper College has focused on key green initiatives that will save the school money while at the same time setting it on a green path to the future.