Living Labs are applied learning opportunities that utilize the campus and nearby environments to support sustainability research and advance scholarship. The Living Lab framework enables hands-on sustainability learning through classroom projects, 
research initiatives, and student practicums. These activities are supported by a full-time program manager, with additional opportunities for support available through competitive seed grants designed to foster campus sustainability innovation.

 
Participation Pathways

Teaching and Coursework

This pathway offers an opportunity for faculty and students to integrate the campus as living lab framework with coursework to examine real-world sustainability challenges and develop critical analysis and problem-solving skills.

Research

Living labs support research initiatives across the research cycle, enabling faculty, staff, and students to collaborate on sustainability projects that advance scholarship, drive operational innovation, and support Brown's strategic sustainability goals.

Student Practicums/Independent Study

This pathway provides opportunities to engage students in practicums, internships or independent study projects, gaining hands-on experience in sustainability. These projects enable students to work closely with faculty, staff, or community partners on specific projects such as climate resilience, environmental justice, and sustainable infrastructure.  

Co-Curricular Projects and Partnerships

The program fosters opportunities to learn outside the classroom through interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement.  Partnerships with local and regional environmental organizations allow students to apply their learning in ways that benefit both the university and broader community.

Program Goals

• Create campus-based learning opportunities across Brown's curriculum and research enterprise that advance sustainability scholarship and operational innovation
• Foster opportunities for regional environmental connection and behavior change
• Build awareness and program engagement using the campus as a testbed for research and learning

• Establish a clear and adaptable program structure to ensure long-term sustainability and impact

  Developed in collaboration with an Advisory Committee comprised of faculty, staff and students, this initiative is aligned with the University's mission to generate global impact through discovery, innovation and the creation of knowledge, and supports Brown’s goal of encouraging interdisciplinary research and learning by fostering collaborative partnerships and critical problem-solving skills which are essential for addressing multifaceted sustainability challenges. 

Getting Started

• Share your Ideas:  Have an idea for a living lab but not sure where to start?  Reach out to Sustainability@brown.edu to discuss your ideas and connect with the right resources and partners.  
• Join an Existing Project:  Connect with us to discuss current living lab initiatives or let us match you with opportunities that align with your interests and expertise. Projects range from short-term studies to long-term research collaborations.
• Implementation Support:  Whether it's energy efficiency, waste reduction, biodiversity or something else - we can help connect faculty, staff, and student researchers to transform your concept into an actionable campus living lab project.
• Apply for Sustainability Seed Grant Funding (review the guidelines)

We encourage you to reach out to our office to learn more.  Please email Sustainability@brown.edu with the Office of Sustainability & Resiliency with any questions.