Purpose: Green and Lean is an organisational strategy that is increasingly being applied. Although Gren and Lean were first implemented in the industry sector, this way of thinking has spread to all organisational areas and is now acquiring visibility and gradually being applied in the service sector, including in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). There are studies in the literature that refer to the application of the Lean approach or the application of the Green approach, but in a separate way. The objective of this study, as a preliminary analysis, is to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the current state of knowledge regarding the implementation of Green and Lean in HEIs. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review was conducted to identify relevant publications. A sample of 16 scientific publications in English peer-reviewed scientific journals and conferences over the 2014–2023 period was included in the qualitative analysis. Findings: A limited number of studies have been identified that examine the application of the Lean approach and the Green approach, separately. Only one publication was identified that considered the integration of the Green and Lean approach. Originality/value: Although this is a preliminary study, this analyse the condition of the implementations of a Green and Lean approach in HEIs, due this integrated approach is already accepted on manufacturing sector. This study offers insights into the valuable aspects of the implementation of Green and Lean initiatives.