Being nestled on a hillock overlooking the west-flowing Netravathi river, and located in close proximity to the Arabian Sea and the bio-diverse Western Ghats, sets the tone for the academic, research and outreach endeavours of Mangalore University. Built on 143 ha of barren grassland 50 years ago, concerted afforestation efforts led to 63% green cover, forming healthy habitat for flora and fauna, with more than 150 species of birds. Check-dams built in gorges facilitated rainwater harvesting, and evolved into aquatic habitats. Academic ventures and administrative practices aligned to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) conscientize students, faculty and support staff on sustainable environment and development. Affordable quality education is offered to all in a green ambience, the majority of the students being girls, rural, first-generation learners. By tapping solar energy, generating biogas, composting organic waste, harvesting rainwater, treating sewage, e-vehicle usage, procuring energy-efficient equipment and restricting vehicular entry, our university promotes sustainability initiatives. Awareness programmes in schools/villages, tree planting drives, ‘one-student-one-tree’ campaign, campus/beach cleaning drives, ban on use of plastic, and e-governance are experiments in sustainability. Health management strategies, vaccination/blood donation camps, mid-day-meal scheme, ‘wall of kindness’ are essential to our mission. Enhancing existing sustainability initiatives, increased digitalization, smart buildings and mainstreaming SDGs are some of our immediate goals.