Current Affairs

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Publishes Guidelines for Green Libraries

February 2, 2026

New From the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).

The guidelines document was edited by Petra Hauke, Antonia Mocatta, and Priscilla Nga Ian Pun “with contributions and support from the IFLA Guidelines for Green Libraries Working Group of the IFLA Environment, Sustainability and Libraries (ENSULIB) Section.”

From an Introductory Post:

The IFLA Environment, Sustainability and Libraries (ENSULIB) Section proudly announces the publication of the IFLA Guidelines for Green Libraries. Developed through a global, collaborative effort by the IFLA Guidelines for Green Libraries Working Group, the Guidelines represent a major milestone for sustainable librarianship. Advancing green library practices has been a core priority of ENSULIB since its establishment as a Special Interest Group in 2009.

In the context of the UN 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, sustainability has become a defining responsibility of public institutions. Libraries are uniquely positioned to support this agenda: as trusted, inclusive, and community-centered spaces, they play a vital role in environmental education, civic engagement, and equitable access to knowledge. Through collections, exhibitions, events, shared resources, and initiatives such as seed libraries, makerspaces, and repair cafés, libraries actively raise awareness and inspire sustainable behavior. Worldwide, growing public demand, institutional commitment, and expanding networks, grants, and awards demonstrate the accelerating momentum of green library development.

The Guidelines offer a flexible yet robust framework for planning, implementing, and evaluating green libraries in diverse contexts. They support the creation of national and local strategies while enabling libraries of all types to adopt sustainability measures suited to their capacities and communities. Fully aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda, the Guidelines emphasize achievable, scalable actions—empowering libraries to progress from minimum standards to best practice. Designed for librarians, administrators, policymakers, architects, designers, and other stakeholders, they provide clear guidance for setting priorities and delivering measurable impact.