Fostering university–community collaboration for local community’s sustainability: a US public university’s interdisciplinary sustainability initiative through participatory action research

Purpose This study examines Bridgewater State University’s interdisciplinary sustainability research (ISR) project, which leverages participatory action research (PAR) to foster university–community collaboration for sustainable consumption and environmental sustainability in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. It aims to advance sustainability education, civic engagement and community-driven sustainability initiatives aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Design/methodology/approach The study uses a case study approach, utilizing PAR’s cyclical process of planning, acting, observing and reflecting. The ISR team, comprising faculty, students and an alumnus, collaborated with community stakeholders to design a sustainable consumption campaign and establish the Bridgewater Sustainability Coalition (BSC). Data were collected through community meetings, social media updates and student reflections, and analyzed to assess engagement, coalition formation and learning outcomes. Findings The project successfully launched a community-engaged campaign, increasing resident participation through social media and events, and established the BSC, which continues to hold monthly meetings. Students gained interdisciplinary sustainability knowledge, teamwork, advocacy skills and civic responsibility, demonstrating PAR’s transformative impact. The initiative enhanced local sustainability and social capital. Research limitations/implications The project faced limitations, including limited initial resident participation and resource constraints typical of regional universities. Future research could explore scaling PAR initiatives in suburban contexts, examining long-term coalition impacts, and integrating advanced digital tools for broader outreach. Practical implications The study provides replicable PAR frameworks, coalition protocols and media strategies for universities to foster community sustainability initiatives. Social implications The project strengthens community resilience and civic engagement, empowering residents and students as sustainability leaders. Originality/value This study contributes a replicable model for regional US universities, addressing a gap in suburban sustainability scholarship. It advances PAR application in higher education, offering practical tools for campaign design and coalition-building.