Butler University has devised a plan to eliminate greenhouse gases produced on the campus by 2050.

The Butler University Sustainability and Climate Action plan (BUSCA) includes a variety of strategies, such as energy efficiency and conservation measures, transportation strategies, long-term plans to incorporate renewable energy, and a goal to become a “zero waste” campus.

The plan also includes water saving and reuse strategies, sustainable procurement policies, and an emphasis on local food. Butler’s plan was written by the 25-member Sustainability Council, which consists of faculty, staff, and students from across the university.

BUSCA comes a little more than two years after Butler University President Jim Danko kicked off Earth Week by signing the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, a pledge to create a long-range plan to eliminate the campus’ net emissions of greenhouse gases.

The pledge, which has been signed by 684 presidents and chancellors of colleges and universities to date, expresses concern about “the unprecedented scale and speed of global warming and its potential for large-scale, adverse health, social, economic and ecological effects.”

Butler was the first Indianapolis university to sign the commitment. In the opening letter of BUSCA, Danko states, “Through this pledge to achieve climate neutrality, Butler is reaffirming its commitment to serve as a champion for the City of Indianapolis and State of Indiana, helping to ensure that future generations of Hoosiers inherit a healthy planet.”

Regular reports and assessment are planned to ensure the plan remains up-to-date and relevant. The plan can be accessed here: http://rs.acupcc.org/cap/1218/.

 

Media contact:
Marc Allan
mallan@butler.edu
317-940-9822