ISU's Commitment     

Recycle, Preserve, Reuse, Conserve...and Protect Our Planet.

ISU’s Sustainable Campus Initiative 

Indiana State University (ISU) recognizes its vulnerability to the impacts of climate change as well as the need to reduce the use of fossil fuels and our carbon footprint.  This University also recognizes that state institutions like (ISU) are major consumers of energy and natural resources, and should recognize the need to reduce the use of non-renewable resources and to increase energy efficiency. ISU recognizes its obligation to be wise stewards of scarce resources, and to promote the continued economic and ecological viability of the State.

In September of 2007, ISU’s 10th university president, Dr. Lloyd Benjamin III, solidified ISU’s interest in becoming a sustainable campus by signing the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment.  Our 11th president, Dr. Dan Bradley, reinforced our commitment to sustainability and directed the Sustainability Team Members to explore a climate action plan. 

The Climate Action Plan is consistent with and has completed the requirements of the President’s Climate Commitment including:

ü  Hosting a forum on sustainability to include campus and community leaders, politicians, and other local universities (Held 2/20/2008).
ü  The establishment of the overall coordinating structure including the formation of a council, steering committee, task force, or focus group to help the Sustainability Office communicate with campus, both inviting input and publishing goals and accomplishments (see www1.indstate.edu/facilities/sustainability/index.html).
ü  Initiating the development of a comprehensive plan to achieve climate neutrality as soon as possible (this plan).
ü  The creation of institutional structures to guide the development and implementation of the neutrality plan (see www1.indstate.edu/facilities/sustainability/index.html).
ü  The completion of a comprehensive inventory of all greenhouse gas emissions (including emissions from electricity, heating, commuting, and air travel; See the ISU Carbon Footprint Analysis).  Updates to the inventory will be completed every other year thereafter.
ü  Completing a 10-year historic emission inventory for ISU’s campus, including remote properties (see the ISU Carbon Footprint Analysis).
ü  Development of a target date for achieving climate neutrality (2050).
 ü  Defining targets for goals and actions that will lead to climate neutrality (this plan).
ü  Develop actions to make climate neutrality and sustainability a part of the curriculum at ISU (this plan).
ü  Expand research or other efforts necessary to achieve climate neutrality (this plan).
ü  Development of mechanisms for tracking progress on goals and actions (this plan).
 The American Colleges and Universities President’s Climate Committee (ACUPCC)

The ACUPCC has identified seven initiatives that participating universities may adopt in a coordinated effort to reduce stress to the environment. Indiana State University has committed to initiatives 1, 2, 4, and 7 as identified below by bold typeface.

  1. Establish a policy that all new campus construction will be built to at least the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver standard or equivalent.
  2. Adopt an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy requiring purchase of ENERGY STAR certified products in all areas for which such ratings exist.
  3. Establish a policy of offsetting all greenhouse gas emissions generated by air travel paid for by our institution.
  4. Encourage use of and provide access to public transportation for all faculty, staff, students and visitors at our institution.
  5. Within one year of signing this document, begin purchasing or producing at least 15% of our institution's electricity consumption from renewable sources.
  6. Establish a policy or a committee that supports climate and sustainability shareholder proposals at companies where our institution's endowment is invested.
  7. Participate in the Waste Minimization component of the national RecycleMania competition, and adopt 3 or more associated measures to reduce waste.

ISU’s President’s Council on Sustainability will continue to provide leadership as campus sustainability efforts move forward.  Working with key ISU leadership, we will continually share insights and help determine processes that will engage faculty, students, staff and our community in sustainability efforts across the campus.  

ISU will also consider ways to develop partnerships and funding to support the educational, research, and public service missions of higher education as they relate to sustainability.  ISU’s hallmark strengths in teaching, applied research, and community service advocate for a special role for ISU in sustaining the continued economic and ecological viability of the state – not only through best institutional practices, but through applied research, education, and service. path