Sustainability
Sustainability and Climate Action Commitment
Butler has pledged to reduce the University’s greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Environmental responsibility is an important way to embody our Butler values in the community. Along with positive outcomes for the environment, these sustainability efforts are also important to the health and well-being of Butler’s students, faculty, staff, and neighbors. Butler University is committed to being a leader in environmental sustainability, and you can be part of the solution.
Three Ways to Fund the Path to Net Zero at Butler:
Thank you for joining in and supporting our mission for a sustainable future.
Office of Sustainability Operations
Philanthropic support is needed to fully realize the Office of Sustainability’s impact and ensure sufficient staff capacity to oversee our robust infrastructure, programming, and advocacy efforts.
Land Management
Replanting of Holcomb Gardens and rewilding of 35 acres of campus: With more than 300 acres of land, Butler’s campus serves as a public park to many thousands of visitors every year, most notably in Butler’s Holcomb Gardens. We are beginning to replant Holcomb Gardens with native plants and to systematically “rewild” other sections of campus—converting turf, non-native garden beds, and other highly manicured areas into prairies, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and no-mow zones, eliminating the use of 36,000 pounds of chemicals annually.
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Decarbonization Roadmap: The Decarbonization Roadmap, developed by HEAPY Engineering, is Butler’s long-term plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This decades-long transition will require significant investments. After the transition is made, the Butler community will see budgetary and environmental benefits for many generations to come.
