Net Zero Direct Emissions

To reach the goals set in the Climate Action Plan, BU is taking swift action to reduce emissions. In 2023, the University installed solar arrays on campus buildings and added five electric vehicles to the campus fleet.

BU Solar

On-campus solar installations support the University’s transition away from fossil fuels and provide educational and research opportunities to our students and faculty. Additionally, these installations support the local renewable energy economy and increase the visibility of BU’s climate action work.

In 2023, Boston University installed four solar arrays. Three of these projects, noted below, are designed to match 23% of the electricity demand at the Center for Computing & Data Sciences. Additionally, the University installed a solar array on Kilachand Hall, which coincided with renovations on the 9th floor. These four sites were identified through a solar feasibility study, which evaluated over 80 buildings and sites across BU’s three campuses. The University will continue to utilize this study to identify potential new projects for solar power generation on campus.

  • The Track & Tennis Center (100 Ashford St.) – 1,500 total Modules. 720kW DC / 480kW AC, designed to generate 734,000 kWh/year
  • Administrative Offices (25 Buick St.) – 525 total Modules. 252kW DC / 170kW AC, designed to generate 280,000 kWh/year
  • Booth Theatre (820 Commonwealth Ave.) – 207 total Modules. 99kW DC /70kW AC, designed to generate 110,000 kWh/year
  • Kilachand Hall (91 Bay State Road) – 16 total Modules. 8.6kW DC / 5.7kW AC, designed to generate 9,000 kWh/year

Growing our EV Fleet

Zero-Emission Vehicles are an important element in BU’s commitment to sustainability. As part of these efforts, University departments are prioritizing electric vehicles for replacement and new vehicles. With its first EV in 2021, the University continues to adopt EVs into the fleet. Five additional EVs were acquired in 2023, totaling nine electric vehicles in the fleet.

EV charging stations are key to keep our fleet running. A University-wide charging infrastructure plan was designed in consultation with several departments to allow for growth as demand increases, accommodating both fleet and commuter vehicles.