Thank you for your interest in Boston University’s progress on sustainability. On behalf of our team at BU Sustainability, I am pleased to present to you our 2023 Annual Report. Boston University continues to be a place that fosters innovation and groundbreaking research with engaged staff, faculty, and students working toward a just and sustainable future. For more highlights from this past year, please follow the link below.

Dennis Carlberg, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

In its first year, the Center for Computing & Data Sciences became Boston University’s first LEED^© Platinum, fossil fuel-free, and carbon free building. Additionally, the University is striving to make CCDS the second-ever higher education building to achieve TRUE Zero Waste Certification.

Topics include: TRUE Zero Waste Certification, LEED Platinum, Operating a Fossil Fuel-Free Building, Community Data Access

Boston University continues to implement initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move us away from fossil fuels. As part of the Climate Action Plan implementation, we are exploring alternative ways to power campus buildings and get closer to our goal of net zero direct emissions by 2040.

Topics include: BU Solar, Growing our EV Fleet and Charging Network

Boston University is deploying systems and technologies to help reach its Zero Waste goal by 2030 and to make it easier for the community to integrate sustainable behaviors into their lives. In 2023, the University focused on reducing food packaging and properly disposing of food waste.

Topics include: Choose to Reuse, Food Waste Collection, Waste Bin Standardization, Resource Management

Academics and research are key in BU’s Climate Action Plan and broader sustainability work. Through groundbreaking research and course offerings, Boston University is helping to educate the next generation of climate scientists, environmental champions, and sustainable leaders.

Topics include: MacArthur Fellow, Campus Climate Lab, Janetos Prize, Climate Disinformation Initiative, Sustainability Curriculum, Turning Waste into Art

To foster and grow a community of sustainability-minded individuals, BU Sustainability works across the University to engage students, faculty, staff, and community members in climate action initiatives and programming.

Topics include: Earth Day 365, Sustainable Athletics, BU Cycle Kitchen, Sustainability Festival, Medical Campus Office, Sustainability Liaisons, Resident Sustainability Leaders, Growing our Data Team

BU Sustainability works, collaborates, and engages with higher education peers, government agencies, and corporate sustainability leaders throughout the year. By learning and meeting with our community, we can help advance climate innovations and industry best practices at Boston University, the broader community, and beyond.

Topics include: AASHE Host Institution, CCDS Visitors, Green Ribbon Commission

As Boston University welcomes its 11th President, Dr. Melissa Gilliam, we embark on this new chapter with excitement. BU’s Strategic Plan outlines key initiatives such as the “University-Wide Effort on Sustainability,” one result being the establishment of the Institute for Global Sustainability in 2022. The University’s Strategic Plan and Climate Action Plan lay the groundwork for ongoing climate action work in curriculum, research, and operations. At Boston University, there remains ample opportunity to expand upon the progress we have made to date.

BU Sustainability maintains metrics to track how the University is progressing on goals in the Climate Action Plan. Click the learn more button below to see our progress from the past year as we work towards our carbon neutrality and Zero Waste goals.

Topics Include: CO₂ Emissions, Resource Use, Waste Generation, Green Buildings, Transportation, Sustainable Purchasing