Sustainability and Climate Action Commitment
Butler University is a signatory of the Second Nature President’s Carbon Commitment, initiated by President Danko in 2012. This commitment states that Butler will reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 15% by 2020, 45% by 2030, and 100% by 2050 from 2011 baseline levels. This important statement toward carbon neutrality highlights Butler’s commitment to minimizing climate change for the local and global community.
In addition to emissions commitments, Butler University has pledged to
- Zero waste by 2030, diverting over 90% of waste from landfills and incinerators.
- Conserve and sustainable manage 70 acres of natural habitat by 2035.
These commitments— along with our campus-wide sustainability initiatives, Green Programs, and sustainability events and workshops— empower and mobilize our campus community to contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient campus.
Butler University Sustainability and Climate Action Plan
The Butler University Sustainability and Climate Action plan (BUSCA) serves as the roadmap that unifies across disciplines in the campus community to create holistic, sustainable change. BUSCA encompasses a wide range of efforts, from operational sustainability to individual well-being and education. In addition to BUSCA, Butler’s Sustainable Landscaping Plan outlines high-level goals for grounds management. In 2024, Butler’s Board of Trustees approved the Butler University Decarbonization Master Plan, created in collaboration with HEAPY Solutions. This document provides a high-level strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Short- and mid-term strategies to achieve BUSCA, sustainable landscape, and decarbonization goals are developed every five years. 2026-2031 BUSCA Strategies are currently under development and will be finalized in June 2026.
Since the development of the Butler Sustainability Leadership Council (BSLC) in October of 2022, Butler has seen significant advancements in campus sustainability initiatives and strategy implementation. The commitment of BSLC members, faculty, staff, and students reflects the collective effort to enhance environmental responsibility and create a more sustainable campus community.
BUSCA goals are aligned with the following Butler University Strategic Priorities and Initiatives, bridging Operations, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs:
- Initiative 1.2: Ensure the curriculum, pedagogy, and programs offered to meet the evolving needs of our students, their future employers, and society at large
- Initiative 2.1: Advance student health and well-being
- Initiative 6.3: Improve key University-wide processes to optimize efficiencies, cost, and experience
- Initiative 6.6: Enhance Butler’s commitment to environmental sustainability
How We Measure Success and Plan Future Strategies
Butler uses the AASHE STARS framework and the SIMAP greenhouse gas reporting tool to track progress on its sustainability strategies and milestones. These tools support accountability, establish evidence-based benchmarks, measure success, and inform the development of future strategies.