Sustainable Practices at Bucknell

Background

Achieving sustainability at the institutional scale is a complex and ongoing process, involving multiple aspects of university culture from policy, to curriculum, to physical operations, to residential life. Interest in sustainability at Bucknell began in the 1970’s with basic recycling measures, continued in the 1980’s with the development of the Environmental Studies Program, and then resurged in the mid 1990’s with more concerted efforts toward energy conservation and waste reduction. More recently, the initiation of the Bucknell University Environmental Center in November 2004 has led to a greater momentum and sense of purpose in creating a culture of sustainability on campus.

More recently in April of 2008, Bucknell established the Campus Greening Council, an official university committee charged with making policy recommendations in matters relevant to the University's environmental impact.

Additionally, individual departments and organizations have taken on initiatives of their own (see links below and to the right):

Waste Reduction Initiatives

Did you know that Bucknell Facilities recycles over 17 different materials on campus?

Energy Initiatives

Bucknell has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by over 40% and its energy use per square foot by 33% over the past 15 years.

Green Cleaning Initiatives

Facilities has implemented a number of sustainable practices and keeps an updated list on their FAQ page (please follow the link above and tab to the bottom of the page).