Energy, Water & Transportation
Energy & Water Conservation
Conserving our precious natural resources is a central component of Bucknell’s commitment to sustaining the future of our region and the planet. In 1997, we converted our central power plant from coal to natural gas, achieving a 97% reduction in plant emissions (including a 96% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and a 99% reduction in suspended particulate emissions). The plant also captures heat produced in power generation and uses it to provide steam heat and chilled water to most campus facilities.
While most of our energy comes from the plant and public utilities, Bucknell is also exploring sources of renewable energy. The University’s first solar array was installed in 2006 and serves as a power source for the Bucknell Center for Sustainability & the Environment. Several more solar arrays have since been added, including a class tribute from the Class of 2014. A 900-watt wind turbine was installed in 2013.
Through continuous, ongoing efficiency upgrades including LED lighting, low-flow water fixtures, green roofs and rain garden projects and constructing new buildings to meet or exceed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards, we’re also striving to reduce our energy and water use, even as our campus grows. It’s all part of our commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
Sustainable Transportation
Bucknell’s campus and the adjacent community of Lewisburg are distinctly walkable and we encourage members of our community to use non-polluting means of transportation when possible and shared transportation when needed.
Bike racks, some sheltered, are available throughout campus and the Bison Bikes program loans bicycles to Bucknell students free of charge. The 9-mile Buffalo Valley Rail Trail is also easily accessible from campus.
When a motor vehicle is required, we encourage environmentally conscious options. The Bucknell Shuttle provides safe public transportation around campus and to area dining and shopping venues and ride-sharing services to major cities and airports are available as well. There are reserved parking spaces for low-emission vehicles in prime locations on campus, as well as two electric-vehicle charging stations that are open for public use, one two-port ChargePoint station and one Tesla-specific station. Cars are also available for rental on campus through the car-sharing service ZipCar.