Boston University

Students at Boston University have diverse educational opportunities related to sustainability in undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and special degree programs offered through 13 of Boston University’s 17 schools and colleges. These opportunities include a broad range … read more

Students at Boston University have diverse educational opportunities related to sustainability in undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and special degree programs offered through 13 of Boston University’s 17 schools and colleges. These opportunities include a broad range of courses on topics such as sustainable energy, climate change, and environmental history, and degree programs that prepare students for careers and graduate schools in fields related to sustainability.

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Boston University's faculty and students engage in various research projects in order to more effectively understand and interpret vast and ever-changing issues related to sustainability. Research spans multiple disciplines, focuses on national and global scales, … read more

Boston University's faculty and students engage in various research projects in order to more effectively understand and interpret vast and ever-changing issues related to sustainability. Research spans multiple disciplines, focuses on national and global scales, relates to science, policy, renewable and nonrenewable resources, and utilizes quantitative and qualitative research methods.

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Boston University connects to the community through a broad range of public engagement activities often partnering with the City of Boston and other area universities.

In 2015 Boston University emitted 128,000 metric tonnes of CO2e from fossil fuels burned on campus to heat and cool our buildings, and from the fossil fuels burned by others to generate the necessary electricity … read more

In 2015 Boston University emitted 128,000 metric tonnes of CO2e from fossil fuels burned on campus to heat and cool our buildings, and from the fossil fuels burned by others to generate the necessary electricity and steam the University uses. This is a 23.1% reduction from 2006 levels. This progress is due to energy efficiency projects and moving from heavy to lighter fuel oil and more recently to natural gas.

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Boston University incorporates sustainable building practices into small renovations and large construction projects alike. Building design and construction takes a broad spectrum of green building strategies into account. To accomplish this, the University uses the … read more

Boston University incorporates sustainable building practices into small renovations and large construction projects alike. Building design and construction takes a broad spectrum of green building strategies into account. To accomplish this, the University uses the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Certification System to track opportunities in transportation, site development, water efficiency, energy efficiency, waste reduction, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. New construction projects meet LEED Certification standards. All major projects currently in design and construction are seeking LEED Certification.

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BU buys locally to reduce fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions. BU currently purchases everything from dairy, fruits and vegetables, Certified Humane chicken, grass-fed ground beef and burgers from Maine Family Farms, VT organic tofu, … read more

BU buys locally to reduce fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions. BU currently purchases everything from dairy, fruits and vegetables, Certified Humane chicken, grass-fed ground beef and burgers from Maine Family Farms, VT organic tofu, organic soy milk and sustainable seafood from 47 local farms and growers. The University also seeks vendors that are committed to sustainable agriculture practices.

The Dining Services Sustainability Program is a campus wide effort to reduce environmental impacts. In order to accomplish this goal, Dining Services partners with suppliers, Facilities, Management and Planning, Sourcing and Procurement, and recycling and composting companies. Together we're working to identify environmentally responsible products and practices that encourage reuse and recycling, and the reduction of energy, fuel, and water use.

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sustainability@BU views energy efficiency as the most important issue within the University’s sustainability efforts. The efficient use of energy reduces the University's exposure to market volatility, ongoing operating costs, and CO2 emissions, which contribute to … read more

sustainability@BU views energy efficiency as the most important issue within the University’s sustainability efforts. The efficient use of energy reduces the University's exposure to market volatility, ongoing operating costs, and CO2 emissions, which contribute to climate change. In order to most effectively address cost and emissions, we must first reduce energy consumption.

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In keeping with BU’s commitment to sustainability, the University has introduced a number of eco-agricultural initiatives, such as integrated pest management, composting yard waste, and implementing organic lawn treatments.

In an effort to reduce the University’s environmental footprint through the products and services it procures, Boston University first launched its Green Purchasing initiative in 2004, choosing products and services that have a smaller environmental … read more

In an effort to reduce the University’s environmental footprint through the products and services it procures, Boston University first launched its Green Purchasing initiative in 2004, choosing products and services that have a smaller environmental impact in areas such as manufacturing, transportation, recycling, and disposal.

Waste has been reduced through consolidated ordering and deliveries, so products arrive in bulk, reducing trip frequency. Reduction in supplier packaging materials has also been implemented, further reducing our environmental impact.

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At Boston University 96% of our students and 52% of our faculty and staff take sustainable means of transportation on a daily basis. The reason for this high rate is simple; Boston University is well … read more

At Boston University 96% of our students and 52% of our faculty and staff take sustainable means of transportation on a daily basis. The reason for this high rate is simple; Boston University is well situated within an urban center and is well integrated with a robust transportation network.

The Charles River Campus has 8 subway stops on the B line, 2 on the C line, 2 on the D line, and 1 commuter rail stop. The Medical Campus has 2 stops on the Silver Line. 12 inter-city bus lines and 4 shuttles service the main and medical campuses, connecting the University with twelve neighboring communities. The University also operates The BUS that connects the two campuses running on a 10 to 20 minute daytime frequency and features 15 stops.

BU is the site of the city’s first bike lanes which are now part of an ever-expanding network incorporating more than 50 miles of city streets and parks. To accommodate this popular means of transportation, bicycle storage increased 137% from 2008 to 2009. The City of Boston’s Hubway bike share program now includes 5 stations on the Charles River Campus and 2 on the Medical Campus.

The MBTA offers a Semester T-Pass program through the University, which provides an 11% discount. Monthly T-Passes are available with pre-tax dollars for faculty and staff on the CRC through the Employee MBTA Pass Program, and on the BUMC campus, through the BUMC Parking and Transportation Office.

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Boston University began work to improve the University’s waste and recycling efforts in 2006 with a waste audit conducted on the Charles River Campus. The audit revealed a recycling rate of 4% for the Charles … read more

Boston University began work to improve the University’s waste and recycling efforts in 2006 with a waste audit conducted on the Charles River Campus. The audit revealed a recycling rate of 4% for the Charles River Campus and 3% overall with the Medical Campus included. The University has increased it's diversion rate to 39% in 2015. This increase can be attributed to two factors: Dining Services moving to trayless dining and food waste composting, and the grassroots efforts of concerned faculty, staff and students across campus supported by the University providing the necessary recycling infrastructure.

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Boston University’s Sustainability Committee and its four working groups provided the initial structure for the University’s sustainability program including sustainability@BU, the University’s sustainability office. This program provides a means to lead the University in a … read more

Boston University’s Sustainability Committee and its four working groups provided the initial structure for the University’s sustainability program including sustainability@BU, the University’s sustainability office. This program provides a means to lead the University in a more sustainable direction to reduce our use of natural resources and operating costs, reduce environmental impacts, and make sustainability integral to the fabric of Boston University.

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Boston University awards millions of dollars in need-based grants and merit awards to incoming students annually. We strive to ensure that equal opportunity is a reality at Boston University, that our faculty, staff, and students … read more

Boston University awards millions of dollars in need-based grants and merit awards to incoming students annually. We strive to ensure that equal opportunity is a reality at Boston University, that our faculty, staff, and students can work and study in an environment free of unlawful harassment and discrimination, and that the University meets its obligations under federal and state equal opportunity and affirmative action laws and regulations.

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