Indiana University Indianapolis
PAE-4: Sustainability Plan

The planning process undertaken for the IUPUI Campus Master Plan was inclusive and comprehensive. Initially spanning a 12-month period, the planning process was extended to engage IU Health in an integrated plan and programming for the academic medical campus. The combined planning effort involved extensive input from IUPUI faculty, staff, students, and administrators; IU Health senior administration and staff; City of Indianapolis leaders and staff; and neighborhood and local community groups.

The Campus Master Plan proposes a number of pathways that could lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions up to 80 percent by the year 2050. It identifies strategies that, if fully implemented, would result in a 25 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2020, even while increasing the built area by 50 percent. As an example, this is consistent with targets established by the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). The emissions addressed here result from the use of purchased electricity, steam, and chilled water.

Baseline metrics are in development allowing the campus to track and document progress towards sustainability goals. Some examples from the Campus Master Plan of how progress is measured include the following: • Use carbon emissions as a metric when evaluating suppliers of purchased electricity, chilled water, and steam. • Expand metering of individual building’s energy use. Identify disproportionately high energy users to prioritize investments in energy efficiency. • Set payback parameters to qualify energy efficiency initiatives. • Establish campus-wide standards for equipment efficiencies (computers and office equipment, food service equipment, and lab equipment). • Install meters to create a thorough database of existing campus building energy (electricity, chilled water, and steam) and water use.