Trustees receive update on sustainability featuring 55% reduction in emissions per capita since 2011

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue University Board of Trustees on Friday (Dec. 12) heard an update from Ryan Gallagher, Purdue’s associate vice president for facilities operations and environmental health and safety, on the progress made toward sustainability at the university. Purdue has been recognized by various organizations for sustainability practices, including a Times Higher Education ranking of the No. 6 university in the U.S. contributing to sustainable cities and communities, and a new Bee Campus USA designation.

Gallagher highlighted key operational achievements, featuring a 55% reduction in emissions per capita since 2011. At the same time, there has been a 39% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions while student enrollment increased by the same percentage. Also since fiscal year 2011, 10 miles of new and improved bicycle infrastructure have been installed, 4,000 trees have been planted, and at least 2.5 billion gallons of water have been saved. Over the last three years, Purdue has seen a 45% reduction in emissions per capita of direct energy on campus.

Three new, evergreen Sustainable Operations department initiatives were unveiled:

• Advance toward a low carbon future
• Consume responsibly and minimize waste
• Cultivate a thriving built and natural environment

Both short-term initiatives and long-term efforts will support one or more of the goals, including Purdue’s continued interest in carbon-free nuclear energy.

The update ended by noting recent successes, including steady reliability metrics for Purdue utility services and a successful Global Nuclear Energy Economic Summit held in November that had over 520 attendees, including Indiana Gov. Mike Braun; state and federal policymakers; leaders from nuclear, finance, utilities and skilled trades organizations; as well as faculty, staff and students.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research university leading with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities in the United States, Purdue discovers, disseminates and deploys knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 106,000 students study at Purdue across multiple campuses, locations and modalities, including more than 57,000 at our main campus locations in West Lafayette and Indianapolis. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue’s main campus has frozen tuition 14 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap — including its integrated, comprehensive Indianapolis urban expansion; the Mitch Daniels School of Business; Purdue Computes; and the One Health initiative — at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.