As the University navigated the ever-changing challenges of COVID-19 and repopulating our campuses, we worked with partners across BU and in the community to implement the University’s Climate Action Plan. COVID-19 has impacted sustainability initiatives on campus and the implementation of the Climate Action Plan in many ways. It has complicated the understanding of progress toward our goals. Because of the reduced population on campus, energy and water consumption—and waste production—remained low for a second year. To enhance safety, it was necessary to operate ventilation systems continuously. These activities offset each other to some extent, but the net result was a second year of lower-than-normal energy and water consumption and reduced waste production.  

We made progress incorporating racial equity and social justice into our work. We did so through the development of the University’s Strategic Plan, integrating the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. BU Sustainability collaborated with three student clubs to convene the Exploring Environmental Justice webinar series, designed to connect the BU community with the work of Boston-area leaders who are advancing healthy, equitable communities. 

In this report, you will learn what we are doing to move the University toward a more sustainable future. Here are some highlights:   

Winter 2020:  

  • BU Wind began delivering renewable energy in South Dakota, designed to match 100% of BU’s electricity consumption and reduce our emissions by 53%. This is the largest single operating renewable energy project for any university in the EPA’s Green Power Partnership.

Spring 2021: 

  • BU released its Zero Waste Plan and began implementation, adding recycling and food-waste collection on all floors at Warren Towers and the West Campus dorms.

Summer 2021: 

  • The University began to electrify its vehicle fleet and plan the fleet-charging infrastructure.
  • The University implemented a resource management contract designed to help the University to put into practice its Zero Waste Plan. This is the most impactful single action to enable the University to meet its Zero Waste goal.

Fall 2021: 

  • The BU Board of Trustees voted to divest from fossil fuels and phase out investments in companies that use natural gas and extract oil.
  • The University celebrated the topping off of the Center for Computing & Data Sciences.
  • The US EPA recognized BU — one of only five recipients — with its Green Power Leadership Award.

Winter 2021: 

  • BU launched its Sustainable Purchasing Program.