Ball State is continually acknowledged for its sustainability efforts. From using biodiesel fuel to incorporating hybrid cars into its fleet of vehicles to establishing recycling and composting programs, Ball State is known as a top green university.

President Emerita Jo Ann M. Gora was one of the 12 founding members of the leadership circle who signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. The commitment positions Ball State to undertake climate action task force planning with a goal of climate neutrality. Our Council on the Environment, which was established in 1991 and is the longest standing green committee within Indiana’s higher education community, was recognized by U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar in 2007 with the Energy Patriot Award.

Another key effort for Ball State in its sustainability efforts has been its Greening of the Campus Conference Series. The next conference will be March 18-21, 2012.

We continue to move forward with our eco-minded efforts, including the requirement for all new campus construction to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, as outlined in Education Redefined: Strategic Plan 2007-2012. A LEED certification addresses such building standards as energy and water efficiency, indoor environmental quality and recycling. 

We were featured in The Princeton Review's Guide to 311 Green Colleges: 2011 Edition. For the second year, we were the only public institution in Indiana to be listed among the most environmentally responsible colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada.

This follows university’s receiving a Second Nature Climate Leadership Award in 2010 and the Hoosier Environmental Council's Technology Innovator of the Year award. Learn more about recognitions for our commitment to the environment. 

Here are other examples:

  • Our fleet has hybrid vehicles, electric cars, hybrid-electric buses, vehicles that run on E85 and biodiesel.
  • We divert 20 percent of waste (paper, cardboard, newspapers, pop cans, glass, and some plastics) each year from landfills through our recycling programs.
  • We recycle a large volume of materials such as computers, motor oils, leaves, tires, carpeting, mattresses, concrete, brick, fluorescent lights, and drywall.
  • In some areas, we have planted native vegetation to replace mowed grass, improving water filtration, wildlife habitats, and reducing learning laboratory operating costs.