http://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center Ball State University Sustainability News RSS en-us Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:36:04 -0400 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2025/02/land-betterment-partners-with-ball-state-university-for-real-world-learning-and-strategic-insights https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2025/02/land-betterment-partners-with-ball-state-university-for-real-world-learning-and-strategic-insights Ball State University has announced a partnership with Land Betterment Corporation, a certified B-Corp dedicated to repurposing former coal mining and industrial sites into sustainable community assets. Thu, 13 Feb 2025 17:40:06 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2023/03/ethan-whitehead-guest-lecture-in-sustainability-series-announces-inaugural-event https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2023/03/ethan-whitehead-guest-lecture-in-sustainability-series-announces-inaugural-event The inaugural event of the Ethan Whitehead Guest Lecture in Sustainability series is scheduled for March 20 at Ball State University. The guest lecturer is Dr. Billy Fleming, the Wilks Family Director of the Ian L. McHarg Center in the Weitzman School of Design. Dr. Fleming is a senior fellow with Data for Progress and co-director of the “Climate + Community Project.” Mon, 13 Mar 2023 11:48:11 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2023/02/ball-state-university-appoints-margaret-lo-as-inaugural-chief-sustainability-officer https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2023/02/ball-state-university-appoints-margaret-lo-as-inaugural-chief-sustainability-officer Margaret Lo will join Ball State University as chief sustainability officer, effective March 6, Alan Finn, vice president for Business Affairs and treasurer, announced. Tue, 21 Feb 2023 16:15:23 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2020/8/health-professions-building-earns-sustainability-certification https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2020/8/health-professions-building-earns-sustainability-certification The building has earned a LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Mon, 31 Aug 2020 12:23:35 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2020/6/wabash-river-could-provide-global-example https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2020/6/wabash-river-could-provide-global-example The Wabash River could be returned to a pristine state by using modern conservation applications, according to research from Ball State University. Tue, 23 Jun 2020 20:31:11 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2015/10/president-paul-w-ferguson-attends-national-sustainability-gathering https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2015/10/president-paul-w-ferguson-attends-national-sustainability-gathering Wed, 22 Feb 2023 14:33:12 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2014/8/major-student-scholarship-winners-named-for-201314-academic-year https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2014/8/major-student-scholarship-winners-named-for-201314-academic-year Ball State has announced the names of high-achieving students who've captured top national honors during the 2013-14 academic year. Mon, 13 Nov 2023 14:05:45 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2014/1/ball-states-down-to-earth-documentary-examines-the-world-of-sustainable-farming https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2014/1/ball-states-down-to-earth-documentary-examines-the-world-of-sustainable-farming Small-farm issues in a big-farm world are the central theme of "Down to Earth," a new documentary created by Ball State University students focused on promoting a more sustainable and locally based food system for our nation. The 35-minute film spotlights east central Indiana farmer Kyle Becker and his passion to implement sustainable farming methods to help heal his land while providing healthy food to people throughout the region. Tue, 21 Jan 2014 17:41:00 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2013/9/congressman-luke-messer-and-ball-state-create-new-leadership-academy https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2013/9/congressman-luke-messer-and-ball-state-create-new-leadership-academy Congressman Luke Messer and Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora have established the new Congressional Leadership Academy for high-ability high school juniors in Indiana’s 6th Congressional District. Mon, 09 Sep 2013 19:49:12 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2012/11/ball-state-recognized-by-higher-education-group-for-sustainability-efforts https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2012/11/ball-state-recognized-by-higher-education-group-for-sustainability-efforts Ball State University recently was recognized for its sustainability achievements by a North American higher education organization dedicated to supporting environmentally responsible practices. Thu, 23 Jul 2015 13:32:18 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2012/6/prestigious-international-group-honors-ball-states-sustainability-efforts https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2012/6/prestigious-international-group-honors-ball-states-sustainability-efforts Ball State University was honored this week for its across-the-board efforts at environmental stewardship by an international organization that includes some of the world's most prestigious colleges and universities. Fri, 14 Sep 2012 19:39:48 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2012/3/ball-states-geothermal-system-to-be-dedicated-march-20 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2012/3/ball-states-geothermal-system-to-be-dedicated-march-20 Ball State will dedicate the nation's largest geothermal system of its kind during a March 20 ceremony in Sursa Hall. Fri, 14 Sep 2012 19:16:13 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2012/2/speakers-topics-range-from-globalism-to-education-entertainment-to-storytelling https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2012/2/speakers-topics-range-from-globalism-to-education-entertainment-to-storytelling Speakers from across the country will come to Ball State this spring, providing the campus community with new ideas on a variety of topics. Fri, 14 Sep 2012 19:18:33 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2012/1/ball-state-will-team-with-kentucky-universities-to-build-solar-house-in-national-contest https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2012/1/ball-state-will-team-with-kentucky-universities-to-build-solar-house-in-national-contest Ball State students will help build a solar-powered house as part of a competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. Fri, 14 Sep 2012 19:01:20 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2011/8/leeding-the-way-in-sustainability-has-ball-state-seeing-stars https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2011/8/leeding-the-way-in-sustainability-has-ball-state-seeing-stars Coinciding recognitions from the U.S. Green Building Council and the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education confirm Ball State's environmental leadership. Completion of the university's nation-leading geothermal energy project, meanwhile, could put it "over the top," predicts Robert Koester, longtime chair of the Council on the Environment. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:43:05 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2011/6/greening-the-campus-from-the-top-on-down https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2011/6/greening-the-campus-from-the-top-on-down Part of the university’s initiative to nurture an environmentally conscious campus includes a new green area installed atop a recently constructed energy station, itself a component of Ball State’s geothermal energy project. Fri, 14 Sep 2012 18:12:26 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2011/4/ball-state-named-one-of-princeton-reviews-green-colleges-for-second-year-in-a-row https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2011/4/ball-state-named-one-of-princeton-reviews-green-colleges-for-second-year-in-a-row For the second year in a row, Ball State University has been named one of the country's most environmentally responsible colleges by The Princeton Review. The university is one of only 311 schools in the nation to be recognized as an eco-friendly campus by the nationally known education service company. Fri, 14 Sep 2012 17:56:51 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2010/11/geothermal-project-reaps-award-from-statewide-environmental-advocate https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2010/11/geothermal-project-reaps-award-from-statewide-environmental-advocate The Hoosier Environmental Council recognizes Ball State University with its Technology Innovator of the Year award during the Green Policy Forum. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:43:04 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2010/10/climate-commitment-earns-ball-state-national-award-from-college-presidents https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2010/10/climate-commitment-earns-ball-state-national-award-from-college-presidents The university earns a leadership award from Second Nature and the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment as a "best example" of how higher education is helping shift society's thinking and behavior toward greater sustainability. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:43:07 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2010/9/energyefficiency-grant-will-decrease-campus-electrical-demand https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2010/9/energyefficiency-grant-will-decrease-campus-electrical-demand Ball State has received a grant to purchase new air conditioners in the Robert Bell Building’s computer lab that will help reduce the university’s electrical demand. Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:18:05 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2010/8/comfort-and-privacy-are-king-for-students-living-in-new-kinghorn-hall https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2010/8/comfort-and-privacy-are-king-for-students-living-in-new-kinghorn-hall Six hundred students arriving on campus this fall have moved into the new Kinghorn Hall, named in honor of Tom Kinghorn, who dedicated more than four decades of service to Ball State before his retirement as vice president of business affairs and treasurer in June 2009. Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:26:13 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2010/5/princeton-review-names-ball-state-one-of-its-green-colleges https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2010/5/princeton-review-names-ball-state-one-of-its-green-colleges The Princeton Review names Ball State to its green college guide as one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible schools. The university is one of 286 schools in the nation to be recognized as an eco-friendly campus. Fri, 14 Sep 2012 15:51:50 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2010/3/eyes-of-the-nation--and-the-world--on-ball-state-as-geothermal-project-moves-ahead https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2010/3/eyes-of-the-nation--and-the-world--on-ball-state-as-geothermal-project-moves-ahead Media outlets and visitors from around the country — and the world — are keeping a close eye on Ball State's geothermal initiative. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:43:25 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2010/2/ball-state-becomes-charter-participant-in-nations-first-campuswide-sustainability-program https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2010/2/ball-state-becomes-charter-participant-in-nations-first-campuswide-sustainability-program Ball State joins sustainability rating system and takes a campuswide step toward sustainability. Fri, 14 Sep 2012 15:19:36 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2009/10/5-million-boost-for-nations-largest-geothermal-initiative https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2009/10/5-million-boost-for-nations-largest-geothermal-initiative $5 million boost to Ball State's geothermal initiative. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:43:30 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2009/10/grad-named-top-contributor-to-sustainability-discussions-sponsored-by-ibm https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2009/10/grad-named-top-contributor-to-sustainability-discussions-sponsored-by-ibm Ball State University graduate Kristopher Pring took part in the 2009 Smarter Planet University Jam, sponsored by IBM, and was named a top student contributor. He has been invited to be a part of a student advisory council through IBM to further discussions on sustainability issues. Thu, 13 Sep 2012 20:45:48 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2009/9/sharing-sustainability-expertise-at-greening-of-the-campus-in-indianapolis https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2009/9/sharing-sustainability-expertise-at-greening-of-the-campus-in-indianapolis Indianapolis to host expanded Greening of the Campus conference for first time. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:43:24 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2009/5/sen-lugar-leads-off-countrys-largest-geothermal-energy-project https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2009/5/sen-lugar-leads-off-countrys-largest-geothermal-energy-project Construction of the country's largest geothermal heating and cooling system begins at a unique groundbreaking ceremony, with U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar doing the honors. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:43:06 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2009/5/energy-project-to-start-at-senior-senators-command-commencement-weekend https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2009/5/energy-project-to-start-at-senior-senators-command-commencement-weekend Sen. Richard Lugar will pull double duty on campus Saturday, May 9, serving as principal speaker at spring Commencement and presiding over the start of construction on the largest geothermal heating and cooling system in the country. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:43:09 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2009/2/four-architecture-students-named-indiana-architectural-foundation-scholars https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2009/2/four-architecture-students-named-indiana-architectural-foundation-scholars Four graduate students from the College of Architecture and Planning earn $1,000 scholarships. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:43:27 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2009/2/going-geothermal-university-plans-to-install-the-largest-system-in-the-country https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2009/2/going-geothermal-university-plans-to-install-the-largest-system-in-the-country Board of Trustees approves plan for a geothermal energy solution to the university's long-term central heating and cooling needs. Removing outmoded boiler system will save up to $2 million a year in operating costs and cut Ball State's carbon footprint almost in half. Wed, 12 Sep 2012 18:51:59 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/10/kiwi-magazine-recognizes-ball-state-for-second-year-as-ecominded-school https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/10/kiwi-magazine-recognizes-ball-state-for-second-year-as-ecominded-school Ball State has again found a spot on the list of the nation's top 75 green universities as outlined in Kiwi magazine's "Green College Report." This year is the second year in a row the university has been recognized by the parenting publication. Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:53:17 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/9/national-wildlife-federation-praises-ball-state-as-a-model-of-sustainability https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/9/national-wildlife-federation-praises-ball-state-as-a-model-of-sustainability The National Wildlife Federation lauds many of Ball State's sustainability efforts. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:43:25 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/8/university-receives-federal-funding-for-a-ball-statebrazil-exchange-to-study-sustainability https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/8/university-receives-federal-funding-for-a-ball-statebrazil-exchange-to-study-sustainability Funds from U.S. and Brazilian grants will cover stipends for up to 40 students and eight faculty members to participate in exchanges between partners Ball State and Texas A&M and participating Brazilian universities. Participants will examine environmental, social and economic issues. Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:42:27 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/7/purchasing-office-gives-away-multifunctional-printer https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/7/purchasing-office-gives-away-multifunctional-printer The Indianapolis Center received a multifunctional printer as the winner of a contest sponsored by the purchasing office. Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:21:08 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/5/book-showcases-nations-best-sustainability-practices-at-colleges-and-universities https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/5/book-showcases-nations-best-sustainability-practices-at-colleges-and-universities The university's sustainability efforts are featured in a newly released book. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:43:31 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/5/employees-opt-for-two-wheelsnot-fourto-bike-to-work-on-may-16 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/5/employees-opt-for-two-wheelsnot-fourto-bike-to-work-on-may-16 Organizers of Bike to Work day on May 16 encourage university employees to save money, help the environment and get fit during May's National Bike Month. Tue, 11 Sep 2012 19:52:17 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/4/student-wins-scholarship-ball-state-a-car-in-national-video-contest-on-alternative-fuels https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/4/student-wins-scholarship-ball-state-a-car-in-national-video-contest-on-alternative-fuels Jagjeet Singh Chahal's winning entry in the Miles Revolution Video Contest netted him a scholarship and Ball State a new car. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:43:30 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/3/national-sustainability-program-offers-comprehensive-green-plan-for-campuses https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/3/national-sustainability-program-offers-comprehensive-green-plan-for-campuses Ball State joins 90 other colleges and universities in a new pilot program to make campus life more sustainable. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:43:31 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/2/ball-state-to-host-higher-education-sustainability-summit https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/2/ball-state-to-host-higher-education-sustainability-summit Ball State University will host the 2008 Sustainability Summit for Indiana Colleges and Universities on Feb. 21 at the Alumni Center. Mon, 10 Sep 2012 18:38:18 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/2/central-indiana-clean-cities-alliance-gives-ball-state-award https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/2/central-indiana-clean-cities-alliance-gives-ball-state-award The Central Indiana Clean Cities Alliance gives Ball State its Stakeholder Achievement Award for the use of biofuels on campus vehicles. Mon, 10 Sep 2012 18:44:09 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/1/a-full-day-of-events-planned-at-ball-state-for-nationwide-global-warming-conference https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2008/1/a-full-day-of-events-planned-at-ball-state-for-nationwide-global-warming-conference Ball State will participate in nationwide teach-in addressing global warming and sustainability on Jan. 31. Thu, 11 Dec 2014 19:14:20 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2007/9/students-win-national-honor-for-eco-video-game https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2007/9/students-win-national-honor-for-eco-video-game Twelve Virginia B. Ball Center students who created a video game focusing on sustainability have earned national honors from the American Society of Landscape Architects. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:43:32 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2007/9/ball-state-is-named-as-one-of-the-nations-top-green-universities https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2007/9/ball-state-is-named-as-one-of-the-nations-top-green-universities Kiwi magazine has named Ball State as one of the nation's most environmentally friendly universities. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:43:26 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2007/8/ball-state-sponsors-seventh-greening-of-the-campus https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2007/8/ball-state-sponsors-seventh-greening-of-the-campus The Sept. 6-8 conference will explore the role colleges and universities play in cultivating awareness, understanding and the ability of students, faculty, staff and the public to enhance the health, integrity and long-term sustainability of where they live and work. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:43:43 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2007/8/advanced-design-healthy-environment-promotes-student-interaction-within-park-hall https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2007/8/advanced-design-healthy-environment-promotes-student-interaction-within-park-hall Ball State's first new residence hall since 1969 represents the "hall of the future." Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:43:27 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2007/8/a-green-hall https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2007/8/a-green-hall Park Hall's green highlights Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:43:26 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2007/8/lugar-presents-energy-patriot-award-to-ball-state-council-on-the-environment https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2007/8/lugar-presents-energy-patriot-award-to-ball-state-council-on-the-environment Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora accepts the award on behalf of the council which provides leadership for environmental initiatives at Ball State and the surrounding community. Mon, 10 Sep 2012 16:38:30 +0000 https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2007/8/ball-state-joins-higher-education-leaders-to-fight-global-warming https://www.bsu.edu/news/press-center/archives/2007/8/ball-state-joins-higher-education-leaders-to-fight-global-warming President Gora commits Ball State to sharply reducing and eventually eliminating all of the university's global warming emissions by signing the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:43:24 +0000