2. Introduction
The IUPUI Office of Sustainability, guided by the goals of “conservation, protection, and enhancement of
natural resources,” seeks to advance green initiatives through collaboration with administrators, educators,
stakeholders, and constituents within the IUPUI community. In order to establish a benchmark of current
campus sustainability initiatives, IUPUI recently underwent its first comprehensive sustainability assessment
through the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s (AASHE) Sustainability
Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS).
STARS is a transparent, self-reporting tool for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability progress
and was developed by AASHE with broad participation from the higher education community. The system
includes environmental, economic, and social indicators, which are divided into four categories related to
campus activities: Education & Research, Operations, Planning, Administration & Engagement, and Innovation.
All of the requirements for evaluating and scoring institutions are transparent and made publicly available.
Points are earned in each category, the average of which lead to an institution’s STARS Rating.
One important feature of the STARS rating system is the way in which point values are assigned. STARS strives
to prioritize performance over strategy whenever possible, awarding higher points values for
quantitative actions that show measurable indications of sustainability performance, such as the percentage
of employees who use alternative modes of transportation to get to and from campus. Alternatively, strategy
credits focus on approaches or processes that can help improve an institution's performance but are not
directly quantifiable.
2
3. STARS also categorizes credits into two subsets, known as Tier 1 and Tier 2 credits. Tier 1 credits are
considered to have a larger overall impact and thus are given a higher point value. Tier 2 credits are typically
efforts that deserve recognition but have smaller overall impact than Tier 1 credits. This system ensures
campuses will receive recognition for all sustainability related efforts, but are also recognized more highly for
pursuit of those programs which show the greatest environmental, social, and financial impact based on both
their depth and breadth.
The primary goals of the STARS program are as follows:
• Provide a framework for understanding sustainability in all sectors of higher education.
• Enable meaningful comparisons over time and across institutions using a common set of
measurements developed with broad participation from the campus sustainability community.
• Create incentives for continual improvement toward sustainability by encompassing long-term
sustainability goals for already high-achieving institutions as well as entry points of recognition for
institutions that are taking first steps toward sustainability.
• Facilitate information sharing about higher education sustainability practices and performance.
• Build a stronger, more diverse campus sustainability community.
This report serves only to summarize the results of IUPUI’s STARS assessment and make suggestions for future
campus sustainability improvements. For the full STARS assessment including all credits and points earned,
please refer to the report on the STARS website:
https://stars.aashe.org/institutions/indiana-university-purdue-university-indianapolis-in/report/2013-06-21
3
4. Summary of Results
This initial STARS report for IUPUI resulted in a final score of 52.09, earning the campus a silver rating. The
final STARS score is the average of the university’s scores in each of three categories, plus up to four additional
points awarded for Innovation credits. A summary of the totals for IUPUI can be found in the table on page
eight. For comparative purposes, the IUPUI rating was also charted in relation to the only two STARS rated
institutions considered as peers in the Urban 13 group (University of Houston and University of Wisconsin –
Milwaukee), the Urban 13 group as a whole, as well as other universities in Indiana. As IUPUI is an urban
university, comparison to the Urban 13 allows us to more accurately gauge our efforts in relation to schools in
similar demographics in addition to our standing as compared to national averages.
IUPUI’s total score of 52.09 rated near the national average of STARS rated institutions (51.16) and only
slightly lower than the average of all STARS rated Urban 13 institutions (54.74). It should be noted that of the
22 schools which encompass the Urban 13 group, only eight have pursued STARS rating, so while these
averages may show IUPUI slightly below the average rating, they do not include a complete comparison to all
Urban 13 universities.
4
5. Urban 13 Universities
Name Rating Score Version Date
Portland State University Gold 68.55 1.0 2/11/2011
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Silver 55.33 1.2 8/1/2013
University of Missouri - Kansas City Silver 55.32 1.2 11/30/2012
University of Houston Silver 54.31 1.0 2/3/2011
Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis Silver 52.09 1.2 6/21/2013
Virginia Commonwealth University Silver 51.13 1.2 7/25/2012
Cleveland State University Silver 46.48 1.0 7/21/2011
University of Illinois at Chicago Reporter n/a 1.0 1/31/2011
University of Alabama at Birmingham n/a n/a n/a n/a
University of Missouri-St. Louis n/a n/a n/a n/a
University of Cincinnati n/a n/a n/a n/a
University of New Orleans n/a n/a n/a n/a
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University n/a n/a n/a n/a
City College of New York n/a n/a n/a n/a
Georgia State University n/a n/a n/a n/a
University of Pittsburgh n/a n/a n/a n/a
Temple University n/a n/a n/a n/a
University of Toledo n/a n/a n/a n/a
University of Massachusetts Boston n/a n/a n/a n/a
University of Memphis n/a n/a n/a n/a
Wayne State University n/a n/a n/a n/a
68.55
55.33 55.32 54.31 52.09 51.13
46.48
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Score
STARS Rated Urban 13 Universities
5
6. 67.61
57.85
52.09 51.69 50.16
43.17 41.4
36.89 34.75
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Score
STARS Rated Universities in Indiana
Universities in Indiana
Name Rating Score Version Date
Ball State University Gold 67.61 1.2 9/28/2012
University of Notre Dame Silver 57.85 1.0 8/17/2011
Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis Silver 52.09 1.2 6/21/2013
Indiana University, Bloomington Silver 51.69 1.0 1/5/2011
Purdue University, West Lafayette Silver 50.16 1.2 3/27/2013
Goshen College Bronze 43.17 1.0 1/31/2011
Earlham College Bronze 41.4 1.2 5/24/2013
Taylor University Bronze 36.89 1.1 2/15/2012
DePauw University Bronze 34.75 1.0 12/22/2010
Indiana State University n/a n/a n/a n/a
Butler University n/a n/a n/a n/a
University of Indianapolis n/a n/a n/a n/a
Marian University n/a n/a n/a n/a
Franklin College n/a n/a n/a n/a
Ivy Tech Community College n/a n/a n/a n/a
6
7. When scores are analyzed by category, in general IUPUI fell in line with the pattern seen in peer institutions,
showing lower scores in the Education & Research, and Operations categories, and a comparatively high score
in the Planning, Administration & Engagement category. This is to be expected from an institution which has
begun major efforts towards sustainability in recent years as the PA&E category more heavily focuses on
efforts composed of changes in policy and procedures. These actions tend to be stepping stones towards
more sweeping, and subsequently more quantitative efforts covered more heavily in the Operations, and
Education & Research categories.
46.58
31.62
66.08
50.92
37.48
57.5257.04
34.97
70.93
45.11 43.77
65.11
0
20
40
60
80
100
Education and Research Operations Planning, Administration and
Engagement
Score
IUPUI STARS Score Comparisons by Category
IUPUI National Average University of Houston University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
7
8. Points Summary
Score 52.09
Rating: Silver
Education & Research
IUPUI Score National Average
46.58% 50.92%
Co-Curricular Education 18.00/ 18.00
Curriculum 12.41/ 55.00
Research 16.17/ 27.00
Operations 31.62% 37.48%
Buildings 0.23/ 13.00
Climate 1.00/ 16.50
Dining Services 1.85/ 8.50
Energy 3.73/ 16.50
Grounds 2.95/ 3.25
Purchasing 3.55/ 7.50
Transportation 4.06/ 12.00
Waste 6.50/ 12.50
Water 7.75/ 10.25
Planning, Administration & Engagement 66.08% 57.52%
Coordination and Planning 16.00/ 18.00
Diversity and Affordability 13.75/ 13.75
Human Resources 14.75/ 19.75
Investment 1.46/ 16.75
Public Engagement 19.95/ 31.50
Innovation 4.00 2.52
Innovation 4.00/ 4.00
8
9. Results by Sub-Category
Co-Curricular Education
Highlights
Student Sustainability Educators Program
Student Sustainability Outreach Campaign
Sustainability in New Student Orientation
Sustainability Materials and Publications
Student Group
Organic Garden
Model Room in Residence Hall
Themed Housing
Sustainable Enterprise
Sustainability Events
Outdoor Program
Themed Semester or Year
Student Sustainability Council (SSC)
“Year of the Bike” – IUPUI’s Student Sustainability Council has hosted a series of four Bike Safety Seminars on
campus with Indycog, an Indianapolis Bicycle Advocacy group, on the topics of Biking Basics/Biking
Safety/Sustainability of Biking/Bike Culture. In support of this theme, the SSC also submitted a proposal for the
2013 Greening IUPUI Grant and was selected for award for the purchase and installation of three Dero Fixit
Bike Maintenance Stations on the IUPUI campus.
Developing IUPUI’s Gardens Sustainably (DIGS)
Growing vegetables and herbs in the middle of an urban campus is one way that IUPUI is trying to offset its
environmental impact. The IUPUI Urban Gardens, created in 2010, produce sustainable and local agriculture
using “green” gardening techniques like composting and organic pest control. With two locations, (on the west
side of the Science Building and across from the Center for Young Children), the gardens yield enough
homegrown goodness to provide fresh organic produce and herbs to Indianapolis food pantries. A partnership
also exists with IUPUI Food Services to offer the produce in the On-Campus Dining areas. All members of the
IUPUI campus community are welcome to garden.
9
10. Curriculum
Highlights Areas for Improvement
Sustainability-Focused Courses
Sustainability Course Identification Sustainability-Related Courses
Undergraduate Program in Sustainability Sustainability Courses by Department
Sustainability Immersive Experience Sustainability Learning Outcomes
Graduate Program in Sustainability
Sustainability Literacy Assessment
Incentives for Developing Sustainability Courses
Sustainability in the Curriculum
Our IUPUI Academic Sustainability Committee accepts the Brundtland Report definition from the 1987 World
Commission on Environment and Development: “Development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” We enrich this definition with
elements of the AASHE definition which incorporates economic, social and environmental elements of
sustainability into its definition.
New Sustainability Management and Policy Degree Program
SPEA at IUPUI created this new major because more and more government, private and nonprofit
organizations are focusing on environmental conservation and economic and social responsibility. These
organizations need graduates who don’t just point out problems, but who have the tools and aptitude to
address sustainability issues and bring real change to communities and companies.
Research
Highlights Areas for Improvement
Sustainability Research Incentives Sustainability Research Identification
Interdisciplinary Research in Tenure and Promotion Faculty Engaged in Sustainability Research
Departments Engaged in Sustainability Research
Sustainability Research
Sustainability research abounds at IUPUI. Covering everything from plant physiology to eco-tourism, IUPUI
stands out as a leader in urban research institutions. Some select examples of ongoing research related to
sustainability include:
• Dr. Gabriel Filipelli Department of Earth Sciences - Past climate reconstruction and Urban Health
• Dr. Xianzhong Wang, Department of Biology - Effects of global climate change on plant physiology and
productivity
• Dr. Pam Martin, Department of Earth Sciences - Impact of climate change on agriculture
10
11. • Dr. Barbara Flynn, Kelley School of Business - High Performance Manufacturing survey and data
analysis assessing the relationship between sustainability practices and performance
• Dr. Doug Noonan, IU Public Policy Institute - Green building adoption, energy policy, evaluations of air
quality forecasts and policy.
• Dr. Dona Sapp, IU Public Policy Institute - Development of an integrated land-use transportation model
• Dr. Elaine Cooney, Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology - Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell System
with Anion Exchange Membranes
• Dr. Amanda Cecil and Dr. Carina King, Department of Tourism, Conventions, and Event Management –
Sustainable and Eco-Tourism
Buildings
Areas for Improvement
Building Operations and Maintenance
Building Design and Construction
Indoor Air Quality
Sustainable Operations
Though at present the campus has no official policy concerning sustainability in building operations, IUPUI
maintains its building space with sustainable principles taken into consideration.
Climate
Highlights Areas for Improvement
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction
Air Travel Emissions
Local Offsets Program
Greenhouse Gas Inventory
IUPUI conducted an initial Greenhouse Gas emissions report in 2009 and in currently in the process of
compiling a more thorough follow-up. This report, which began as a simple class project to compute the Carbon
Footprint at IUPUI, grew into a mission statement for each of us that are members of the IUPUI community to
collectively look at our impact on the environment.
Dining Services
Highlights Areas for Improvement
Trayless Dining Food and Beverage Purchasing
Vegan Dining Guidelines for Franchisees
Trans-Fats Avoidance Program Post-Consumer Food Waste Composting
Pre-Consumer Food Waste Composting Food Donation
Recycled Content Napkins Reusable Container Discounts
Reusable To-Go Containers
11
12. Go Trayless
Curtails food waste, promotes healthier eating habits through portion control, and reduces the amount of
water and energy used for washing the trays. This program was implemented in the fall of 2013.
Meatless Mondays
This program emphasizes vegetarian and vegan cuisine.
Energy
Highlights Areas for Improvement
Timers for Temperature Control Building Energy Consumption
Lighting Sensors Clean and Renewable Energy
LED Lighting Energy Management System
Vending Machine Sensors
Energy Metering
Purchasing Renewable Energy
IUPUI recently initiated a green purchasing program through Indianapolis Power and Light to have a
percentage of our electricity sourced from certified green power producers. So far this year we have
purchased 16,866,600 kwh of green power.
New Solar Installation
IUPUI is harvesting the sun’s energy with solar panels covering the flat roof of one its buildings. The $245,000
solar power installation is believed to be the largest of its kind in or near downtown Indianapolis. The solar
photovoltaic panels atop the Business/School of Public and Environmental Affairs building generate 43
kilowatts of electricity a day. The solar power installation, led by Campus Facility Services and the University
Architect’s Office, is one of 18 Qualified Energy Savings Projects underway in several buildings at IUPUI. The
goal is to reduce the campus’s carbon footprint by implementing energy savings measures in lighting, air-
conditioning, heating and water.
Grounds
Highlights
Integrated Pest Management
Native Plants
Wildlife Habitat
Tree Campus USA
Snow and Ice Removal
Landscape Waste Composting
12
13. Tree Campus USA
IUPUI became a Tree Campus for the first time in 2012! Tree Campus USA is a national program created in
2008 to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and
students in conservation goals.
Native Plants
Preferred plants lists are provided to outside design consultants to guide their plant palette so that their
design is in keeping with the overall character of the campus canopy. Native plants are given preference when
all other aspects are equal. A native shrub and perennial garden was recently planted at University Library as
well as many native tree varieties on campus over the last few years.
Purchasing
Highlights Areas for Improvement
Vendor Code of Conduct Computer Purchasing
Historically Underutilized Businesses Cleaning Product Purchasing
Local Businesses Office Paper Purchasing
Supporting Local and Historically Underutilized Businesses
IUPUI is committed to providing historically underutilized and local suppliers every opportunity to compete for
its business. Efforts are made to identify historically underutilized and local suppliers, inform them of
University requirements, and solicit quotes whenever possible. Through our Business Diversity Program we
also communicate with historically-underutilized and local businesses regarding the purchasing process so that
they may become more viable suppliers.
Transportation
Highlights Areas for Improvement
Facilities for Bicyclists Campus Fleet
Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Student Commute Modal Split
Mass Transit Programs Employee Commute Modal Split
Condensed Work Week Bicycle Sharing
Telecommuting Cash-out Parking
Carpool/Vanpool Matching Local Housing
Carpool Discount
Prohibiting Idling
Car Sharing
13
14. Encouraging Bicyclists
Thanks to a Greening IUPUI grant and an IUPUI student group focused on bicycle initiatives, three do-it-
yourself bicycle repair stations have been installed at IUPUI, enabling campus cyclists or even cyclists in the
community to do quick repairs anytime and be on their way. The stations include all the tools necessary to
perform basic repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat to adjusting brakes.
Zip Cars
The Zipcar program offers cost-effective alternatives to owning a car or bringing one to campus. The service
helps the university manage the increasing demand for parking and associated congestion while offering
students a convenient, economical and environmentally friendly alternative to owning a car.
Carpool Matching
IUPUI is partnered with the Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority (CIRTA) in their Commuter
Connect program. The Commuter Connect program teams with central Indiana county employers to find
alternate transportation options for their employees. These options include carpooling, vanpooling, transit,
biking, and walking.
Mass Transit Discounts
IUPUI and IndyGo have partnered to provide current students with a half-price pass that allows students to
ride any of IndyGo’s 27 fixed routes, as an affordable mode of transportation to school, home and work.
Waste
Highlights Areas for Improvement
Waste Diversion Waste Reduction
Electronic Waste Recycling Program Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion
Hazardous Waste Management
Materials Exchange
Limiting Printing
Materials Online
Chemical Reuse Inventory
Move-In Waste Reduction
Move-Out Waste Reduction
E-Waste Recycling
E-Waste collection is a semi-annual event in cooperation with a local nonprofit, RecycleForce to collect
personal electronic waste such as cell phones, tablets, chargers or curling irons -- almost anything with a cord -
- which RecycleForce will dismantle and recycle.
14
15. Online Materials
OneStart is Indiana University's Web-based application portal that provides a common front door to online
services at all IU campuses. OneStart offers easier and more direct access to the multitude of services
available for students, faculty, and staff, creating a virtual campus community -- a place to study, work,
collaborate, and have fun without the need for printing materials.
Water
Highlights Areas for Improvement
Water Consumption Stormwater Management
Building Water Metering Waterless Urinals
Non-Potable Water Usage Xeriscaping
Weather-Informed Irrigation
Saving Water
Water is metered at the building level to help us find specific ways to reduce. IUPUI Grounds Operations uses
irrigation controllers for campus turf and landscape irrigation systems, many of which are managed by a
weather-informed system, helping the campus save water. Non-potable water is used to irrigate near the new
Glick Eye Institute. These are just a few of many examples that have allowed IUPUI to cut our water use in half
since 2005!
Coordination and Planning
Highlights Areas for Improvement
Sustainability Coordination Climate Action Plan
Strategic Plan
Physical Campus Plan
Sustainability Plan
Office of Sustainability Created in 2011
The IUPUI Office of Sustainability is dedicated to creating a culture of campus sustainability and making IUPUI
a place where faculty, students, and staff are engaged in research, teaching, and learning about urban
sustainability and its best practices. We strive to be a leader among higher education institutions in this arena
as well as a national model for urban sustainability in both academic offerings and campus operations. We are
committed to creating a campus and community that is engaged in the practice of urban sustainability. We
promote education and action through programs of environmental stewardship, energy conservation, applied
environmental science and policy research, environmental literacy and community outreach.
15
16. Diversity and Affordability
Highlights
Diversity and Equity Coordination
Measuring Campus Diversity Culture
Support Programs for Underrepresented Groups
Support Programs for Future Faculty
Affordability and Access Programs
Gender Neutral Housing
Employee Training Opportunities
Student Training Opportunities
Embracing Diversity
IUPUI provides student-centered services, consulting, facilities, learning experiences and programs for
students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community. Guided by frameworks of student development, the
university contributes to an intentionally inclusive, accessible campus community and inspires educational,
personal, social and professional achievement.
Human Resources
Highlights Areas for Improvement
Sustainable Compensation Employee Sustainability Educators Program
Employee Satisfaction Evaluation
Staff Professional Development in Sustainability
Sustainability in New Employee Orientation
Childcare
Employee Wellness Program
Socially Responsible Retirement Plan
Valuing Employees
IUPUI’s employees are among the university’s most valued resources, and we recognize their worth by
rewarding them with the best possible benefit plans and services. In addition IUPUI conducts an annual
survey that allows for anonymous feedback to measure employee, faculty, and student satisfaction.
16
17. Investment
Areas for Improvement
Committee Investor Responsibility
Shareholder Advocacy
Positive Sustainability Investments
Student-Managed Sustainable Investment Fund
Sustainable Investment Policy
Investment Disclosure
Positive Investments
IU’s entire timber portfolio is defined by IU Foundation as sustainable as the trees are grown on land
specifically for loblolly pine and some other species not existing in forests.
Public Engagement
Highlights Areas for Improvement
Community Sustainability Partnerships Sustainability in Continuing Education
Inter-Campus Collaboration on Sustainability Graduation Pledge
Community Service Participation Farmer's Market
Community Service Hours
Sustainability Policy Advocacy
Trademark Licensing
Community Service on Transcripts
IUPUI Sustainability Advisory Council
The IUPUI Sustainability Advisory Council provides guidance to the IUPUI campus regarding all areas of
sustainability, assists the Office of Sustainability in setting campus goals that are consistent with the IUPUI
Principles of Sustainability, provides guidance regarding best practices, evolving science and trends, and assists
IUPUI in developing initiatives that complement activities of the community and assists community partners
when appropriate.
Community Service
In 2011-2012, IUPUI students contributed a combined total of 266,185 hours of service in the community,
equivalent to $5.8 million (through service learning courses, community service events, and service-based
scholarship programs).
17
18. Innovation
Innovation credits are reserved for new, extraordinary, unique, ground‐breaking, or uncommon outcomes,
policies, and practices that greatly exceed the highest criterion of an existing STARS credit or are not covered
by an existing STARS credit. Institutions may earn up to 4 innovation credits. An institution’s overall score is
increased by the number of innovation credits it earns. IUPUI earned all 4 Innovation Credits.
Innovation Credit 1
Riverside Watershed Environmental Living Lab for Sustainability
The Purdue School of Engineering & Technology at IUPUI has been awarded a grant to launch a project aimed
at revitalizing Riverside, a neighborhood on the west side of Indianapolis, just north of IUPUI’s campus. The
School of Engineering & Technology and the Riverside Civic League (RCL) are joining forces for the Riverside
Watershed Environmental Living Lab for Sustainability (RWELLS) initiative, developed to improve quality of life
by creating jobs through entrepreneurship in the area of sustainability.
Innovation Credit 2
Center for Urban Health
Urban sustainability is a new philosophy of developing healthy, productive communities that (1) promote and
use locally-produced foods and products, (2) ensure safe access to natural spaces, and (3) establish low-
carbon transportation systems. Urban living is arguably the most sustainable form of community given the
concentration of resources, protection of arable land, and vertical structure of housing. Several groups at
IUPUI have begun collaborative efforts to explore connections between environment, behavior, health, and
climate as related to urban environments.
Innovation Credit 3
The Industrial Assessment Center
The Industrial Assessment Center trains the next generation of energy efficiency experts and provide no-cost
energy assessments to qualified small- and medium-sized companies for the purposes of improving energy
efficiency. These Energy Savings Assessments identify immediate opportunities to save energy and to reduce
cost, by focusing on key systems: steam, process heating, compressed air, fans, drives, lighting, and pumping
systems. These processes consume most of the energy used by U.S. industry. Fine-tuning of these systems
may cost little but offer companies the potential to yield large savings. Quick successes with optimizing these
systems can lead to significant long-term savings if the approach is spread throughout a company's plants.
Innovation Credit 4
Water Bottle Stations
IUPUI has recently begun installing water bottle refilling stations throughout the campus, beginning with the
most heavily trafficked areas. These stations allow users to avoid the purchase of disposable water bottles
18
19. while subsequently promoting health by providing a convenient and cost effective alternative to vending
machine beverages which are typically high in sugar. Each station also has an electronic display which counts
each time someone refills a water bottle, providing an equivalent of the number of disposable plastic water
bottles that would otherwise have been purchased and discarded.
Strengths
IUPUI showed a strong presence in a few of the subcategories, highlighting the considerable efforts made in
those areas in recent years. Of particular note seems to be the campus score in the Co-Curricular subcategory,
which encompasses sustainability’s inclusion in programs such as outreach campaigns, publications, student
group opportunities, and new student orientation. The Coordination and Planning subcategory, covering
executive level commitments in sustainability through our master plan and the formation of the Office of
Sustainability, was also a major strength. This shows IUPUI’s documented commitment towards instilling the
principles of sustainability at an institutional level as the campus continues to develop. Human Resources was
also ranked highly with its efforts in sustainable compensation for IUPUI staff and contractors, as well as the
implementation of programs to gauge employee satisfaction and continue to further staff development in
sustainable practices.
One result that was encouraging was the number of points earned through Tier 2 credits. IUPUI qualified for
78% of all points available through Tier 2 credits, showing that we have embraced elements of sustainability in
nearly all aspects of campus life. Though Tier 2 credits don’t yield significant increases in score, they are an
important indicator of progress and can be seen as a sign that IUPUI is actively engaged in introductory efforts
19
20. in a broad array of campus sustainability topics. This is a positive beginning and is the result of many initial
efforts that the campus has made in its trend towards incorporating sustainable practices universally, and thus
deserves recognition despite a relatively minimal yield in points toward the final score.
Suggestions for Improvement
In addition to recognizing strengths and comparison to other universities, STARS rating serves as a means of
highlighting areas of potential future growth for a campus. Following the assessment it is our conclusion that
suggestions for improvement can be split into three main categories: Quantitative Improvements, Qualitative
Improvements, and Documentation Improvements. What follows is a list of major credits that could be used
as sources of potential improvement, including suggested actions.
Area Credit(s) Suggested Improvements
Quantitative
Building
Operations/
Energy Use
OP-1, OP-7, OP-8
Continue with metering and energy efficiency/reduction projects
Pursue LEED O&M or equivalent
Consider renewable and alternative energy sources whenever possible
Building Design
and Construction
OP-2 Continue pursuit of LEED certification for all new construction
Greenhouse Gas OP-4, OP-5
Conduct comprehensive campus greenhouse gas inventory including Scope 1, 2,
and 3 emission factors
Set reduction goals based on assessment
Investment PAE-18
Invest further into sustainable industries (renewable energy, sustainable
forestry, community development financial institutions CDFI, mutual funds with
positive screens, etc.)
Qualitative
Climate PAE-5 Adopt formal plan to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions
Employee
Training
PAE-15
Create peer-to-peer employee education program to help educate on
sustainable work practices
Waste Diversion OP-18
Though IUPUI got full points for this credit, the methodology of waste diversion
should be reviewed. Alternatives to waste to energy (ie: increased recycling,
reuse, reduction) would be preferable
Stormwater OP-23
Methods to address the quantity of stormwater runoff should be addressed as
the current system focuses exclusively on the reduction of pollutant load
Investment PAE-16, PAE-17
Pursue positive sustainability investments through advocacy - Negative
screening, shareholder resolutions addressing sustainability, divestment or
prohibition of non-sustainable investment
Create multi-stakeholder body to make recommendations on positive
sustainability investments to the Board of Trustees
Documentation
Curriculum/
Research
ER-5, ER-6, ER-7, ER-8,
ER-9, ER-15, ER-16,
ER-17, PAE-21
Improve definition and delineation of sustainability focused and sustainability
related coursework
Improve definition of sustainability related research
Identification at departmental level of sustainable coursework and research -
ongoing
Purchasing
OP-6, OP-10, OP-11,
OP-12
Improve system of tracking sustainable purchases in Computers, Paper products,
Food, and Cleaning Supplies
Commuting OP-15, OP-16
Implement means of estimating/surveying for modes of transport used by
students/faculty/staff
Construction OP-19
Track construction waste diverted from landfills. Waste is currently being
diverted, but not tracked
20
21. Future
IUPUI has made many important steps in the journey of campus sustainability but it is important to realize
that STARS rating is not the end of a process, but rather the beginning. While an important indicator of
progress, it is meant to serve as a baseline of where we currently stand in our efforts towards creating a more
sustainable campus, rather than solely as a ranking. With the continued implementation of policies,
procedures, and programs our campus has begun to show the initiative and dedication needed to emerge as a
model of progress in urban sustainability. By creating a culture that embraces the environmental, social, and
financial aspects of sustainability, we have been and will continue to be an example of a university that
demonstrates itself as a leader in urban sustainability.
There is a well know Greek proverb that says “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade
they know they shall never sit in”. In a similar theme, the goal of our efforts is one of continuous
improvement. The future of IUPUI’s campus sustainability lies not in what we have already done, but what we
will do next.
21
22. Contact us for further information
IUPUI Office of Sustainability
980 Indiana Avenue,
Lockefield Village Room 4408
Indianapolis, IN 46202
http://sustainability.iupui.edu
Colleen J. McCormick, MPH
Director
317-278-1308
cjmccorm@iupui.edu
Deborah J. Ferguson, CPA, MBA
Assistant Director
317-274-2550
defergus@iupui.edu
22
