New IU Climate Action Plan Pledges Carbon Neutrality by 2040

Indiana University (IU) has unveiled its new Climate Action Plan, committing to achieving carbon neutrality across all of its campuses by 2040. The plan focuses on reducing direct and indirect emissions, including those from heating, cooling, and electricity. Key recommendations include investing in renewable energy, improving energy efficiency in various aspects of the university, and addressing climate change resilience. The plan was developed with input from the IU community, including the Students for a New Green World (SNGW), which advocated for climate action. IU’s commitment aligns with efforts to mitigate climate change and promote sustainability.

“Enhancing resiliency is a core driver of the Climate Action Plan, ensuring campuses can withstand and recover from climate-related disruptions while minimizing environmental impact,” the plan says. IU began creating a new climate plan in the spring 2022 with the Climate Action Planning Committee. Community input was requested and implemented, and 557 people turned out in public forums and sessions. Students for a New Green World have pressed the university for climate action. SNGW specifically pushed for a climate plan by the end of this year and a promise for carbon neutrality — they got both with this new Climate Action Plan. “

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