(180an) Towards a More Sustainable Purdue Campus – Initiatives in Davidson School of Chemical Engineering

Embracing sustainability is not only a moral responsibility but also a personal commitment for many individuals. However, numerous departments at Purdue University lack a structured framework to promote sustainability in an organized manner. With few opportunities to integrate sustainability into laboratory operations without disrupting regular activities, and sustainability education often left to individual discretion, a group of dedicated volunteers seized the opportunity to make a difference and formed a sustainability committee to advance sustainable practices across Purdue’s Davidson School of Chemical Engineering.

This presentation will highlight the efforts of the newly formed (2023) Purdue Chemical Engineering Sustainability Committee in promoting sustainability awareness. Through engagement, education, implementation of sustainable programs, and open communication, the committee aims to establish a framework for sustainability initiatives within the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering and across Purdue's main campus. The presentation will also showcase simple, cost-effective ways to integrate sustainability into laboratories through programs like RightCycle. These initiatives help divert previously difficult to recycle lab consumables from landfills and give them a new life as useful household items.

The Purdue Chemical Engineering community is also invited and encouraged to explore sustainability further through organized events and education sessions featuring industrial speakers in the 'Sustainability Initiatives in Industry' seminar series. Additionally, the presentation will highlight the impact of the Sustainability Committee’s efforts and outline upcoming initiatives designed to advance sustainability in Purdue’s research labs.