Photo by Chris Meyer
Soy-diesel is more expensive
but produces fewer toxic emissions. IUB is experimenting
with the fuel alternative in its campus buses.
Photo provided by the CEES, IUPUI
Volunteers work along the White River near downtown
Indianapolis.
Herman B Wells walking with students on the IU Bloomington campus near Wylie Hall, 1969.
‘I hope our alumni will always insist upon the retention of our precious islands of green and serenity – our most important physical asset, transcending even classrooms, libraries, and laboratories in their ability to inspire students to dream long dreams of future usefulness and achievement – dreams that are an important part of undergraduate college experience.’
—Herman B Wells, commencement speech, 1962 |
The IUB bus system is also onboard with an environment-friendly pilot program. Starting Jan.12, two of the campus buses have been powered by B20—a blend of 20 percent soy biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel. Tests show that while buses run on B20 are much cleaner than those that run on traditional fuels (producing 78.5 percent less carbon dioxide than petroleum diesel), there is no difference in the buses’ efficiency or maintenance. Jim Hosler, director of IUB’s bus services, said if the test is successful, then it is possible the entire IU bus fleet will use soy-diesel. However, he noted that the higher cost of soy-diesel (about 20-25 cents per gallon) would have to be covered and that current funding sources (transportation fees, bus passes and cash fare) cannot cover the additional cost.
IUB’s commitment to fostering environmental stewardship extends to campuses throughout the state.
The Center for Earth and Environmental Science (CEES) at IUPUI has been a leader in projects fostering environmental sustainability. The Lilly ARBOR Project has planted approximately 1,400 trees in an eight-acre strip of land between 10th and New York streets along the White River in downtown Indianapolis, as part of an experimental floodplain restoration program. Twelve species of riparian (river-margin) trees utilized in the experiment are native to the Tipton Till Plain Natural Region.
The massive experiment will test the best way to restore riverbanks by comparing the three most common methods for planting trees to restore native forests. Among the many environmental benefits of the Lilly ARBOR Project is improving the function of the White River floodplain. Floodplains are important for a number of reasons, including a reduction in the number and severity of floods, minimizing non-point source pollution, filtering storm water, providing habitat for plants and animals, and increasing outdoor recreational opportunities. The Lilly ARBOR Project also generates myriad environmental literacy opportunities. Through the CEES service learning program, IUPUI faculty and staff and professional environmental managers work with area high school and middle school students, IUPUI students, other Indianapolis-area university students and community members to conduct research and maintain the restoration.
One of the service-learning program’s most popular events is the twice yearly clean-ups along the banks of the White River
“The Lilly ARBOR Project has been incredibly significant as it has allowed IUPUI to partner with numerous city, state and local agencies and have students and citizens participate in making a difference right in the campus backyard,” said Lenore Tedesco, associate professor of geology and director of the CEES. “We have been restoring a highly altered environment to one that has great environmental value and integrity. It has been a really important project for IUPUI and the School of Science.”
For more information about the Lilly ARBOR Project:
http://www.cees.iupui.edu/ARBOR/
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