Newfields is committed to providing exceptional experiences with art and nature for current and future generations. We value the conservation of our environment as much as we value our artworks.
It’s an honor for us to lead by example in sustainability as a non-profit organization. Our position allows us to inspire meaningful change, and we strive to set the standard for others to follow in building a more sustainable future.
Over the years, we’ve made great strides toward environmental sustainability. Our dedicated efforts to reduce energy consumption led to a wide range of green technologies and strategies.
Not only did these strategies work, they reduced our annual operating budget by more than $200,000. Read on for extensive details about the greening of Newfields, department by department.
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
The Newfields Sustainability Committee is a cross departmental team that leads the way by encouraging other cultural institutions in Indianapolis and throughout the state to realize more sustainable practices.
We actively research and implement waste reduction methods, host sustainability speakers, and explore renewable energy options to reduce reliance on non-clean energy sources. Additionally, we proudly partner with the White River Alliance to help improve and protect water resources in Central Indiana.
We also engage the next generation through active internships with students specializing in sustainability. For example, our Summer 2024 McKinney Climate Fellow, Will Breeden IV, has worked on evaluating the cost benefits of renewable energy, promoting clean energy solutions, and updating our data dashboards to track our progress. By involving students in these critical projects, Newfields is not only advancing our sustainability goals but also preparing the next generation for success in this vital field.
“As a sustainability advocate, one of my favorite initiatives is the LED bulbs we use across our campus that are energy-efficient and reduce heat emissions while providing better quality light.” - Will Breeden IV, 2024 McKinney Climate Fellow
Current Sustainability Committee: Lisa Milton (Chair), Katie Booth, Phil Day, Maggie Gorski, Mike Griffey, Leanza Guajardo, Erin Hornbach, Erin Kilhefner, Ruben Lopez, Elise Middleton, Chris Morehead, Emily Newman, Wednesday Rees, Sara Schoentrup, Roxy Sperber, Bethany TestaAvila, Mattie Wethington, Ian Wilhite, Beth Wood, and Jonathan Wright
SUSTAINABILITY NEWSROOM
Soaring Success
The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at Newfields is home to a record number of bird species thanks in large part to efforts by Newfields to reclaim the space through natural land management.
Horticulture Fellows
Think back to young adulthood—what was your favorite summer job? What cemented it as a nostalgic time in your life? Was it your coworkers? The work itself? Or maybe the excitement of experiencing new things?
Sustainable by Nature
At Newfields, one of our core values is stewardship. We aim to leave the world better than we found it. What are we doing around campus that might spark an idea for your own sustainability goals?
VIP Tree-tment
The Garden at Newfields is home to 200 species of trees. Some of the most majestic trees are 125 years old and are the stars of the show this time of year.
Pollinator Power in the Wild Birds Unlimited Native Pollinator Meadow
The largest designed pollinator meadow in Indiana is in full force this fall right here at Newfields. Nestled between the Central Canal and the lake in the center of The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, it is more than just a pretty space.
