In 1998, Bucknell University transitioned from a conventional coal-burning power plant to a highly efficient co-generation power plant fueled by cleaner-burning natural gas. The new power plant has allowed Bucknell to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% compared to pre-1998 levels, a fact that was established through the completion of the university’s first greenhouse gas inventory in 2006.

Bucknell has also purchased 1 million kilowatt hours of electricity from renewable wind energy sources each year since 2002, and as of January 2008 has quadrupled that amount to 4 million kilowatt hours. Wind power now accounts for 100% of Bucknell’s purchased energy and 10% of Bucknell’s electricity use. Bucknell routinely installs energy-saving features in new buildings and building renovations. Due to this policy, the university has kept its net energy consumption constant over the past 10 years despite having added several new buildings including a large dormitory, music building, engineering building, geology/psychology building, and athletic center. The University's recently completed environmental assessment report reveals that Bucknell’s energy use per square foot has declined 33% over the past 15 years.

Bucknell recycles over 17 different materials including computers, inks, toners, batteries and others, and collects aluminum, glass, cardboard, plastic, and office paper at over two dozen stations on campus. As of 2006 recycling has been mandatory in all residence halls, and seven students have been hired each year as recycling monitors. A "Hidden Treasures" program redistributes unwanted student items to non-profit organizations at the end of each academic year.

Bucknell’s food service provider, Parkhurst Dining Services, obtains 25% of food purchases from local sources (within 150 miles), and hosts special meals showcasing local and organic foods on several occasions each year. The dining program also offers re-usable coffee mugs and to-go containers, converts waste oil into biodiesel, and has hired two student sustainability coordinators.

Bucknell Student Government has initiated Bison Bikes, a program which allows students an opportunity to use university-owned bicycles free of charge on campus. There are currently 30 bikes available for use and 100 students signed up for the program.

In the summer of 2007, the a low-maintenance garden was installed at the BUEC grounds. The garden contains over 30 species of trees, shrubs, and perennials native to the region, and has replaced the majority of lawn on the property. A central feature of the design is a small pond, which contains native aquatic plant species and attracts scores of songbirds on a daily basis. The garden serves as a test bed for sustainable landscaping on campus.