We acknowledge that the Eiteljorg sits upon the lands of the Miami, Potawatomi, Lenape, Shawnee, Kickapoo, and Peoria peoples. These lands have been a site for trade, gathering, and kinship for all of these Peoples.  We are indebted to them for their stewardship of the soil, plants, and animals over many generations past, present, and future. We further acknowledge all other Native peoples forced to relocate through these lands. The lands of the Eiteljorg Museum and Indianapolis, Indiana, are and always will be Native lands first.

At the Eiteljorg Museum, sustainability is not just a buzzword; it is a core value integral to our commitment to integrity and our responsibility to steward shared resources. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and fostering a culture of environmental sustainability. From minimizing energy consumption to actively promoting waste diversion, we are dedicated to creating a more sustainable future for our community and beyond.

The Eiteljorg has set forth ambitious goals for the coming years to advance our sustainability efforts and are continuing to outline plans to meet those goals. Below you will find some of the Eiteljorg’s sustainability goals:

Increasing Educational Awareness

Education is key to driving meaningful change, which is why we’re investing in ongoing sustainability training programs for our staff and volunteers. Team members will be trained on the best practices for waste diversion and energy conservation. But it’s not just our staff who are getting involved – we’re also engaging our guests and volunteers. We will spread awareness about sustainability opportunities during our programs and events such as Jingle Rails and Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Reducing Energy Consumption

The Eiteljorg recently partnered with AES, Heapy Engineering, and CLEAResult to conduct an assessment of our facility and mechanical systems, resulting in an 18% decrease in electricity consumption. We have also joined the Mayor’s Thriving Buildings Challenge, which supports local buildings in improving energy efficiency and environmental performance. As part of our energy conservation strategy, we are leveraging the Energy Star Portfolio Manager to track and optimize our energy use. Alongside these efforts, we continue to reduce our carbon footprint through measures like converting to LED lighting and using motion-activated lighting.

Promoting Thoughtful Engagement

Creating a culture of sustainability requires more than just education – it requires active participation and engagement. A cross-department team will spearhead sustainability efforts as members of the first Sustainability Task Force to hold themselves and their teams accountable. Staff will have opportunities for learning and growth throughout the year with events like Kick-the-Can, Earth Day Spring Cleaning, Waste Audits and more.

Ensuring Sustainability in Food Service

Food and beverage is an integral component for our many events, and with our exclusive caterer Kahn’s Catering, we are committed to serving food in our Museum Café and at our external and internal events that align with our sustainability values. That means sourcing locally whenever possible, exploring sustainable options with our suppliers, and prioritizing healthy choices on menus.

Protecting Natural Resources

Protecting our natural resources is another important aspect of our sustainability efforts, especially when it comes to respecting and preserving Indigenous lands. The museum is part of White River State Park, an oasis of greenspace and natural plant and animal life in an urban setting. From habitat cultivation to water management on the Eiteljorg grounds, the museum is taking steps to minimize impact on the environment and promote biodiversity in our surroundings.

Social Impact

We are aware that diverse communities, including Native communities and communities near the Eiteljorg, face health disparities and environmental injustices, based on the historic legacy of racial and housing discrimination, industrialization and pollution. Offering educational and healthy community engagement opportunities that are inclusive and culturally relevant is part of our effort. We plan to schedule health-conscious events that are free or low-cost and, through outreach, encourage the museum’s neighbors – and all the communities we serve – to participate.

Environmentally-Friendly Transportation and Land Use

We partner with local organizations to promote public transit and encourage our staff, volunteers, and guests to choose sustainable transportation options. Many visitors arrive at the museum by public transit, bicycle, scooter, electric vehicle, or by taking a leisurely walk along the Canal.

Waste Diversion Infrastructure

Waste diversion, including paper reduction, is a top priority for us. Traditionally, the museum industry has stored decades of records on paper. At the Eiteljorg, we will use digital document management whenever possible to minimize unnecessary paper and printer use. Through comprehensive recycling education, and quarterly waste audits, we’re working towards our goal of achieving 50 percent waste diversion by 2026,

By embracing sustainability, the Eiteljorg aims to positively impact the local environment and set an example for local and regional organizations. We strive to be good stewards of the environment, conserving resources and habitats for future generations of visitors.