Time to register for courses? Consider taking sustainability courses or courses that include sustainability! The Office of Sustainability tracks these courses for the University.
Office of Sustainability
Updates
The Office of Sustainability will have variable in-person hours for the indefinite future, but is open virtually during normal business hours. Please subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates or email sustainability@ohio.edu with questions.
What is Sustainability
Ohio University defines sustainability as the capacity to simultaneously benefit people, the planet and prosperity now and in the future. Life-cycle analysis, life-cycle costing, social financial proxies, and multi-criteria decision analyses are tools that are used to evaluate sustainability. Also used at Ohio University is a popular but less actionable definition, adapted from the Bruntland definition of sustainable development: sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Mission
Ohio University’s Office of Sustainability facilitates the implementation of the Ohio University Sustainability and Climate Action Plan by providing services and support to the campus community and ensures fulfillment of institutional commitments to environmental, social and economic well-being.
Take the virtual College Green Tree Tour
Learn about the amazing variety of trees around Athens and discover ways to identify different species:
News and Announcements
Cooling crisis: Scorching temperatures and...
July 1, 2026
The challenge of staying cool and safe during this summer's historic heat wave has been especially burdensome as cooling costs are expected to hit a record high. Many will rely on air conditioning even more than usual during this record heat, but the financial strain of paying more than ever for the electricity to power these appliances has left many Americans sweating it out.
Cooling crisis: Scorching temperatures and...
July 1, 2026
The challenge of staying cool and safe during this summer's historic heat wave has been especially burdensome as cooling costs are expected to hit a record high. Many will rely on air conditioning even more than usual during this record heat, but the financial strain of paying more than ever for the electricity to power these appliances has left many Americans sweating it out.
Campus, community Earth Day celebrations a...
April 3, 2026
On Wednesday April 22, Ohio University will join a global network of sustainability leaders with an Earth Day celebration of campus and community sustainability efforts.
The International Earth Day Network collaborates with partners in over 192 countries to support environmental protection and peace. Ohio University will host its Earth Day celebration on Wednesday, April 22, from noon until 2 p.m. in the Grover Center Atrium.
Hosted by the Office of Sustainability, the Earth Day celebration is free and open to the public.
This event will highlight the efforts made toward environmental sustainability in Athens. Local and Ohio University organizations will offer education on environmental efforts and involvement. The event will also celebrate the announcement of the 2026 Sustainability Award recipients and the observance of Arbor Day. In addition there will be a free thrift store organized by the Office of Campus Recycling and Zero Waste.
Upcoming Events
There are no events to show at this time.
Office of Sustainability Featured Programs
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Climate & Sustainability Ambassadors
The Climate and Sustainability Ambassadors program is an initiative of the Sustainable Administration Hub. The Ambassadors are an energetic and enthusiastic group of students who assist in the implementation of the Ohio University Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. You can find them leading the Earth Day Sustainability Parade; instructing Bobcats fans on proper disposal of game day waste; teaching in the local middle schools; labeling our storm drains with "drains to river" markers; and more!
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Sustainability Tracking and Evaluation Program (STEP)
The Sustainability Tracking and Evaluation Program (STEP) is a sustainability certification program which aims to recognize departments or offices across campus for their sustainable efforts, whether they be existing practices or new changes.
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Sustainability Project Laboratory
Students, do you need an idea for a course project or thesis? Faculty, are you looking for project ideas for a project-based course? Our Sustainability Project Laboratory may have the projects you are looking for! These projects are designed to advance goals in the Ohio University Sustainability & Climate Action Plan while providing experiential and/or community-engaged learning opportunties for students.
Sustainability Hubs
We welcome participants to our Sustainability Hubs! The dates and topics for the Hub Seminar Series can be found on the Calendar of University events. For more information, please sign up for our newsletter or visit our Hub webpages. For other sustainability events, please visit the Calendar of University events, and search using the keyword "sustainability."