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
Residents strive for sustainable living th...
January 19, 2026
Living sustainably during the winter months can be a challenge. Most American households significantly increase their waste production over the holidays and use more energy to keep their homes warm.
Photojournalism servicesAccording to WifiTalents, holiday waste “surged” 25% during Christmas in 2025.
“Just by nature, our society makes sustainability really pretty difficult,” Athens resident Loraine McCosker said. “But it can be done, and certainly a lot of people have been doing it for a long time.”
Using sustainable practices during the winter might be a challenge city residents are ready to tackle.
“I think it's really neat in Athens because we have a sort of local community that really highly values the environment and sustainability,” Sam Crowl, Athens City Council president and director of sustainability at Ohio University, said.
Sustainable Infrastructure Hub Seminar: Or...
January 19, 2026
It was a privilege to attend the Sustainable Infrastructure Hub Seminar on Nov. 24, focusing on "Organic Waste Management Strategies that Generate Value for Campus and Community."
As a student working with the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, it was inspiring to see how closely our school is tied to these critical regional sustainability efforts, especially since the event was moderated Dr. Sara Davis, the Sustainability Infrastructure Hub coordinator. The seminar, which featured a diverse panel of experts, hammered home a key idea of sustainability is much more than just taking out the trash, it’s about leadership, policy, and creating true value from waste, specifically focusing on organic waste (food, agriculture waste, and bio solids).
The discussion centered on how local partnerships are making Athens a leader in the state.
Bobcats get ready to celebrate Thanksgivin...
December 4, 2025
Bobcats are ready for Thanksgiving break, a five-day weekend filled with rest in preparation of finals week starting Dec. 8.
While some students make the journey home to celebrate with loved ones around the dinner table, others remain in town for the holiday.
For those staying in town, Ohio University is hosting a variety of celebrations, including community dinners and themed meals. Nov. 26, the Patton College of Education is hosting a Home Away From Home Holiday Meal in Patton Hall room 120 on 100 E. Union St. from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Registration ends at noon Nov. 21.
The Home Away From Home Meal provides 150 traditional and international meals for dine-in or take-out and accommodates those with dietary restrictions. Along with traditional Thanksgiving foods, the event includes vegetarian, halal and vegan options, such as a quinoa dish and vegan chocolate brownies.
Ohio travel guideThe Sustainable Thanksgiving Dinner invites all Bobcats to enjoy a vegan and vegetarian potluck Nov. 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., hosted by the Office of Sustainability. Students are encouraged to bring a dish and share a recipe, though bringing food is not required.
Upcoming Events
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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."