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Office of Sustainability
Bingham House
97 Richland Avenue
Athens, OH 45701
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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. 

News and Announcements

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  • OHIO community invited to April 14 Earth D...

    April 10, 2025

    Ohio University will celebrate Earth Day with a series of events for students, faculty, staff and area residents on Monday, April 14, from 12-4 p.m. in the Walter Hall Rotunda.

    The celebration of campus and community sustainability efforts is part of the Earth Day celebrations being held around the world. The International Earth Day Network collaborates with partners in more than 192 countries to support environmental protection and peace.

    Hosted by the Office of Sustainability, the Earth Day activities at Ohio University are free and open to the public.

  • Organizations, students emphasize sustaina...

    April 7, 2025

    As spring blooms in Athens, the town’s cherry blossom trees, hiking trails and greenery invite locals and Ohio University Bobcats to relish in the relaxing atmosphere and enjoy the outdoors.

    April not only symbolizes springtime in the neighborhood but also welcomes Athens Beautification Month, a time in which residents and Bobcats are encouraged to give back to the environment.

    The Center for Community Engagement teams up with the Office of Sustainability each year to coordinate the events, all of which focus on areas of need.

  • Clubs A-Z: OU Bug Club protects, examines ...

    March 19, 2025

    For many Bobcats, playing outside with different insects calls to mind a dirty, yet fun childhood. Luckily for Ohio University Bug Club members, reliving these happy memories and putting childhood passions into practice is possible with several insects to discover in Athens.

    During a typical Sunday meeting, the club can be found exploring insects native to Athens, with the goal to save and protect. Species may be researched, relocated and cared for, further educating members and benefiting the environment.

Upcoming Events

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Sustainability Course Listings

Time to register for courses? Consider taking sustainability courses or courses that include sustainability! The Office of Sustainability tracks these courses for the University.

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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!

    Join
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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.

    Get Certified
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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.

    Find a Project

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."

 

Structure of Sustainability Hubs at Ohio University