Office of Sustainabilty
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, adpated 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.
Donate
Donations made to the “Ohio University Sustainability Fund” will be used to enact infrastructure, curriculum, and research projects that can help advance success toward the goals within the Sustainability and Climate Action Plans of Ohio University. Projects will not be housed in one single department or division. In fact, it is the intention of the OHIO Foundation that these funds will be utilized by all divisions for various sustainability-related projects hoping to advance institutional sustainability efforts. Donations made to this fund will be added to a generic pool of sustainability funding and used toward projects agreed upon by various stakeholders. Donors who wish to contribute to a particular project are urged to reach out to the Office of Sustainability (sustainability@ohio.edu, 740-593-0460) before making a donation so that proper funding allocations occur.
News and Announcements
From Acid Mine Drainage to Paint
January 15, 2020
In the rolling Appalachian foothills of Ohio, Sunday Creek runs bright with shades of red and orange. The 27-mile-long tributary flows through the ruins of abandoned coal mines, which sprawl beneath the southeast part of the state like a labyrinth. The companies that dug the century-old mines are long gone. But residents in this rural region still live with the mess that’s left behind.
Ohio University's Ellis Hall awarded LEED ...
December 16, 2019
Ellis Hall has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification for a complete renovation of the 115-year-old building.
Winter Break Energy Savings Tips
December 16, 2019
The Winter Break and Winter Break Closure provides an excellent opportunity for OHIO to save energy, reduce environmental impacts and minimize costs. Find out how you can help.
Upcoming Events
Office of Sustainability Featured Programs
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Climate & Sustainability Ambassadors
JoinThe 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 Alumni Network
Connect with UsAre you an OHIO alumni enthusiastic about creating more socially just, ecologically balanced, and prosperous communities? Then the Sustainability Alumni Network is the group for you!
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Sustainability Tracking and Evaluation Program (STEP)
Get CertifiedThe 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.
Sustainable Hubs
We welcome participants to our new Sustainable Hubs! The Hub Seminar Series for Spring 2020 will be on the 4th Thursdays of February, March and April in Front Room. The February 27 seminar will be at 4pm; the March 26 and April 23 seminars will be at 5pm. Please sign up for our newsletter or visit our events calendar for more information.