Sustainability News

A historic heatwave is impacting millions of Americans with some experts predicting that America’s 250th could be the hottest July Fourth(opens in a new window) on record. Extreme heat(opens in a new window) can be dangerous for everyone, and especially for older adults and those with preexisting health conditions. 

The challenge of staying cool and safe this summer in particular has been especially burdensome as cooling costs are expected to hit a record high. Americans are projected to spend around $800 on electricity between June and September, an increase of 10.5%(opens in a new window) from the same time last year. Many people will need to rely on air conditioners and other appliances 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.

Ohio University Associate Professor of Economics(opens in a new window) Daniel Karney(opens in a new window), Ph.D., said that nationally, many factors are driving higher electricity prices that are rising even faster than inflation. Karney is an expert in energy economics, energy policy and climate change.

“On the demand side, a strong consumer preference for cool residential housing puts upward pressure on prices in the Summer, as well as an overall increase in electricity usage from data centers,” said Karney. “On the supply side, utilities have been able to pass along infrastructure improvements costs to consumers. As a result, the price of electricity has outpaced inflation, and this is likely to continue.”

Ohio University Director of Sustainability(opens in a new window) Sam Crowl(opens in a new window) agrees with Karney that surging demand and complications in supply are to blame for the historical increases in utility costs. Crowl said that recent capacity auctions by regional grid operators have resulted in record-high bid prices, driving up costs for consumers.

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.

A historic heatwave is impacting millions of Americans with some experts predicting that America’s 250th could be the hottest July Fourth(opens in a new window) on record. Extreme heat(opens in a new window) can be dangerous for everyone, and especially for older adults and those with preexisting health conditions. 

The challenge of staying cool and safe this summer in particular has been especially burdensome as cooling costs are expected to hit a record high. Americans are projected to spend around $800 on electricity between June and September, an increase of 10.5%(opens in a new window) from the same time last year. Many people will need to rely on air conditioners and other appliances 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.

Ohio University Associate Professor of Economics(opens in a new window) Daniel Karney(opens in a new window), Ph.D., said that nationally, many factors are driving higher electricity prices that are rising even faster than inflation. Karney is an expert in energy economics, energy policy and climate change.

“On the demand side, a strong consumer preference for cool residential housing puts upward pressure on prices in the Summer, as well as an overall increase in electricity usage from data centers,” said Karney. “On the supply side, utilities have been able to pass along infrastructure improvements costs to consumers. As a result, the price of electricity has outpaced inflation, and this is likely to continue.”

Ohio University Director of Sustainability(opens in a new window) Sam Crowl(opens in a new window) agrees with Karney that surging demand and complications in supply are to blame for the historical increases in utility costs. Crowl said that recent capacity auctions by regional grid operators have resulted in record-high bid prices, driving up costs for consumers.

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.

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.

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.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is considering a general wastewater permit, which would allow a streamlined process for data centers to receive authorization to discharge wastewater into surface waters.

Data centers in Ohio can currently only apply for an individualized National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. That permit requires data centers to follow Ohio’s antidegradation rule, ensuring no pollution that could harm fish or wildlife be released, safer streams for recreation and that drinking water sources are protected.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is considering a general wastewater permit, which would allow a streamlined process for data centers to receive authorization to discharge wastewater into surface waters.

Data centers in Ohio can currently only apply for an individualized National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. That permit requires data centers to follow Ohio’s antidegradation rule, ensuring no pollution that could harm fish or wildlife be released, safer streams for recreation and that drinking water sources are protected.

The Ohio University Office of Sustainability is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Sustainability Awards(opens in a new window).

The awards recognize students, faculty, staff, departments and community members or organizations for their outstanding contributions to sustainability at Ohio University or in the local community.

The awards are open to all OHIO faculty, staff or students on any of Ohio University's campuses, and the Community Sustainability Award is open to community members or groups. Award winners will be announced at the Campus and Community Earth Day Celebrations on April 22, 2026. All members of the OHIO community are invited to participate in the events to celebrate Earth Day.

The Ohio University Office of Sustainability is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Sustainability Awards(opens in a new window).

The awards recognize students, faculty, staff, departments and community members or organizations for their outstanding contributions to sustainability at Ohio University or in the local community.

The awards are open to all OHIO faculty, staff or students on any of Ohio University's campuses, and the Community Sustainability Award is open to community members or groups. Award winners will be announced at the Campus and Community Earth Day Celebrations on April 22, 2026. All members of the OHIO community are invited to participate in the events to celebrate Earth Day.

New legislation in Ohio could create a nonpartisan council to examine the growing footprint of data centers. If the bill is passed, the subsequent council would review data centers’ environmental impact, electricity and water use, light and noise pollution and local economic effects.

Data centers are large facilities that store computing equipment and power much of today’s digital infrastructure. As artificial intelligence becomes more prominent, the role of data centers is expanding and so are the resources they consume. The facilities require significant amounts of electricity and water, often driving up local utility costs and raising concerns about pollution.

New legislation in Ohio could create a nonpartisan council to examine the growing footprint of data centers. If the bill is passed, the subsequent council would review data centers’ environmental impact, electricity and water use, light and noise pollution and local economic effects.

Data centers are large facilities that store computing equipment and power much of today’s digital infrastructure. As artificial intelligence becomes more prominent, the role of data centers is expanding and so are the resources they consume. The facilities require significant amounts of electricity and water, often driving up local utility costs and raising concerns about pollution.

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.

According 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.  

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.

According 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.  

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.

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 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. 

The 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. 

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. 

The 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. 

At Ohio University, bicycling is a sustainable means of commuting to and from campus and across Athens. Whether cyclists are riding in the bike lanes uptown, passing through one of the picturesque residence hall greens(opens in a new window) or pedaling down the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway(opens in a new window), using a bicycle for transportation is cheaper, better for the environment and healthier than using an automobile.

The League of American Bicyclists(opens in a new window), the premier grassroots advocacy organization encouraging better bicycling and protecting the rights of people who bike, has honored Ohio University with a silver-level Bicycle Friendly University award(opens in a new window) in recognition of OHIO’s continued achievements in promoting and enabling safe, accessible bicycling on campus.

At Ohio University, bicycling is a sustainable means of commuting to and from campus and across Athens. Whether cyclists are riding in the bike lanes uptown, passing through one of the picturesque residence hall greens(opens in a new window) or pedaling down the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway(opens in a new window), using a bicycle for transportation is cheaper, better for the environment and healthier than using an automobile.

The League of American Bicyclists(opens in a new window), the premier grassroots advocacy organization encouraging better bicycling and protecting the rights of people who bike, has honored Ohio University with a silver-level Bicycle Friendly University award(opens in a new window) in recognition of OHIO’s continued achievements in promoting and enabling safe, accessible bicycling on campus.