Core: Administrative Support

Current Data

Progress toward 2011 Sustainability Plan (as of 2017)

• Benchmark 6: Institute annual sustainability profile tracking and assessment process. Target met; tracking & assessment process exists.​

• Benchmark 10: Integrate sustainability goals and objectives into capital campaign. Target not met; no capital campaign has started since plan was created.​

Administrative Support Graphics

The above graphic shows how Ohio University compares against other programs by STARS. As seen above, Ohio University is well above the national average.

The above graphic shows the breakdown of carbon emissions by the Office of Sustainability staff. Fun fact: Ohio University students, faculty, and staff emit an average of 4.35 metric tons of emitted carbon dioxide per full time equivalent (FTE) per year.

2017 Sustainability & Climate Action Plan Goal #1

Goal 1: Achieve recognition for innovative and robust sustainability planning, coordination and governance by increasing Ohio University's STARS rating from Silver to Gold; thereby, increasing its national sustainability ranking.

Potential Strategies​

• Transform OHIO Sustainability into model engagement ecosystems utilizing the Sustainability Hubs​

• Apply for national sustainability rankings and awards​

• Plan and implement compelling sustainability events; encourage green events in campus/community ​

• Increase marketing of sustainability events; initiatives and achievements to OHIO campuses; communities and alumni​

• Track and third-party verify carbon, nitrogen, and air pollutant emissions through internationally accepted reporting protocols ​

• Maintain reporting for all other internal and external sustainability commitments​

Benefits of Goal #1 

• Increased positive reputation
• Reduced emissions
• Increased social engagement

Costs of Goal #1

• Staff time
• Operation and management costs

2017 Sustainability & Climate Action Plan Goal #2

Goal 2: Build resiliency into processes and infrastructure by mandating plans and procedures aligning with national sustainability metrics

Potential Strategies​

• Review best practices for resiliency & sustainability integration at other institutions ​

• Create recommendations for Chief Facilities Officer ​

Benefits of Goal #2

• Reduced operating expense
• Reduced risk
• Reduced emissions
• Increased positive reputation

Costs of Goal #2

• Staff time
• Operation and management costs

2017 Sustainability & Climate Action Plan Goal #3

Goal 2: Create funding mechanisms for sustainability initiatives outside of General Funds by increasing spending to $10,000 per year.

Potential Strategies​

• Collaborate with Advancement to develop a philanthropic case for sustainability; continue to promote sustainability in annual giving materials ​​

• Apply for grant funding​

• Create sustainability revolving loan fund​

Benefits of Goal #3

• Creates a source of capital funds
• Reduced emissions
• Increased reputation and enrollment

Costs of Goal #3

• Staff time
• Operation and management costs