Sustainability Statement

Ohio University is a charter signatory of Second Nature's Carbon Commitment, with a carbon neutrality date of 2050 and a requirement to make carbon neutrality part of curriculum and research for all students. To direct progress toward carbon neutrality and expand sustainability opportunities for students, Ohio University has a Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP). Ohio University defines sustainability as the capacity to simultaneously benefit people, planet and prosperity, now and in the future. With the Carbon Commitment, SCAP and sustainability definition in mind, Ohio University requires the following to be considered during physical alteration of our campus grounds and infrastructure.

1. Minimization of energy use intensity (EUI goal in Energy Section of SCAP)
2. Consideration of renewable energy in place of fossil fuel energy (Renewables energy goal in Energy Section of SCAP)
3. Minimization of night sky light pollution (Energy and Grounds Sections of SCAP)
4. Maximization of pervious surfaces (Storm water goal in the Water section of SCAP)
5. Minimization of water use intensity and outdoor water usage (Water usage goals in Water Section of SCAP)
6. Minimization of waste, both in construction and demolition and in design of building waste collection systems (Waste goal 2 and C&DD sub-goal in the Waste section of SCAP)
7. Preservation of biodiversity through maximization of tree canopy and square footage of pollinator/natural/vegetated habitats (Goal 1 in the Grounds section of SCAP)
8. Maximization of active and alternative transportation options to project (Transportation emissions reduction goal in the Transportation section of SCAP)
9. Maximization of use of local, recycled content and sustainability-certified materials (Procurement goal in the Procurement section of SCAP)
10. Consideration of air quality impacts from project design and operation, including ventilation design and product off-gassing (Goals in Student Life and Human Resources sections of SCAP)
11. Consideration of occupant thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort and ability to perform (Goals in Student Life and Human Resources sections of SCAP)

Tracking and Reporting

Projects must:

1. Consult with Sustainability-designated staff during the SD phase of project to determine which criteria apply to their project.
2. Complete all required checklist items (some before end of DD phase and the remainder before project closeout)

Rating: Each project will be rated as Exceeding, Meeting, or Not Meeting these Sustainability criteria by Sustainability-designated staff. T h e s coring system for rating is explained in the checklist.