Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 54.34
Liaison Samuel Crowl
Submission Date March 11, 2015
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Ohio University
EN-4: Outreach Materials and Publications

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Annie Laurie Cadmus
Associate Director
Wellworks
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution produce the following outreach materials and/or publications that foster sustainability learning and knowledge? :
Yes or No
A central sustainability website that consolidates information about the institution’s sustainability efforts Yes
A sustainability newsletter Yes
Social media platforms that focus specifically on campus sustainability Yes
A vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability Yes
Building signage that highlights green building features Yes
Food service area signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems Yes
Signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies employed Yes
A sustainability walking map or tour Yes
A guide for commuters about how to use alternative methods of transportation Yes
Navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians Yes
A guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience Yes
Regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper, either through a regular column or a reporter assigned to the sustainability beat Yes
Other sustainability publications or outreach materials not covered above No

A brief description of the central sustainability website:

The Ohio University Office of Sustainability has a website which features the Sustainability Plan, the Climate Action Plan, sustainability-related programs featured at the university, links to sustainability-related social media accounts, and opportunities for campus sustainability engagement.


The website URL for the central sustainability website:
A brief description of the sustainability newsletter:

ROUTES is the Office of Sustainability’s online newsletter which was launched in January 2012. The ROUTES newsletter features Sustainable Ohio University Leaders updates, campus and community news, as well as campus involvement opportunities.


The website URL for the sustainability newsletter:
A brief description of the social media platforms that focus specifically on campus sustainability:

The Office of Sustainability actively engages in social media marketing and communications through four well-known social media platforms. These platforms include: Faceboook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.


The website URL of the primary social media platform that focuses on sustainability:
A brief description of the vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability:

The Consortium for Energy, Economics & the Environment (CE3) was formed in 2005 at Ohio University. CE3 is housed at the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs in partnership with the Russ College of Engineering and Technology and the College of Arts and Sciences. CE3 takes a multidisciplinary approach to energy and environmental issues, coupled with the extensive regional resources of Southeastern Ohio, provide a strong research and teaching platform for our faculty, staff and students.


The website URL for the vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability:
A brief description of building signage that highlights green building features :

The temporary construction fencing placed on-site at any construction site is specially printed to include marketing about sustainability. Additionally, Office of Sustainability assists with special marketing of building features during and after construction when applicable.


The website URL for building signage that highlights green building features :
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A brief description of food service area signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems:

Ohio University Culinary Services provides exceptional service to the Ohio University community in support of its academic mission and vision. As part of this mission, they have developed a variety of informational icons which are in use at each of our Dining Courts/Halls to share important dietary information at a glance, including the sustainability-attributes of food. Additional signage about food waste, composting and local food options are also available within each dining facility.


The website URL for food service area signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems:
A brief description of signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies:

Ohio University has native prairie species plantings that are protected by signage which notifies grounds keeping staff to refrain from using landscaping strategies within the specific areas.

Additionally, in spring 2014, it became evident that a pond on campus needed to be dredged; which, in the long run would increase the the overall health of the ecosystem. Traditionally, ponds are dredged using heavy machinery, which can harm the pond inhabitants, so the university sought an environmentally conscious alternative. Sediment from the pond was suction pumped into two large 3,000 cubic feet geotextile fabric bags. Not only did this method accomplish the necessary reduction of sediment that had built up, but the pond's water level was maintained throughout the process. Signage was placed around the pond and the geotextile bags to educate the community about the process.


The website URL for signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies:
A brief description of the sustainability walking map or tour:

Student groups, classes, and community members are welcome to request a tour of the OHIO Ecohouse, the compost facility, or both. The Ecohouse and the compost facilities are both important sustainable features of the Ohio University campus; employees of the Office of Sustainability are trained to lead tours of both facilities:

The OHIO Ecohouse is a living laboratory in which students can learn and practice sustainable behaviors. The house features energy efficient appliances, a solar array, a biofuel furnace, and a garden.

Tours of the university's compost facility are also available. The Ohio University compost facility is the largest in-vessel composting facility at any college or university in the nation. The 6-ton system allows Ohio University to compost 100% of food waste that is produced at dining facilities across campus. Tour groups get an up-close and personal view of the whole process of turning food into nutrient-rich soil amendment.

Additionally, a Sustainability Walking Map is available on the same site as our Tour/Presentation Request Form so individuals who cannot attend a tour can facilitate their own sustainability-focused walking tour of campus.


The website URL of the sustainability walking map or tour:
A brief description of the guide for commuters about how to use alternative methods of transportation:

DoubleMap, a live bus tracking application, allows commuters to track the Athens Public Transit bus routes in live time.
http://athens.doublemap.com/map/

The Ohio University Office of Sustainability also offers an extensive list of transportation alternatives and descriptions on our website, including bike, car share, and public transportation. More information can be found by following the link below.


The website URL for the guide for commuters about how to use alternative methods of transportation:
A brief description of the navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians:

The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is a paved 21-mile-long bike and pedestrian path that spans between Athens and Nelsonville, Ohio. A portion of the path cuts through the Ohio University campus. A representative from the Office of Sustainability sits on the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway Committee, which was a partial contributor to the creation of an informational brochure and map of the bikeway. Way Finding materials are available online and at key points along the bikeway in designated kiosks.


The website URL for navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians:
A brief description of the guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:

The OHIO Ecohouse website offers "Sustainable Living" tips.


The website URL for the guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:
A brief description of regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper, either through a regular column or a reporter assigned to the sustainability beat:

Student Newspaper: In Fall 2014, The Post assigned a reporter to the Sustainability Beat. Since such an assignment, stories about the Ecohouse, sustainability-related events and food waste have been commonly featured in The Post.


The website URL for regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper, either through a regular column or a reporter assigned to the sustainability beat:
A brief description of another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above (1st material):

Official University Newspaper: Ohio University Communications and Marketing office has a reporter responsible for the "Sustainability Beat." Sustainability is regularly featured by announcing advancements in the Sustainability and Climate Action Plans, featuring events or explaining grants.


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Does the institution produce another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above? (5th material):
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Does the institution produce another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above? (7th material):
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Does the institution produce another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above? (8th material):
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

The Office of Sustainability website is currently transitioning to a new format, so may be under construction frequently in the coming year.


The Office of Sustainability website is currently transitioning to a new format, so may be under construction frequently in the coming year.

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.