Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 63.29
Liaison Samuel Crowl
Submission Date Feb. 20, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Ohio University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00 Vince Weatherstein
Director of Energy Management
Facilities Management & Safety
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Published Plans That Address Sustainability 

Strategic Plan

Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
No

A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
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A copy of the strategic plan:
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The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
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Sustainability Plan 

Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the sustainability plan:
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The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
https://www.ohio.edu/sustainability/upload/Ohio-University-Sustainability-Plan_V3.pdf

Climate Action Plan 

Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the climate action plan:
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The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
https://www.ohio.edu/sustainability/upload/Ohio-University-CAP_Final_Nov2012.pdf

Other Published Plans 

Does the institution have other published plans that address sustainability or include measurable sustainability objectives (e.g. campus master plan, physical campus plan, diversity plan, human resources plan)? :
Yes

A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
- 2016 Campus Master Plan Office of Sustainability was involved in the development of the University's Comprehensive Master Plan (2016). As sustainability was a recurring theme in all discussions, it was determined that, rather than having a singular section about sustainability, sustainable language must be incorporated throughout the entire document. The result was a comprehensive plan that incorporates the environmental, social and economic tenets of sustainability in its five core ideas: stewardship of resources, distinctive setting, campus greens, connected and integrated, and welcoming and user-friendly. Most notably, a "smart growth" approach to planning was identified in the development of the document. Additionally, in its campus planning principles section, the document calls out the need to support the University's sustainability commitment. - Ridges Framework Plan - Chillicothe Campus Master Plan - Zanesville Campus Plan - Dublin Framework Plan - Eastern Campus Master Plan - Lancaster Campus Master Plan - Southern Campus Master Plan - Parking Master Plan - Small House Plan - Waste Management - Park Place Planning Strategy - Wayfinding & Signage - Utility Master Plan All Available at: https://www.ohio.edu/planning-space/

Measurable Sustainability Objectives 

Curriculum

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Target and Date for Benchmark 9 of Sustainability Plan (Increase enrollment in sustainability-themed courses, majors and programs): Definition and baseline by December 2011. 5% increase in course offerings and enrollment per year compared to December 2011. Target and Date for Benchmark 11 of Sustainability Plan (Provide undergraduate students with a sustainability-focused major, degree program or equivalent): At least one major, degree program, or equivalent by 2015.

Research 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Target and date for Benchmark 23 of Sustainability Plan (Strengthen sustainability research activities): 25% of all full-time faculty by 2020 or 5% per year increase beginning 2012-2013. 75% of all academic departments and centers by 2020 or 5% per year increase beginning 2012-2013. Target and date for Benchmark 35 of Sustainability Plan (Define and track sustainability research activities): Definition of sustainability research activities within one month of Sustainability Plan adoption. Inventory by faculty, department, collaboration, awards, and award dollars within 3 months of Sustainability Plan adoption.

Campus Engagement 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Target and Date for Benchmark 8 of Sustainability Plan (Improve sustainability literacy of students, faculty and staff): Definition by December 2011. Baseline by June 2012. 5% increase in literacy among students, faculty and staff each year.

Public Engagement 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Target and Date for Benchmark 32 of Sustainability Plan (Increase food donations to local service organizations): Meet with Athens County Health Department, Culinary Services, and local service groups to discuss current obstacles and establish baseline goals for improvement by the end of Fall Quarter 2011. Target and Date for Benchmark 34 of Sustainability Plan (Implement notification system for local service organizations regarding availability of surplus items): Notification system active within 3 months of Sustainability Plan adoption.

Air & Climate 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Target and Date for Benchmark 1 of Sustainability Plan (Reduce institutional greenhouse gas emissions): Athens Campus: 25% below 2005 levels by 2030. 80% below 2005 levels by 2050. Carbon neutrality by 2075. Regional Campuses: 25% below baseline levels (as established for each campus through Climate Action Plan) by 2030. 80% below baseline levels by 2050. Carbon neutrality by 2075.

Buildings 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Target and Date for Benchmark 4 of Sustainability Plan (LEED certify new buildings and major renovations on all campuses): LEED Silver minimum certification for all building and renovation projects budgeted at or above $2 million, effective FY2011. Equivalent LEED-based approach for projects budgeted under $2 million, effective FY2012. Target and date for Benchmark 12 of Sustainability Plan (Evaluate LEED EBOM of existing facilities): Checklist evaluation of at least one existing facility over 15,000 gsf. Completed within 3 months of Sustainability Plan adoption.

Energy 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Target and Date for Benchmark 2 of Sustainability Plan (Reduce campus and building energy intensity): Reduce building energy intensity 20% below 2004 levels by 2014 and 40% below 2004 levels by 2030. Avoid 24 Megawatt (MW) peak on the Athens campus. Lower peak to 23 MW by 2016. Target and Date for Benchmark 3 of Sustainability Plan (Increase renewable energy): 20% of all campus energy use by 2020.

Food & Dining 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Target and date for Benchmark 14 of Sustainability Plan (Increase purchase of local food): 0.5% per year between 2011 and 2016. Target and date for Benchmark 30 of Sustainability Plan (Provide information to diners regarding sustainability-attributes of food options): Labeling and marketing program by 2012. Target and date for Benchmark 32 of Sustainability Plan (Increase food donations to local service organizations): Meet with Athens County Health Department, Culinary Services, and local service groups to discuss current obstacles and establish baseline goals for improvement by the end of Fall Quarter 2011.

Grounds 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Target and date for Benchmark 26 of Sustainability Plan (Practice Integrated Pest Management): Plan adopted by June 2011. Grounds manager to report annually on progress toward this goal.

Purchasing 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Target and date for Benchmark 19 of Sustainability Plan (Increase use of green cleaning products): Exclusive use of certified products when available and competitively priced. Target and date for Benchmark 20 of Sustainability Plan (Increase the percentage of paper products on campus that include post-consumer recycled content): 75% of all annual paper products purchased will include at least 30% PCC by June 2012. Target and date for Benchmark 28 of Sustainability Plan (Increase purchase of non-food local goods and services and environmentally preferable goods): 0.5% per year between 2011 and 2016. Target and date for Benchmark 29 of Sustainability Plan (Increase purchase of environmentally preferable computer products): 75% of all annual computer products purchased rated EPEAT Gold or better by FY2012.

Transportation 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Target and Date for Benchmark 16 of Sustainability Plan (Improve sustainability profile of student, staff, and faculty vehicles): 60% of all student, faculty and staff vehicles will be classified as LEFE by 2015. Target and date for Benchmark 18 of Sustainability Plan (Improve sustainability profile of campus fleet): Average fuel economy of the campus fleet will increase by 5% per year beginning in the fall of 2011. All cars and light trucks acquired from outside the university beginning in June 2011 will meet or exceed 2011 federal CAFÉ standards. Target and date for Benchmark 27 of Sustainability Plan (Decrease use of Single Occupancy Vehicles (SOV)): 85% of all students and 20% of all faculty and staff will use a non-SOV option as their primary method of transportation by 2015, including but not limited to non-motorized, shared, and alternative fuel options.

Waste 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Target and Date for Benchmark 5 of Sustainability Plan (Reduce solid waste): 5% per year between 2011 and 2016. Target and Date for Benchmark 7 of Sustainability Plan (Increase recycling rates): 80% by weight of all recyclable solid waste by 2016. Target and date for Benchmark 15: Implement tracking system for purchased hazardous chemicals by 2013. Target and date for Benchmark 34: Notification system active within 3 months of Sustainability Plan adoption.

Water 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Target and date for Benchmark 13 of Sustainability Plan (Prohibit the installation of permanent irrigation systems that rely on potable water): Total ban effective June 2011. Full compliance reviewed annually for reporting. Target and Date for Benchmark 17 of Sustainability Plan (Institute storm water management plan): Plan adopted by June 2012.

Diversity & Affordability 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Investment & Finance 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Target and Date for Benchmark 21 of the Sustainability Plan (Assess endowment investment in sustainable corporations and entities and recommend strategies for increasing investment in these corporations and entities): Annual assessment beginning in the academic year following sustainability plan adoption. Target and Date for Benchmark 10 of the Sustainability Plan (Integrate sustainability goals and objectives into capital campaign): Goals will be developed and integrated into the capital campaign by the Fall of 2012

Wellbeing & Work 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Target and date for Benchmark 33 of the Sustainability Plan (Encourage residency in City of Athens for Athens campus employees): Informational materials will be provided to all incoming faculty and staff prior to relocation by 2012.

Other Impact Areas 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Target and Date for Benchmark 22 of the Sustainability Plan (Implement recruitment strategies targeting sustainability-minded students, faculty, and staff): Beginning in the fall of 2012, use the sustainability profile of the school as a tool to recruit students with an expressed interest in sustainability. Faculty and staff will be recruited based on an expressed interest in sustainability and environmental issues beginning in the fall of 2012.

Optional Fields 

Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body (e.g. a mission statement that specifically includes sustainability and is endorsed by the Board of Trustees)? :
No

The formal statement in support of sustainability:
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The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
Ohio University defines "sustainability" as the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations to meet their needs (adapted from the Brundtland definition). We take a triple bottom line approach to this concept by ensuring that the actions of the University are inclusive of 1.) People/Equity, 2.) Planet/Environment and, 3.) Prosperity/Economy. (http://www.ohio.edu/sustainability/about/history.cfm)

Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
Yes or No
The Earth Charter No
The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) No
ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter No
Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment Yes
The Talloires Declaration (TD) No
UN Global Compact No
Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) Yes

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
The President Roderick McDavis signed the ACUPCC in 2008. President Duane Nellis signed the "We Are Still In" national declaration in 2017.

The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
http://www.ohio.edu/sustainability

Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Updated by Elaine Goetz on 1/3/18 (added more details). University planning document information added by Annie Laurie Cadmus, Director of Sustainability, based on emails from Shawna Bolin, Associate Vice President for University Planning, Jan 10-11, 2018.

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.