| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 64.03 |
| Liaison | Casey Romero |
| Submission Date | March 3, 2023 |
Oklahoma State University
AC-8: Campus as a Living Laboratory
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Kristeena
Blaser Sustainability Coordinator Energy Services |
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Campus Engagement?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Campus Engagement:
Two former OSU environmental science undergraduate students jumped at the chance to provide their input and develop a plan to identify potential sustainable solutions for New Frontiers Agricultural Hall, a state-of-the-art teaching, research and OSU Extension facility.
Ferguson College of Agriculture students Makenna Paniel and McKinly Dortch presented their recommendations to the New Frontiers design and architectural team as part of a recent capstone course led by Karen Hickman, professor and director of OSU’s environmental science undergraduate program.
As a result of their research and findings, Paniel and Dortch developed recommendations for six areas to maximize the efficiency and sustainability of the new building: minimal waste dining services, composting, native pollinator planting, green roof, rainwater catchment, and recycling of construction and demolition debris.
https://news.okstate.edu/articles/agriculture/2022/gross-new-frontiers-sustainability-plan.html
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Public Engagement?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Public Engagement:
The Rural Renewal Initiative. The mission of the Rural Renewal Initiative is to launch the renewal of rural communities in Oklahoma and beyond through interdisciplinary research, student involvement, and community engagement. The initiative plans to work in Tillman and Harmon counties.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Air & Climate?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Air & Climate:
Unmanned Systems Research Institute's new lab provides more space and mobility for projects.
Oklahoma State University’s Unmanned Systems Research Institute has a new research lab.
The development center, called Excelsior, on Willis Street providesa dedicated space for the research organization’s projects. The previous location was in the Richmond Hills Research Complex on the north side of Stillwater. Excelsior aims to provide a higher level of educational opportunities to students studying unmanned systems. And the new, purpose-built facility is a better fit for them.
“The integration, testing, and maker spaces allow teams to use unmanned systems for research related to the environment, ecology, weather, climate change, and national security,” said Dr. Jamey Jacob, USRI director.
https://news.okstate.edu/magazines/state-magazine/articles/2019/winter/taking_flight.html
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Buildings?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Buildings:
U.S. Green Building Council Student Organization
USGBC student groups recruit, connect and equip the next generation of green building leaders.
Representing college- and university-based groups of students from all disciplines, USGBC Students is a way for hundreds of young leaders to come together and participate in hands-on green building experiences on their own campuses through service initiatives. USGBC helps students integrate sustainability themes into their coursework and advocate for sustainable university practices and policies.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Energy?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Energy:
The Energy Leadership Award is designed to recognize student groups and campus departments for being active partners in reducing the University’s energy expenditures through education and positive impact behaviors. It is awarded on an annually renewable basis. Those earning this award will be allowed to use the Stewardship seal on their publications and websites to signify both their commitment and achievement. In addition, the OSU Energy Management Program will publicly recognize the award winners in a variety of ways throughout the year to highlight their success. Some opportunities/ideas that have been generated so far include (but are not limited to) banners in the lobby of their building, spotlighting them in articles through OSU Communication, special recognition at the annual SAC Picnic, photos, and name recognition on A-frames at homecoming, banners at GIA during graduation and banners at BPS during football season. The following were Energy Leadership Awardees in FY 21:
- Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
- FM Structural Trades, OSU Facilities Management
- Wes Watkins Center, Meeting and Conference Services
- ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center, OSU Alumni Association
- Graduate College, Administration & Finance - Whitehurst
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Food & Dining?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Food & Dining:
Each year a class or student group participates in a food waste audit to measure how much food waste is generated in the main dining facilities on campus.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Grounds?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Grounds:
Each year for Arbor Day and as a part of the University's Tree Campus USA application a volunteer event is hosted where the University Arborist and several other members of the Landscape Services team will work with volunteers to plant several trees around campus.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Purchasing?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Purchasing:
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Transportation?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Transportation:
In 2021, Oklahoma State University placed sixth in the United States on the Times Higher Education IMPACT Ranking in the category of ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities and placed sixth in the US in the category of ‘Affordable and Clean Energy. The years of work that DP&TS has put into transportation on campus have helped OSU to achieve this ranking.
The first big step that the Department of Parking and Transportation Services took to become more sustainable was changing the diesel-chugging bus system to a fleet that uses compressed natural gas, or CNG. CNG burns cleaner than gasoline and diesel and releases less carbon dioxide per unit of energy provided, according to the federal Energy Information Administration.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Waste?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Waste:
Biobased Products and Energy Center is committed to developing the necessary tools and relevant expertise to help community leaders and stakeholders make sound decisions about biobased products and energy while balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations.
Strengthen basic research foundation in feedstock development and production, biobased products and materials development, conversion technologies, and value enhancement that leads to sustainable and economically viable rural industries/jobs.
Focus on interdisciplinary carbon capture, storage, reduction, and reuse research and development to support current infrastructure and alternative technology advancement.
Partner with rural communities to develop locally viable biobased industries and markets.
Build and facilitate interdisciplinary team collaboration and support integrated approaches to identify opportunities in the emerging circular bioeconomy in Oklahoma.
Provide undergraduate and graduate training, professional development, and outreach opportunities to enhance the bioeconomy workforce development efforts.
Develop effective scientific communication approaches to bridge the gap between research and practice and enhance the dissemination of research results to communities of interest.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Water?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Water:
Oklahoma State University Facilities Management is offering campus a cost-effective learning lab, turning the buildings, infrastructure, and grounds into hands-on classrooms. The department brought home the 2020 Effective and Innovative Practice Award from APPA. A partnership with the Ferguson College of Agriculture has led to incorporating student landscape design elements into the university building projects. Students in architecture get behind-the-scenes tours of chillers, generators, and air-handling units.
The School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering has partnered with Facilities Management for aerial inspections of the Lake Carl Blackwell dam, thermal imaging of buildings to detect areas of heat loss, and aerial nighttime lighting surveys. Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology developed a semester-long project with students serving as loss prevention consultants.
Leslie Stockel, a clinical assistant professor in the fire protection and safety program, works with Facilities Management and OSU’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety, bringing her classes to areas of basic industrial infrastructure like steam generators and building ventilation systems as well as to specialty areas such as the grain elevator and furniture repair shop. The collaboration gives students a real-world application of theories they learn in class, like the hierarchy of hazard controls.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Coordination & Planning?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Coordination & Planning:
During FY22 the Sustainability Coordinator worked with several stakeholders across campus to develop a draft of the Campus Sustainability Plan. This document was written in part by students.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Diversity & Affordability?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Diversity & Affordability:
The goal of the Community Advancing Conversations initiative is to encourage the entire OSU community to proactively engage in conversations that promote and advance healthy, robust, and beneficial dialogues. The initiative’s predominant purpose is to promote awareness, education, and provide informed perspectives across topics that will help cultivate and strengthen OSU’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. More importantly, this monthly series of dialogues will help build the capacity of all members of the university community to gain comfort in participating in efforts that ultimately enrich and fortify OSU’s culture of inclusion.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Investment & Finance?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Investment & Finance:
Fergusons' $50 million gift to OSU Agriculture is rooted in their desire to feed the world. Inspired by faith, family, and strong ties to OSU, the couple unveiled a historic gift through their Ferguson Family Foundation on Jan. 15. A crowd of about 250 people gathered to celebrate the launch of New Frontiers — a $50 million capital campaign for new teaching, research, and extension facility to replace the aging Agricultural Hall. The benefits of the project will directly impact and help drive the state’s economy by elevating student education, research, and extension efforts.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Wellbeing & Work?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Wellbeing & Work:
The Department of Human Resources at Oklahoma State University releases a monthly HR publication that is designed for all benefits-eligible employees on all campuses. Some of the topics covered include campus mental health training, work-life balance webinars (that are free), upcoming free training, and services available for that month, etc.
Website URL where information about the institution’s living laboratory program is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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