Oregon State University
PAE-3: Physical Campus Plan

OSU's Campus Master Plan requires an incorporation of practices of sustainability into the design, construction, renovation, expansion, and operation of all facilities and structures on the OSU campus. As the plan states, "All new and significant remodeling and renovation projects should be designed and constructed to incorporate sustainability considerations. To the maximum extent practicable, this will include applicable energy efficiency and environmental design standards and evolving guidelines and/or certification criteria linked to sustainability initiatives." The plan encourages the use of sustainable materials and design principles that preserve natural resources and minimize negative impacts to the environment. In regards to construction, operations, and demolition, the plan continues to support and expand reduction, reuse, and recycling programs on campus, including salvage of buildings due to be demolished. The plan also requires that OSU seeks and implements efficiencies in resource consumption. This includes incorporating energy conservation techniques, such as siting of buildings for energy savings, integration of natural lighting, installation of passive heating and ventilation systems, and other improvements that increase energy efficiency. The plan promotes alternative modes of transportation by continuing to support pre-paid mass transit program and developing a campus-wide bicycle route system that uses a combination of on-street bike lanes and off-street multi-use paths. The plan promotes pedestrian-oriented development by retaining a minimum of 50 percent of the campus as open space, maintaining and enhancing sidewalks, and suggesting multiple building entry points for convenient pedestrian access. OSU's pedestrian centered environment is further enhanced by locating parking lots on the campus perimeter and therefore minimizing the need for private automobiles for cross-campus travel. In regards to natural features and wildlife habitats, the plan includes the City of Corvallis Natural Features Inventory, identifying all wetland, riparian, tree grove, and floodplain areas on OSU property. OSU has made special considerations for Oak Creek, considering the creek's proximity to campus and its natural riparian habitat. The university recognizes the effectiveness of collaboration when making decisions in regards to habitat protection. OSU will continue to enter into floodplain and drainage-way management agreements with the City of Covallis to ensure protection of the natural habitat of Oak Creek along areas adjacent to the OSU campus. The plan requires proper management of stormwater runoff, for both quantity and quality, consistent with applicable city regulations and plans to reduce potential off-site impacts. This includes considering the use of bio-swales (which have been since implemented along Oak Creek) pervious paving, eco-roofs, landscaping, and other treatments to reduce peak flow impacts, and promote water quality treatment.