Ohio University

College Sustainability Report Card 2010

Ohio University's strategic plan, Vision OHIO, outlines sustainability goals for the campus, such as developing recycling and reuse programs, and reducing energy use by 5 percent each year. A full-time sustainability coordinator works in the Office of Sustainability. A newly founded President's Advisory Council on Sustainability Planning will make recommendations in line with the strategic plan.

Ohio University has completed a carbon emissions inventory, installed five solar photovoltaic arrays across campus, and performed major lighting retrofits. The university plans to reduce campus energy intensity and greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent between 2004 and 2014. The Green House Project provides participating landlords and residents of off-campus student housing units with a whole house energy audit, a list of recommended efficiency upgrades, and a cash rebate of up to $500 toward suggested improvements.

The university actively visits local farmers markets and produce auctions to incorporate local foods into its menus. All of the pork, beef, chicken, and milk served in the dining halls is hormone- and antibiotic-free. The campus's in-vessel composting system collects approximately 120 tons of pre- and postconsumer food waste annually.

All new construction projects must meet LEED Silver standards at a minimum and exceed ASHRAE 90.1.2004 standards by 10 percent. The university has extensively installed low-flow showerheads, as well as numerous low-volume flush valves and sink aerators.

The student group Greeks Going Green conducted energy and waste audits at fraternity and sorority houses and provided them with tools and tips to live more sustainably. The winners of the annual Residence Challenge reduced electricity use each week by up to 28 percent and received a free trip as a reward. The student-driven Green Network developed and implemented a reusable bag campaign, and the Sierra Student Coalition organized sustainability programming for the campus. In the 2008-2009 academic year, eleven Eco-Reps worked to promote environmental awareness in residence halls.

The Campus Area Transit System provides free bus service throughout the university for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The campus fleet includes two hybrid vehicles.

The university and the Ohio University Foundation make a list of endowment holdings and a list of votes cast on proxy resolutions on a company-specific level available to the public, as per open records laws. This information is accessible at the investment office or sent to individuals by request.

The university and foundation aim to optimize investment return and do not invest in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.

The university and foundation ask that its investment managers handle the details of proxy voting.