The Ohio State University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Ohio State’s Sustainability Plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the methodologies to achieve the comprehensive university-wide sustainability efforts. The Sustainability Plan has a focus on a range of topics including education. Ohio State is committed to providing an educational experience that inspires a new generation of global citizens. Accordingly, sustainability education is thoughtfully and intentionally integrated into the student experience. In late 2015, Ohio State created the goal to deliver a curriculum that provides Ohio State students at all stages of instruction – from General Education to professional and technical programs – with opportunities to understand sustainability holistically, framed by the environment, science, technology, society, the economy, history, culture, and politics.

Ohio State’s Sustainability Plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the specific methodologies designed to guide the achievement of its stated sustainability goals and objectives. The Sustainability Plan focuses on a broad range of topics which include, among other things, campus outreach and engagement. Ohio State views collaboration with students, faculty and staff populations as critical to the successfully achievement of its stated sustainability goals. The university formally engages the campus community through specific channels (such as advisory councils and review committees) that address emerging areas of concern while enhancing opportunities for deliberation, civic understanding, and decision-making.

Furthermore, these campus engagement methods are also enhanced by the university’s overarching engagement goal of catalyzing Engagement, Ownership, and Support for Sustainability via inclusive and engaged partnerships that support the long-term economic, social and environmental welfare of the campus, surrounding neighborhoods, Central Ohio, and the global community.

Ohio State's Engagement Mission: https://engage.osu.edu/docs/Engagement_MissionVision.pdf

Ohio State developed a Climate Action Plan (CAP) which describes a portion of the steps Ohio State has taken to become more energy efficient. The CAP lays out the measurable objectives through mitigation strategies, which includes meeting Green Building Standards Energy Utilization Index (EUI) reduction targets, achieving Conservation Outreach and Behavioral Change through outreach and education to the broader campus population, while implementing Energy Conservation Measures to increase infrastructure efficiency.

Energy is central to sustainability at Ohio State. The university closely monitors its Energy Utilization Index (MMBTU per square foot of conditioned space) and has the goal to reduce total campus building energy consumption by 25% by 2025. This will be achieved through reductions in demand and improvements upon energy supply.

Ohio State has a published strategic plan that emphasizes and sets concrete goals surrounding the topics of access, affordability and excellence. More information can be found within the plan: https://president.osu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/2019/09/WEB_Ohio%20State_Strategic_Plan_Narrative_.pdf

In 2008, the university signed the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), pledging to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.