Sustainability Efforts at OWU

Online

As the concept of sustainability grows in importance, so does the need for tangible, applied efforts to realize sustainability as a daily practice for individuals and organizations ENVS 399: Sustainability Practicum puts sustainability principles into practice on the OWU campus and in Delaware, Ohio. Followed by discussion of selected readings on sustainability, and building on coursework, group efforts and collaborations (with campus organizations, regional organizations, OWU's Buildings & Grounds, OWU's food service: AVI, OWU ResLife and other individuals and groups) attempt to actualize the goals of our campus sustainability plan. Students in the course worked with our campus Sustainability Task Force to evaluate and modify our campus sustainability plan as needed. Highlighted projects for the semester include the Ugly Mug project, Delaware Run Restoration, Chimney Swift Tower, Manic May Move-Out, Solar Array, Green Roofs, and Virtual Earth Week Events. Each project aligns with sustainability principles, with some major themes of waste reduction, restoration or replication of natural habitats, promotion of environmentally friendly habits, and community adaptability.