Upper pond, surrounded by Beechwood Hall and flowers

Recommending a Path To Carbon Neutrality at Miami University

February 5, 2020 

In September 2019, Miami University President Gregory Crawford charged Miami’s Sustainability Committee with examining issues to help the University decide whether to create a plan for carbon neutrality under the Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments (PCLC), or to create a plan independent of the PCLC.

The committee addressed the seven objectives in the charge and submitted a report Feb. 1, 2020: “Further Examination of Carbon Neutrality Pathways. Addendum to A Commitment to Lead.” 

Based on its research and findings, the Committee recommends that Miami University become a signatory of the Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments – and do so by April 22, 2020, the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day.

In their report, the Sustainability Committee recommended that since Miami has already made a commitment to carbon neutrality, the next step is to create a Climate Action Plan. This can be achieved independently of the PCLC; however, by becoming a signatory of the PCLC, Miami would be part of a large (>400) network of colleges, provided with a timeline for reporting, and some unique options for verifying offsets that are not available outside the PCLC.

Therefore, the committee is recommending that Miami sign the President’s Climate Leadership Commitments.  

Making this public commitment through the PCLC could help rally the campus and empower faculty, staff and students as we all work together to achieve carbon neutrality. 

♺ Recycling Tips

Miami's recycling and solid waste reduction efforts have come a long way since becoming part of campus operations in 1989. But what can be tossed into those blue recycle bins around campus?

Recyclable Items

Miami University is committed to sustainability in our academic programs, physical campus and operations, and university mission by promoting environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability for current and future generations. This commitment is a collaborative effort that involves students, faculty, staff and external partners.

Miami's various sustainability stakeholders include, but are not limited to, current and future students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, suppliers, contractors, residents of the communities in which we operate, and those who live both within and beyond the boundaries of the state.

Contact us at Sustainability@MiamiOH.edu.

Battery Disposal

Battery collection bins are conveniently located in King Library, Shriver Center, and the Rec Center. To begin recycling batteries in your building, submit a service request to Physical Facilities.

Request Battery Disposal

Sustainability Partnerships

Colorful flowers and grasses surround the stormwater management pond on Western campus

MU-Lean

MU-Lean is a method of organizing human activities to deliver more benefits and value to customers while systematically eliminating waste within processes.

Lean at Miami

Physical Facilities (PFD)

Physical Facilities (PFD) creates a more sustainable and green campus through proper waste management, energy conservation, and responsible construction practices.

PFD Initiatives

Recognition and Honors

332 Green Colleges, The Princeton Review, 2014 Edition

Noted for a walkable campus, new bike paths, expanded transit, a major shift to geothermal heating and cooling, a comprehensive storm water master plan and a commitment to the purchase of local/organic food, Miami was included in the Princeton Review Guide to 399 Green Colleges for 2018.