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Sustainability

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.

Initiatives

Physical Facilities (PFD) is committed to creating a more sustainable and green campus through proper waste management, energy conservation, and responsible construction practices. Miami and PFD's sustainability progress is facilitated via numerous employee-generated Lean process improvement projects and through coordination with Miami's Sustainability Committee.

recyclables being collected on campus

Waste Management

PFD's involvement in sustainability unofficially started in 1989 with the creation of Miami's Recycling Program. Campus contests led to the launch of the Recyclemania Competition in 2001. Working with other departments across campus, PFD continues to advance waste diversion, starting food scrap composting and single stream recycling in 2012.

the interior of our geothermal facility

Energy Management

PFD has had a similar long involvement in energy conservation. Exceeding the state's 10-year reduction goal of 20% per square foot in 2014, Miami's campuses demonstrated a reduction of nearly 22%. In terms of energy consumption, the total decreased, even while square footage increased over 25% during the period.

a pond outside of a dorm

Buildings and Grounds

Miami's LEED credentialed buildings and otherwise "greened" construction projects enhance both the look and performance of the campus and how we move around it. Prime examples of LEED can be found clustered in new dining and residence halls on Western Campus, supported by the Geothermal Heat Exchange Facility.

Progess

Climate Commitment

Miami University President Gregory Crawford signed the Presidents' Climate Leadership Commitments -Climate Commitment September 22, 2020. 

Second Nature requires reporting of greenhouse gas emissions, the Climate Action Plan, the Resilience Assessment and more, according to a set timeline.

LEED Buildings

Miami has been committed to LEED to achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold or Silver certification for new buildings or major renovations since 2011. Our 31 LEED-certified buildings now account for 32% of the gross square footage of buildings on the Oxford campus.

Sustainability Dashboard

On Sept. 22, 2020, Miami University President Gregory Crawford signed Second Nature’s PCLC Climate Commitment. Miami is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving carbon neutrality as soon as possible; and will focus on climate adaptation and community capacity building to deal with a changing climate.

sunset on campus

Achievements

STARS Gold

First gold rating received in May 2019 in recognition of sustainability achievements.

51%

Reduction in energy-based carbon emissions per gross square foot, 2008-2019.

29

Gold or Silver LEED-certified buildings on the Oxford campus.

Climate Leader

Miami signs the Presidents' Climate Leadership Commitments (PCLC) - Climate Commitment in September 2020.

Sustainability Achievements on the Oxford Campus

Get Involved

Residence Life: EcoReps

EcoReps promote sustainable living in Residence Halls through specialty recycling, educational programming, water bottle project, trash audits and more. Follow them on Instagram @muecoreps.

Climate Action Task Force Student Subcommittee

Are you interested in joining the Climate Action Task Force (CATF) student subcommittee? 

Contact Jonathan Levy, CATF chair, or Denali Selent, the 2022 CATF executive steering committee student representative. 

Miami's Sustainable Future - Carbon Neutrality and Beyond

Miami University has spent 10 years on the path to carbon neutrality by transforming energy use on the Oxford campus. In September 2020, Miami signs the Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments (PCLC) - Climate Commitment as a leader in environmental stewardship and campus sustainability. Moving forward, Miami will expand the conversation to long-term climate action and community partnerships that are the path to a sustainable future.

  • 2008-2019: $33 million investment in campus energy transformation
  • January 2019 – President Crawford charges the Sustainability Committee to prepare a plan by June 1, 2019
  • 2019 – Read “Commitment to Lead.”
  • September 2019 – President Crawford asks the committee to recommend whether to sign the PCLC or create an independent plan by February 1, 2020
  • Summer 2020: Climate Action Task Force to be formed with a target date set for carbon neutrality
  • 2022: Complete a Campus-Community Resilience Assessment
  • 2023: Climate Action Plan to be completed – target date set for carbon neutrality
  • 2020-2026: Planned $60 million investment in further energy system transformation

Future initiatives:

  • Sustainability literacy module for incoming students
  • A transportation hub with Oxford and the Butler County Regional Transit Authority
  • Updated metrics and measures of success for sustainability goals