Miami expanding commitment to sustainability
Taking the next steps Miami’s expanding
commitment to sustainability
Miami’s sustainable future -
carbon neutrality and beyond
Miami University has spent more than a decade on the path to carbon neutrality by transforming energy use on the Oxford campus. In September 2020, Miami signed 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.
Since 2008, Miami has invested at least $33 million in campus energy transformation, with another $60 million investment planned. Future initiatives include a sustainability literacy module for students, a transportation hub with Oxford and the Butler County Regional Transit Authority (BCRTA), and updated institutional commitments and success metrics.
The momentum has spread to dozens of student-led initiatives, including EcoReps, a student-led group advocating for sustainability on campus.
“Miami has a lot of potential for improving all kinds of sustainability,” said Allison South, the 2021 senior from Westerville who is president of EcoReps. “We have had students active in residence halls and in their communities, and it grows that grassroots support.”
Key environmental achievements
- 51% reduction in energy-based carbon emissions per gross square foot, 2008-2019
- Miami received its first AASHE STARS Gold rating in May 2019 in recognition of sustainability achievements.
- Miami committed to the Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments in July 2020.
- 29 Gold or Silver LEED-certified buildings
Ten sustainability achievements
1. Energy
Western geothermal plant or north chiller plant
39% reduction in energy use per gross square foot, 2008-2019
Did you know? In 2010, nearly all Oxford buildings were heated and cooled by carbon-intensive steam. By 2026, nearly all Oxford buildings will be off steam.
2. Student involvement
Armstrong Student Center
Nine student organizations advocating for sustainability
Did you know? The newly formed Student Sustainability Council coordinates events and acts on student concerns regarding sustainability.
3. Water
Western campus duck pond
18M gallons/year will be saved from energy systems conversions 2019-2026.
Did you know? Miami’s six rain gardens slow and purify rain runoff.
4. Geothermal
Upper Pond area across from Pulley Tower on Western campus
By 2026, 43 buildings in Oxford will be heated or cooled by geothermal.
Did you know? There are 300 geothermal wells under the Upper Pond.
5. LEED buildings
Farmer School of Business
28% of gross square footage on Oxford campus in LEED-certified buildings
Did you know? In 2009, FSB was the first building on campus to earn Silver in LEED designation.
6. Academics
Upham Hall
Sustainability a key part of 22 programs and >100 courses
Did you know? There are four co-majors directly related to sustainability.
7. Food
Institute for Food Farm
14-acre farm supports 28-week CSA program
Did you know? Food systems & food studies is a new sustainability-related co-major
8. Miami-Oxford partnership
Uptown
Oxford signed the global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy Commitment in 2019.
Did you know? IES master’s students are helping Oxford prepare a greenhouse gas inventory.
9. Savings
Goggin Ice Arena
New heat recovery system saves $300,000 annually in utility costs.
Did you know? The system captures and re-uses 75% of the heat used to cool the ice.
10. Institute for the Environment and Sustainability
Shideler Hall
Five decades of interdisciplinary problem solving and training students to make a difference in the world as environmental professionals
Did you know: IES celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019 – older than the EPA!
