Endorsed by President Hodge, Miami University's Sustainability Commitments & Goals (SCAG) were developed in 2010 with broad stakeholder input. The Sustainability Committee ensures institutional focus remains on the goals, and tracks and reports progress.

2010 SCAG

The 2010 SCAG called for the following:

• Reduction of 20% in carbon emissions by 2020 relative to 2008 baseline. 
• Increased emphasis on sustainability across the curriculum
• Improved culture and awareness of campus sustainability
• Greater sustainability in buildings and landscaping through the adoption of green-building standards and best management practices
• More efficient and sustainable practices in purchasing, operations, and waste management
• Transportation system that prioritizes walking, biking, public transportation, and shared commuting
• Socially and environmentally responsible investments and endowments

2016 SCAG

Goal 1: Continue to implement long-term changes in energy infrastructure, operations, and practices to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases relative to Oxford Campus FY 2008 (151,408 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents) 30% by 2020, 40% by 2025 and 50% by 2030;

Goal 2: When possible, consider the social cost of carbon and the incremental cost of greenhouse gas reduction when evaluating alternative investments into energy infrastructure;

Goal 3: Achieve LEED Silver (Version 4), 2 Green Globes, or Living Building Challenge 3.0 for all new construction and major renovation projects;

Goal 4: Support best management practices in grounds maintenance, with a focus on classifying all of Miami’s lands with green care plans by end of FY2017;

Goal 5: Demonstrate that faculty, staff and students have achieved a level of sustainability literacy through a literacy survey;

Goal 6: Continue to track and measure University sustainability efforts through the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s Sustainability, Tracking Assessment & Reporting System (STARS), with the next submission due March 2019.

Progress Toward Goals

The 2016 SCAG set a goal of 30% reduction by 2020, relative to 2008 baseline.

• Due to diligent efforts and a comprehensive Utility Master Plan, as of FY 2018 Miami had exceeded this and reduced carbon emissions by 33% over the 2008 baseline.
• Energy consumption was reduced by 36%, on a square foot basis, over the 2008 baseline.
• Total carbon emissions were reduced by 21% (to 106,999 MTCO2e). No coal was burned in 2017.

Carbon Footprint Progress and Projections (2015)

The following chart was prepared as part of the Physical Facilities Department’s (PFD) institutional assessment and shows an approximate 13% carbon footprint reduction from 2008 to date, with projections based on continued efficiency improvements and the master plan to stop burning coal by 2025. Other reduction schemes, including on-site renewable electricity, are also shown.

Key Features

1. PFD provided a 2013 institutional assessment of the FY2012 footprint.
2. 2010 SCAG called for a 20% reduction per square foot (from a baseline of 2008 levels by 2020). Per the Utility Master Plan (UMP), this assumes a 17.3% increase in square footage.
3. 2010 SCAG also mentions a straight 20% reduction by 2020 (relative to 2008) not linked to the square footage.
4. 2010 SCAG calls for a 50% reduction per square foot (2008-2030). This assumes a 17.2% increase in square footage.