Sustainability Snapshot 2020
Sustainability Snapshot
With September's signing of the Presidents' Climate Leadership Commitments (PCLC) - Climate Commitment, Miami University elevates our dedication to sustainability as a core element in our mission and values. Miami's impressive gains in energy transformation and conservation have led us to this moment, when we commit to climate resilience and pledge our progress toward a more sustainable Miami community and a more sustainable world around us.
Achievements
51% Reduction in energy-based carbon emissions per gross square foot, 2008-2019.
STARS Gold First gold rating received in May 2019 in recognition of sustainability achievements.
Climate Leadership Miami signs the Presidents' Climate Leadership Commitments (PCLC) - Climate Commitment in September 2020.
29 Gold or Silver LEED-certified buildings on the Oxford campus.
Sustainability Achievements on the Oxford Campus
Energy
Western geothermal 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.
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.
Geothermal
Beechwoods Residence Hall and Upper Pond
By 2026, 43 buildings in Oxford will be heated or cooled by geothermal.
Did you know?
There are 300 geothermal wells on the Western campus under the Upper Pond.
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 LEED designation.
Academics
Upham Hall
Sustainability is a key part of 22 programs and over 100 courses.
Did you know?
There are four co-majors directly related to sustainability.
Food
Institute for Food Farm
The 14-acre farm supports a 28 week CSA program.
Did you know?
Food systems & food studies is a new sustainability-related co-major.
Miami-Oxford Partnership
Summer Music Festival, Uptown, Oxford, 2018
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.
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.
Institute for Environment and Sustainability
Shideler Hall
IES is an umbrella organization for sustainability education and research at Miami.
Did you know?
The Institute for Environment and Sustainability celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019 – older than the EPA!
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.
Plans and Stories
Student Organization: EcoReps
Blanketing Miami University with environmentally friendly reusable water bottles – everywhere from student events to board of trustees meetings – is just one part of a sustainability campaign for EcoReps.
COVID-19 and Sustainability
President Crawford made a commitment to carbon neutrality for Miami’s Oxford campus. He intends to sign the Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitment (PCLC) - Climate Commitment and has formed the Climate Action Task Force, which will be charged with satisfying the PCLC requirements.
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