UC Environmental Initiatives

The University of Cincinnati is a very green and eco-friendly campus. It offers many opportunities and events for green and sustainable living. There are many clubs and organizations that are working hard at making the university even more sustainable than it is. They are very good at getting involved not only in local green steps but, in national regulations and policies as well. They are currently a member of the ACUPCC which is an effort that address global warming and tries to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions. Also, they are a part of the AASHE which is resource that provides the university on ways to live sustainably. Those are just a couple ways the university is taking steps towards a green future.

UC uses its own type of government regulation in the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). Within one year of signing, the university had to complete a comprehensive carbon inventory to determine its environmental impact in terms of greenhouse gases. And a year later, they had to complete a climate action plan, detailing how the school was going to reduce its carbon footprint and become carbon neutral. The action requires that there be a carbon footprint inventory taken every two years at the Uptown Campus. The university used the Clean Air - Cool Planet (CA-CP) calculator, a standard among the ACUPCC, to determine the carbon foot print. The university believes that this plan will "stabilize and reduce their long-term energy costs...attract new sources of funding and increase the support of alumni and local communities."

For a market based, green purchasing approach the university is very particular about their spending. "UC gives preference to environmentally friendly products whose quality, function, and cost are equal or superior to more traditional products." The UC construction plans requires that the buildings have sustainable products. Using sustainable products may be expensive in the short run but, in the long run they will save the university a lot of money by cutting back on energy costs. 3% of their paper is 30% recycled and the other 97% is Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified (UC Purchasing ). UC is also a part of the Surplus Equipment Department, this allows the university to reclaim assets where ever possible. "In addition to offering items to the university organizational units at no cost, the Surplus Equipment Department provides outlets for the sale of surplus items to the general public via Sealed Bid Auctions and the Monthly Public Service Sale."

LEED is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and it is a policy by which UC stands. UC created the sustainable design policy in 2001. This was a commitment to build all new construction and major renovations, whenever possible, to LEED Silver standards or higher. The university has had 6 buildings become LEED certified. The university uses many policies to ensure new buildings are sustainable my law. "In addition to how buildings are constructed, how buildings are maintained and cleaned has a significant environmental impact. UC has instituted a Green Cleaning Policy to mitigate this." This policy ensures that building occupants and custodial personnel will not be exposed to potentially harmful viruses, bacteria, molds pollens, etc. in short they want to minimize potentially negative impacts on the greater outdoor environment.

Being a part of policies and pledging to create sustainable environments can be very costly and stressful to the university. It is sometimes not cheap to be green and when you fail to meet the standards set due to money issues, the consequences can really hurt the university's support and legitimacy. Being LEED certified requires maintenance and up keep. Which will take up a lot of time and money from the university which could be allocated in many other areas of the university. While it has a nice name and is appealing, it may not be ideal.

However, striving to reduce carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions can bring a lot of support and sponsors to the university. Going green is becoming more and more important and popular every year. Donors like to see that an institute is not only benefitting their students but also benefitting the entire community. Recycling and reusing materials can also save the university money and go towards their green behavior. By being a part of these organizations such as LEED, SFI, and AASHE shows that university is in touch at the national level with moving towards a sustainable future.