Ecologue

On July 25, US EPA released their summer rankings for the top colleges and universities purchasing renewable energy, aka, green power.  For the last few years, EPA’s Green Power Partnership has recognized OSU for outstanding purchases of renewable energy, but the highest ranking previously achieved was number 4 in the nation. With a substantial commitment […]

Comprehensive zero-net energy green building project seeks entrepreneurial ideas for those interested in assisted/subsidized business startups in the future. Got an idea for a sustainable business? Interested in participating in a study group to monitor and publish a zero-net energy building’s performance? Interested in learning about a zero-net energy, zero-net water, zero-net waste and zero-net […]

On June 15th, Brandon and Bo met with top OSU leaders to discuss the status of sustainability at OSU, and findings and recommendations from the university’s recent STARS submission.  While OSU received a STARS Gold rating, administrators acknowledge areas in which the institution could make faster progress.  University operations and energy use (especially given OSU’s […]

Turning down the furnace or turning off a light is an easy way to save energy in the home and at work.  But there are many other times when it takes a little investment today to save tomorrow. New energy revolving loan fund programs on campus and in the Corvallis community have been set up […]

Beginning fall 2011, OSU will ask students to evaluate instructors using a new online form, identical in content to the current hard-copy version.  Several faculty and many students have commented in recent years about OSU’s use of paper forms for end-of-term evaluations requested in almost every course.  The new online format will be a welcome […]

Plants growing on a building isn’t typically a desired outcome, but on 5/17, students, staff and Horticulture faculty were encouraging just that in planter boxes atop the Kelley Engineering Center’s 3rd floor roof.  Throughout the day they fixed irrigation lines, weeded, topped off soil and replanted the boxes with a mix of native and drought-tolerant […]

Join us for a recap on all the sustainability related activities at OSU this year! The Sustainability Celebration is an inter-departmental effort to reflect on the highlights and lessons from the year, make bold plans for next year, and receive suggestions on improvement from students, faculty, and staff at OSU. All of the departments involved […]

Interested in being entered into a raffle which offers prizes from over 30 local businesses? During the week of May 23rd – 27th OSU’s Employee Transportation Coordinator encourages OSU employees to get to work in any way besides a single occupancy vehicle. This includes using the following forms of alternative transportation: Carpool/vanpool, bike, walk, telework, […]

Five winning writers have been chosen for “The Great Work: Re-imagining Humanity as the Planet Changes,” the first annual sustainability writing contest for Oregon State University students. OSU’s Spring Creek Project and the Student Sustainability Initiative sponsored the contest. Winners receive $100 and a chance to help shape the future. Charles Goodrich, program director for […]

The Campus Carbon Challenge invited students, faculty, and staff at OSU to make personal commitments to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions as a result of lifestyle choices. The month long event occurred in April, during which OSU showcased other sustainability related activities happening on campus for Earth Week. The Carbon Challenge reminded people that simple changes in […]