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Sustainability

Want to know more about Sustainability and Climate Action at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú? Take our quick new Workday Learn course

10-minute course takes you behind the scenes of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s geothermal, energy systems, recycling effort and more

by Susan Meikle, University Communications and Marketing • Published
Sustainability

Want to know more about Sustainability and Climate Action at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú? Take our quick new Workday Learn course

by Susan Meikle, University Communications and Marketing • Published

Did you know ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s Oxford campus has reduced its carbon footprint by more than 50% in the past 10 years — and has realized more than $100 million in accumulated savings from those efforts? 

Do you know about ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s commitment to carbon neutrality? 

Find out more through a new staff sustainability training course in at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. The 10-minute course includes an eight-minute video that takes you behind the scenes of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s geothermal plant, energy systems transformations, recycling efforts, Natural Areas, and much more.

A short survey at the end will help us to better communicate ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s sustainability successes, according to Olivia Herron, director of sustainability. 

Also: This course is Job Enrichment Credit eligible for 0.25 points. 

While this training Is intended for Oxford non-instructional staff, any employee can take it. “Viewing this model is a quick way to learn what ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú has done and is doing to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, promote recycling and composting, and reduce other environmental impacts,” said Dave Gorchov, professor of Biology, chair of the Natural Areas Committee, and member of the Climate Action and Sustainability Council’s (CASC) Faculty and Staff Engagement Working Group. 

Why is this course important? 

  • Keep informed: With the North Geothermal Expansion project, development of the upcoming Sustainability Park and Solar Fields, and other sustainability initiatives on campus, this video puts ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s Climate Action and Sustainability progress front and center. 
  • Higher education institutions have an important role in leading the charge for climate action and a more sustainable future. Educating the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú community about ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s goals for carbon neutrality is an important part of the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú 2040 Climate Action Plan. 
  • As ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú prepares to submit its next STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System) report this spring, your input is valuable. 

Climate action and sustainability are a priority of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University President Gregory Crawford. The overview video was a collaboration by University Communications and Marketing and the Physical Facilities Department. 

Jeff Shaver, Human Resources senior organization development consultant and a member of the CASC Faculty and Staff Engagement Working Group, led the effort to build the survey and course in Workday Learn. “This is the first instance of embedding a survey directly into the Workday Learning platform. By doing so, we’re not only enhancing the learning experience but also empowering staff to engage more effectively in sustainability efforts,” Shaver said. 

Climate Action and Sustainability Council Working Groups

President Crawford established the Climate Action and Sustainability Council Executive Steering Committee last fall and appointed members of the President's Executive Council to serve. This committee will guide and ensure the implementation of the objectives that will lead to the achievement of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's goals for carbon neutrality and pursuit of a platinum ranking from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking and Assessment Rating System (STARS).  This committee oversees the council’s six working groups.

CASC Executive Steering Committee Members and Working Groups, 2024-2025

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