Ohio Climate & Energy Workshop, October 4, 2007
Baker University Center, Ohio University

Video of Ohio Climate & Energy Workshop

The Ohio Climate and Energy Workshop was collaborative effort of the Ohio University Office of Sustainability and the Inter-University Council. The event provided a unique opportunity to learn more about what Ohio colleges need to accomplish, what they are choosing to accomplish, and what they have the potential to accomplish in the climate and energy fields.

This event highlighted institutional efforts to address climate and energy issues within the context of Ohio State House Bill 251, Governor Strickland’s Executive Order 2007-02S, the Higher Education Energy Challenge, the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, and other relevant policy initiatives mandating energy reduction in campus buildings.

Representatives from 22 higher education institutions participated in the workshop. Teams from Ohio public colleges and universities (both 2 and 4 year) representing departments charged with climate and energy initiatives on college campuses including finance, operations, planning, sustainability offices (when applicable), energy management, along with students, faculty, and other staff members were present.

Ohio University President Dr. Roderick J. McDavis welcomed guests to what he called a "historic occasion". Presentations were made on unique and significant issues faced by colleges and universities facing energy and climate change initiatives by professionals who are responsible implementing them. Mike Mayher (Lakeland Commuity College), on behalf
of the IUC and OACC, reviewed House Bill 251,
Mike Jung,from Governor Strickland's energy office, discussed Executive Order 2007-02, the Higher Education Energy Challenge and policies related to energy deregulation, and Michelle McKay, a senior fellow for Second Nature, one of the three non-profits that initiated the Presidents Climate Commitment, was on hand to present the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment and its relationship to other energy and climate policies.

Several Ohio University representatives spoke about how their departments are working to reduce the university's carbon footprint. People from a variety of departments and organizations including Director of Energy Management Ron Chapman, the director for energy and environmental programs at the Voinovich School Scott Miller, president of the Sustainable Living Organization sophomore Amanda Annis, Assistant Professor of Environmental and Plant Biology Dr. Kim Brown, and Sustainability Coordinator Sonia Marcus along with others spoke about their particular involvement in campus climate initiatives. McKay emphasized the importance of colleges and universities leading the way, despite the challenge. "No other institution has this type of influence," she said. The morning events were followed with a "zero waste lunch".

Afternoon break out sessions provided an
opportunity to discuss best practices and possible approaches that are relevant to
various aspects of university operations that
will be critical to complying with HB 251 and
the President's Climate Commitment. These sessions were facilitated in such a way as to allow for maximum sharing of ideas toward a constructive end.

Conference Materials

Agenda
President's Climate Commitment Summary
President's Climate Commitment Program Overview
The American College & Presidents' Climate Commitment (ppt)
House Bill 251
ORC 3345.69 Sub House Bill 251 (ppt)
House Bill 251 Statewide Campus Survey Form
House Bill 251 Statewide Campus Survey
Governor Strickland's Executive Order 2007-02S
Strickland: Energy, Jobs, and Progress
Strickland: Energy, Jobs, and Progress (ppt)
Clean Air Cool Planet Campus Carbon Calculator User Guide
List of Participants
Athens Green Guide

Break-out Session Notes

Architects & Planners
Maintenance & Operations
Energy Managment
Students
Facilities Managment

If you would like to know who from your institution attended this event, or you would like to know more information please email Sonia Marcus, Sustainability Coordinator, marcuss@ohio.edu