Integrating sustainability throughout the University of Oregon is the pursuit of the Office of Sustainability. The following are a few of their recent efforts and upcoming events where employees can participate.
Open house
Sustainability open houses bring together stakeholders from across the University of Oregon campus to share work and spark ideas that lead to collaborations and cross-pollinations between academics and operations, learning and working. All employees and students are invited to the Fall Sustainability Open House on Nov. 20 from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Erb Memorial Union Diamond Lake Room. Organizers are seeking feedback on what people want to see at future open houses. Attendance at the entire event is not required; people can feel free to drop in. Visit the Office of Sustainability website for a list of speakers and topics from previous meetings.
Campus sustainability tours
The Office of Sustainability has relaunched its monthly walking tours of the Eugene campus. They take place on the first Monday of each month, and attendees can learn about work being done with infrastructure, academic programs and student groups, among other topics.
Bicycle friendly university
The UO has been recognized as a Gold-level Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists. It joins a group of 209 colleges and universities that are taking action to address the health and environmental challenges facing America by creating campuses more welcoming to people who bike. Learn more about the league and its program at bikeleague.org/university.
Green college
The Princeton Review has ranked the UO as a “Green College” again. Schools are ranked on a scale from 60-99, with only schools scoring above 80 included on the overall list. UO received a score of 97. View the full list of colleges, the methodology and the top 50 schools on the Princeton Review website.
Natural areas steward
Emily Hamblen is the UO’s first campus natural areas steward. She is swapping her wildlife research with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for the UO's natural areas. The Willamette River Natural Area is an outdoor lab buzzing with interdisciplinary research and service projects to preserve plant species, enhance wildlife habitats and study landscapes. Hamblen will bring the area’s plan to life to create spaces for research, education and recreation.
Consultations
The Office of Sustainability provides subject matter expertise and consulting services to the UO community. Staff members can present at educational events or brainstorm on project ideas.