Oberlin College: Gold STARS Rating
The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) is a comprehensive survey of institution’s sustainability initiatives and achievements. See Oberlin’s submission.
Oberlin Sustainability
Photo by Professor John Petersen
The Office of Environmental Sustainability (OES) works to facilitate the implementation of the college’s comprehensive environmental policy in line with the college’s strategic goal of sustainability and commitment to carbon neutrality. OES interacts with the administration, faculty, staff, and students to focus attention on ways to maximize the environmental performance of Oberlin College and develop the awareness and tools required to respond dynamically to issues affecting them. OES also reaches out to the wider community and provides a connection between Oberlin and regional and national activities.
News & Announcements
Ecolympics 2013 Comes to a Close
Friday, May 03, 2013
Oberlin’s 2013 Ecolympics—a three week competition between dorms to reduce electricity and water use—took place from April 5 to 26. In addition to the competition, there were a myriad of events happening in tandem. Overall, the dorms saved 10,070 kWh of electricity – the average amount of electricity an American home uses in an entire year (or three homes for a year in Europe). The college also saved 54,537 gallons of water, which is equivalent to about 1,500 10-minute showers! In fact, Oberlin College was one of the biggest water reducers nationwide during the competition and was recognized nationally for this feat.
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ECOLYMPICS 2013 has officially begun!
Friday, April 05, 2013
The 2013 Ecolympics competition starts at midnight on Friday, April 5, and runs until midnight on Friday, April 26 -- and campus events last until April 27.
Ecolympics is a three week competition between dorms to reduce electricity and water use. The two dorms that reduce their electricity or water use by the largest percentage take the win! A third winner will be crowned for participating in the most Ecolympics-sponsored events. In addition to the dorm competition, there are a variety of events happening on campus in conjunction with Ecolympics. This year there are over 30 events in the three weeks of the competition!
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Oberlin Vies for Popular Vote in Earth Month Video Competition
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
Oberlin College will be recognized this month as one of 20 colleges and universities nationwide that exemplify the mission of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) to re-stabilize the earth’s climate through education, research, and community engagement. Check out our video and vote!
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Car Sharing Available to Students, Faculty, Staff, and the Community
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Oberlin College is partnering with Enterprise Rent-A-Car to offer car sharing through WeCar by Enterprise for students, faculty, staff, and members of the community. As part of the Enterprise CarShare network, WeCar by Enterprise is a membership-based, automated car rental option that offers a sustainable, efficient and cost-effective transportation alternative.
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Environmental Engagement Goes Community Wide
Thursday, March 21, 2013
What might our world be like if our energy use that was somehow animated and publicly displayed in ways that allow us to understand and emotionally connect with the implications of our choices? This is the question that John Petersen, Cindy Frantz, Rumi Shammin, and a group of students have been grappling with...
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Krislov Signs Real Food Campus Commitment
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
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Oberlin Named a Finalist in Climate Leadership Awards
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Oberlin College was named a finalist in the fourth annual Second Nature 2013 Climate Leadership Awards, an annual competition among colleges and universities that are signatories of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC).
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Oberlin Tops Center for Green School's "Best of Green Schools 2012" List
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Oberlin College was named the Best 4-Year Higher Education Institution on the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Center for Green Schools “Best of Green Schools 2012” list. The second annual ranking recognizes top educational institutions and individuals across the country for embracing environmental initiatives.
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Oberlin Sustainability December eNewsletter
Friday, December 21, 2012
This month's edition of the Office of Environmental Sustainability eNewsletter contains a brief semester summary and looks forward to the spring projects. There are news and announcements, a letter from the OES, fun facts, and more!
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Oberlin College Votes to Invest Student Activity Fee Surplus in Local Community
Friday, December 14, 2012
Oberlin College has taken another important step in investing in the local community. The Board of Trustees approved the Oberlin College and Community Investment Plan, a resolution to invest a residual portion of the Student Activity Fund in certificates of deposit (CDs) with the Ohio Educational Credit Union (OHECU). According to Ron Watts, Oberlin’s Vice President for Finance, each semi-annual allocation will go into this fund reserved for large physical capital purchases by student organizations.Read More