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NKU SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY

Beginning plants are scattered on the Green Roof on top of Founders hall. Two campus buildings are seen in the distance
Drafting of the 2017 Sustainability Strategy began in September of 2016 with a public forum, in which students, staff, faculty, and community members voiced their opinions on the state of sustainability on our campus. Through tireless efforts, the document was published and released during the 2017 Earth Week celebrations. Ultimately, six goals were identified. They are listed below, along with the ways we are meeting our goals.
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Meeting our Sustainability Strategy Goals
Six Goals
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Demonstrate Responsible Stewardship
Demonstrate responsible stewardship of natural resources
  • Committed to be carbon neutral by 2050
  • Oversee three community gardens
  • Bioswales, rain gardens, wildflower gardens and strategic landscaping contribute to a healthier environment
  • Tree Campus USA every year since 2008 
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Empower the Campus Community
Empower the campus community to enhance the University's culture of sustainability
  • Sustainability on Campus survey
  • Facebook and Instagram interaction
  • Swap Shop
  • Battery and Ink Cartridge Recycling
  • Recycling Workshops
  • Standardizing Recycling across campus
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Increase Sustainability Education
Increase and strengthen sustainability education
  • Earth Week events
  • Campus Sustainability Month events
  • Present to classes about sustainability
  • Class projects involving sustainability
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Invest in Sustainability
Invest in sustainability
  • Cincinnati 2030 District Member
  • Completed multi-million dollar energy efficiency upgrades (CMTA ESCO Project)
  • LEED Certification for all new buildings
  • Sustainability incorporated into NKU Master Plan
  • Implemented Energy Management Software to improve utilities management
  • Replacing antiquated meters with smart meters
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Increase Access to Initiatives
Increase participation in, and access to, initiatives that promote social and ecological vitality
  • Community gardens open to students, faculty, staff, and community members
  • Sustainability-related internships for students
  • Local and organic dining options
  • Tours of gardens, LEED buildings, and other sustainability features on campus
  • ECOS, Sunrise, and Entomology student clubs
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External Partnerships
Expand external partnerships that inform NKU sustainability efforts and strengthen our regional impact
  • Collaboration with 2030 District Professional Partners
  • Public-private partnerships
  • Participation on external committees
  • Internship opportunities for students
  • Free TANK rides for all students, faculty, and staff
  • Partnership with Electrada to provide EV charging stations across campus