Sustainability

As part of our strategic plan, Residence Life seeks to find ways to be sustainable in our efforts and educate students to do the same.  This page provides resources to assist you in doing your part!

Green Housing

Geothermal Energy

During summer 2009, construction took place to the residence halls, Founders Complex and Affinity Village Complex. Each were updated to use a geothermal heating and cooling system. It is expected to reduce energy use in those areas by 30 to 40 percent and reduce water consumption in Affinity Village by 30 percent, according to Justin Courtney, Director of Residence Life and Director of Career Services. In all, 30 percent of ONU housing features geothermal, earth-friendly technology.

Recycling Efforts

In addition to the blue dumpsters provided for garbage disposal, Allied Waste/Republic Services has also provided custom orange dumpsters specifically for recycling. Each resident hall and apartment complex is provided with an orange dumpster for their recyclable items. Because Allied Waste/Republic Services sorts the materials, students are able to recycle their items without needing to sort plastics from aluminum cans or paper products. Read about our newest initiative.

“At Republic Services, we’re equally committed to serving people and protecting our blue planet. We are relentlessly devoted to the delivery of convenient, cost-effective waste and recycling solutions across our national network in a way that also minimizes strain on the planet’s resources. We partner with customers and communities across the United States and Puerto Rico to advance sustainable solutions for our blue planet.” —Eric Webber, Allied Waste and Recycling Services

Conserving Energy

Sustainable living is not only good for the planet, but also for budgets. Living in on-campus housing provides students with the opportunity to take individual responsibility for their carbon footprint. In addition to educational and practical programming providing by RA's in the halls, students will also see stickers on every lightswitch that say "Do your part... CONSERVE ENERGY. Turn lights OFF when leaving." Individuals can also conserve energy by taking shorter showers, turning off the faucet while brushing their teeth, and maintaining reasonable temperatures in their apartments or residence hall rooms.

Staff Dedicated to Green Efforts

The Officeof Residence Life Staff are dedicated to making ONU a sustainable campus. Director of Residence Life, Justin F. Courtney, played an integral role in planning Phase I, II, and III housing and arranging for the use of geothermal heating and cooling in Affinity Complex and Founders Complex. Mailroom Supervisor, Bill Kent, is the supervisor for the recycling work study and a member of the Campus Sustainability Planning Network, part of the Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium.