Oklahoma universities earn average grades for sustainability

Three Oklahoma's universities — Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Tulsa — earned average grades on an annual College Sustainability Report Card that was released Tuesday. The schools earned a C, B- and C, respectively.

 
BY DARLA SLIPKE | Published: October 27, 2010    Comment on this article Leave a comment

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AT A GLANCE

What Oklahoma schools are doing

Oklahoma State University: Buses are the only types of vehicles allowed on OSU's interior campus streets during weekdays. The university has a bike-sharing program and offers free public transportation for students, staff and faculty. About 85 percent of buildings have an energy management system to monitor energy use.

University of Oklahoma: About 15 percent of OU's annual food budget is spent on local products. OU donates extra food to local shelters. The university signed a contract with Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co. to buy 100 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2013. More than one-third of campus vehicles use alternative fuel sources.

University of Tulsa: Tulsa has a bike-sharing program with about 350 bikes and a free shuttle service that is fueled by natural gas. Six student interns work on sustainable efforts each semester. About 5 percent of the university's food budget is spent on local items. The university is exploring ways to invest in renewable energy funds.

OSU's grade has improved each of the past three years, from a D+ to a B-.

Stephen McKeever, vice president for research and technology transfer, said the university has been taking a variety of steps to improve sustainability efforts and curb energy consumption. Initiatives include starting a farmer's market and encouraging students to use reusable cups at dining locations on campus. Sustainability coincides with OSU's land-grant mission, McKeever said.

This year marks the second consecutive year OU and Tulsa earned Cs on the report card.

In an e-mail statement, David Hamby, director of university relations at Tulsa, said the university strives to operate in a way that will help preserve resources for future generations. Any new construction work, including selection of materials and design, is done with a consideration for energy conservation, Hamby said.

Tulsa's grade had improved each year until this year. OU's grade dropped slightly from a C+ two years ago.

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