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.

For more information, click here: Justin Courtney, Director of Residence Life, Talks About Geothermal Energy
The presentation featured a video and table display of geothermal technology with Phase II housing at ONU. 

Recycling Efforts

In addition to the green dumpsters provided for garbage disposal, Waste Management 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 Waste Management sorts the materials, students are able to recycle their items without needing to sort plastics from aluminum cans or paper products.

For more information, visit Waste Management's website. "As one of North America’s largest recyclers, we are able to find markets for your unused recyclable materials including, but not limited to, scrap paper products, fiber, cardboard, metals and plastic. Our industry-leading position and established relationships help us leverage material sales with industrial and commercial generators across North America."

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. Assistant Director of Residence Life, LeeAnne Sipe, is the supervisor for recycling work study and a member of the Campus Sustainability Planning Network, part of the Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium.