What is Sustainability?

Living, working and learning in an environment that we commit to maintain and improve for future generations.

Vision

"Hocking College will become a recognized leader among institutions of higher learning through its consideration and inclusion of sustainable practices and principles. This commitment will be readily evident throughout the institution's curricular and co-curricular offerings, its business and financial practices, and its physical plant operations," Dr. Ron Erickson, President.

Goals

The sustainability goals of Hocking College are aligned with the seven tangible actions of the American College and University President's Climate Commitment:

1. Establish a policy that all new campus construction will be built to at least the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver standard or equivalent.
2. Adopt an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy requiring purchase of ENERGY STAR certified products in all areas for which such ratings exist.
3. Establish a policy of offsetting all greenhouse gas emissions generated by air travel paid for by our institution.
4. Encourage use of and provide access to public transportation for all faculty, staff, students and visitors at our institution.
5. Within one year of signing this document, begin purchasing or producing at least 15% of our institution's electricity consumption from renewable sources.
6. Establish a policy or a committee that supports climate and sustainability shareholder proposals at companies where our institution's endowment is invested.
7. Participate in the Waste Minimization component of the national RecycleMania competition, and adopt 3 or more associated measures to reduce waste.

Commitments

Hocking College is newly committed to several state, national and international organizations to improve the sustainability of our campus operations and educational offerings. They are:

• American College and University President's Climate Commitment (ACUPCC)
• The Campus Sustainability Report Card
• The Sustainable Forestry Initiative
• The Alliance for Sustainable Development through the Ford Foundation
• Ohio Green Pathways

Student engagement

Hocking College encourages student involvement in all of our green initiatives across the institution. The following student clubs have dedicated time and expertise to our ongoing projects:

• Forestry club
• Green club
• Phi Theta Kappa
• Wildlife club