The Ohio State University

We are committed to delivering valued products and services in a manner that meets the University's present needs without compromising the needs of future Buckeyes.

• “Green Teams” are in place in all business units. Goals of these teams include sharing best practices and ensuring alignment of sustainability initiatives. In recognition of our work, Business Operations has been asked to present to our peers at an upcoming MORPC conference on sustainability.
• eStores' online catalog products will soon be marked as environmentally-friendly.  Coming soon...
• Pedal Instead! Business Operations is a proud sponsor of the 2008 Pedal Instead program, which offers various events on campus throughout the year to educate and encourage people to ride their bikes.  For more information about planned events, visit www.uaea.org.
• Recycled Paper Policy. The university's Recycled Paper Policy was instituted on July 1, 2008. The policy requires all copy paper used on campus to have at least 30 percent recycled content. It is estimated that the new initiative will save more than 8,000 trees and almost 3 million gallons of wastewater while diverting 382,000 pounds of solid waste from the landfill. For information on how to order recycled copy paper from Stores, call the Stores Service Center at 2-2694.
• Purchase Order Terms and Conditions were moved to a new online format, saving more than 750,000 pieces of paper annually.
• New VanPooling Option Available for OSU Faculty and Staff.  The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s RideSolutions program is providing faculty and staff with vanpooling services. As part of the service, vanpool commuters will be reimbursed 90 percent of their fare should they need to take a taxi in cases of emergency or unexpected overtime. For details contact Patty Olmsted, MORPC vanpool developer at 233-4132 or visit http://osuvanpooling.morpc.org
• Mercury Thermometer Exchange. Stores and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) developed a mercury thermometer recycling program to help eliminate mercury and its associated health and environmental hazards. EHS provides one-for-one exchange of mercury thermometers for non-mercury thermometers to meet established standards. To-date, more than 7,000 thermometers have been exchanged.
• Sustainability in UniPrint.  From the type of inks used to the paper we print on; from our EnergyStar partnership to packaging and boxes. Environmental responsibility is written into daily processes.  Current initiatives include using remanufactured toner in the printer management program and converting paper stock used in instructional course packets to recycled material. Preliminary steps have been completed for FSC certification.  Look for updates in the near future!
• Parking Garages. Lighting / energy reduction program and use of fly-ash in construction materials.
• Idling Guidelines for University Vehicles. A collaborative effort between the Office of Business and Finance and the City of Columbus has resulted in a set of guidelines intended to reduce vehicle emissions and maximize fuel efficiency. The Idling Guidelines for University Vehicles were approved by President's Cabinet, effective March 1, 2007. Questions should be directed to Transportation & Parking Services.
• Stores Green Alternatives Program. Find environmentally friendly alternatives of commonly used items: office and janitorial supplies, recycled copy paper. For more information call 2-2694 or email stores@osu.edu.
• Toner Recycling.  Call 2-2694 or complete the Stores online return form to schedule a pick up of your used cartridge. Stores will pick up cartridges for recycling regardless of where or when the toner was purchased. Proceeds are donated to Operation Feed.
• B20 Biodiesel Conversion. Did you know that the entire CABS transit fleet as well as all diesel dispensed on-site is B20? This conversion came after a multi-year pilot program, started in 2003, produced promising results. read more...
• Social Responsibility.  In Trademark & Licensing Services, an on-going effort is made to monitor and improve working conditions and labor practices in the manufacturing of licensed products, particularly apparel.  Discussions continue with industry, associations, peer institutions, and other stakeholders focused on socially responsible labor practices.
• Environmentally Responsible Purchasing Task Force.  A university-wide stakeholder team is working toward recommendations reflecting The Ohio State University’s commitment to environmental stewardship and aspirations to make purchases from suppliers who have a mutual commitment.