Uptown campus at the University of Cincinnati is known as one of the most beautiful college campuses across the globe but her beauty is more than skin deep.
"Incorporated into all new campus construction, UC seeks to consider the environmental, social and economic impacts of its decisions," says Daniel Hart, sustainability coordinator in the Department of Planning + Design + Construction. "Our award-winning buildings and landscapes are designed to reduce their environmental impact by creating sustainable systems.
"And we continue to incorporate the concept of sustainability into our academic and research programs across the institution."
Until 50 years ago, it was legal for industry to spew black clouds of toxic smoke into the air or dump tons of toxic waste into nearby waterways. But in April 1970, U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day to force this issue into the national agenda. After successful demonstrations across the country, later that year Congress authorized the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to tackle environmental issues.
Today, a growing group of sustainability stewards all across UC's campus continue to carry out the original Earth Day mission: from awareness to action.
Native Ohio plants on the rooftop of UC's Zimmer Hall serves as a pollinator garden on campus. photo/Andrew Higley/UC Creative + Brand
UC Sustainability Awards, presented to a top student, faculty and staff member, as well as a research initiative that promotes sustainability across campus, were all awarded during a virtual ceremony on April 15 by Tim Brown, UC industrial design alum and CEO of Allbirds, a footwear and apparel company dedicated to making the most sustainable items by using natural materials.
