In early February, Case Western Reserve University (CWRU)’s Office for Sustainability hosted the second annual Ohio Higher Ed Sustainability Summit on their campus in Cleveland, Ohio. Sixteen participants represented nine schools from throughout Ohio: CWRU, Cuyahoga Community College, Kent State University, Lorain County Community College, Miami University of Ohio, Oberlin College, Ohio University, University of Dayton and University of Toledo.
The universities and colleges colleagues shared stories and best practices about their own sustainability initiatives and programs. Topics covered during focused conversations included sustainability curriculum and endowment fossil fuel divestment.
Participants toured the campus of Case Western Reserve University with a focus on sustainability features including the new makerspace, Sears think[box].
Three presentations were given from outside experts at the summit. Dr. Roger Saillant, Executive Director of CWRU’s Weatherhead Business School’s Fowler Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit gave presentation during dinner called “Humanity: Will it be Radishes or Sequoias?” Phil Valko, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Sustainability from Washington University, St. Louis spoke to the group via the web about harnessing students as well as WUSTL’s programs. Additionally, a representative from the Ohio EPA talked with participants about Recycling and Zero Waste.
Local, fair trade and organic food was catered by Bon Appetit, CWRU’s food provider with a focus on local food.
The event was planned primarily by CWRU with input from other colleges in the area: Oberlin College, Kent State University and Cuyahoga Community College. The first summit was held at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.