“Before I helped create the Sustainability Map, I knew some of our campus’s eco-friendly features, but not all,” shared Sarah Austgen, one of the students behind the project.
In class, students were tasked with developing an eco-friendly map of the University of Cincinnati (UC). Each group focused on different aspects of sustainability. With support from professors, librarians, and graduate students, they constructed the map and presented it to Alex Roman Gonzalez, the director of UC’s Office of Sustainability.
This experience gave students more than just a project. They collaborated in an interdisciplinary setting, learning to analyze environmental data and turn it into actionable plans. Their goal was to help UC meet its sustainability targets more effectively.
By making sustainability resources more visible, the hope is that students will use them more. This could benefit not just the campus environment, but also have a positive ripple effect on the greater Cincinnati area. The push for accessible research, teaching, and services is just the start of a greener community.
According to a recent survey by the National Wildlife Federation, over 80% of college students want their campuses to be more sustainable. This indicates a growing trend among younger generations who prioritize environmental issues. Educators like Zanotti emphasize the importance of these initiatives: “We can play a significant role, not just within our campus, but in the entire region. Being leaders in urban sustainability is something we can take pride in.”
As students become more aware of their campus’s sustainability efforts, they may feel empowered to engage with these initiatives actively. It’s a small step that could lead to larger change, creating a better environment for everyone.
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Center for Field Studies,College of Arts and Sciences,Environmental Studies
