Southern Oregon University Parent Guide
SOU is Committed to Sustainability
Southern Oregon University is at the forefront of the sustainability movement in higher education. The incredible natural beauty surrounding the SOU campus is a constant reminder of the precious resources we must preserve.
Environmental consciousness is part of everyday SOU life: our commitment to sustainability is serious and wide-ranging.
SOU’s new Higher Education Center in Medford, jointly financed, designed and operated with Rogue Community College, is certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum, the highest level of certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The building uses 53-percent less water and 37-percent less energy than the amount specified in Oregon Department of Energy codes. It is the only LEED Platinum building in southern Oregon.
SOU’s Hannon Library includes an array of solar cells that convert sunlight into 220 volts of commercial grade electricity directly into the city of Ashland’s power grid. SOU is also considering how it might best use direct solar gain systems to offset conventional heating and cooling needs. Long term, some SOU planners envision a completely solar university.
Campus residence halls have also been modified for energy efficiency, including low-flow shower-heads, installation of occupancy sensors for lighting control, and replacement of outdated fluorescent tubes with new energy-efficient lighting.
To prepare students to become the future leaders of the sustainability movement, the University also provides a major in environmental studies, a master’s degree in environmental education, and an undergraduate certificate in sustainability leadership.
The certificate program, offered through the School of Business, is designed to prepare individuals for leadership roles in organizations committed to sustainable practices. The interdisciplinary coursework features a highly interactive and practical approach to learning.
At SOU, sustainability is an open-ended commitment to continuous improvement.
