Sustainable Infrastructure Hub Seminar is March 19

Photo courtesy of: University Communications and MarketingDr. David Bayless

Dr. David Bayless, the OHIO Office of Sustainability’s new Sustainable Infrastructure Hub Coordinator, will discuss his Hub initiatives at the Sustainability Hub Seminar at 5 p.m. Tuesday March 19, in the Baker University Center Front Room. 

Bayless, professor of mechanical engineering, director of the Robe Leadership Institute and director of the Center for Algal Engineering Research and Commercialization, will focus the seminar on his plans to combine sustainability with a project-based curricular initiative. 

The Infrastructure Hub’s “Sustainability Project Laboratory” program will serve as a platform to identify and engage faculty interested in incorporating a multi-disciplinary, outcomes-based approach in their courses similar to the existing EcoChallenge program.

As part of their coursework, students from different classes will form teams to identify sustainability issues on campus and in the community within the Hub themes of buildings, energy, water and waste.

The teams will engage stakeholders for data collection and analysis of potential solutions including their impact on the sustainability triple bottom line of People, Planet and Prosperity, and will recommend a solution to the University or local community for implementation. 

By engaging campus and community partners; using a sustainability triple bottom line methodology for prioritization; and coordinating with the Academic Innovation Accelerator, the Center for Campus and Community Engagement, and the Office of Sustainability; the Infrastructure Hub will match collective skills with sustainability needs to advance projects with long-term benefits to all. 

The Sustainable Infrastructure Hub aims to create enhanced opportunities for learning, better outcomes for our campus and community, and a path to the sustainable future OHIO desires. Bayless’ plans for the Hub are directly in line with President Nellis’ strategic priority to enhance the University’s national position as a leading edge laboratory for sustainability.

The March 19 Sustainable Infrastructure Hub seminar will be the second seminar in the spring semester Sustainability Hub Seminar Series. The Series occurs on the third Tuesday of each month during the spring (February, March, April) and fall (September, October, November) semesters.

The spring semester’s final seminar, introducing the Sustainable Living Hub, will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, in the Baker Center Front Room.