Sustainability

We are Green!

The OSU Urban Arts Space makes environmentally responsible decisions whenever possible. We hope to act as a model for other arts organizations by incorporating sustainability as a unique piece of our mission. In addition to our operations, we are located within the largest LEED gold-certified building in the nation, the Lazarus Building. We have access to and offer tours of the rooftop garden. And we share the historic Lazarus building with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Also, as a member of Mayor Coleman's Green Spot program we promote engaging in creative dialog about the environmental needs of our community, and actively generating cooperative solutions.

How do we do it?

•    We recycle our paper, plastic, aluminum, glass, and steel.
•    We turn off lights, computers, and printers - every night. 
•    We purchase recycled content paper.
•    We email meeting agendas rather than print them.
•    We utilize recycled cardboard in our curatorial materials.
•    We encourage staff to ride the bus or bike to work. 
•    We aim to establish a recycling program for our light bulbs.

Green Events

•    Our Ways of Knowing Water exhibition made visible the place of water in Central Ohio, evoking the presence and power of water. Ways of Knowing Water included a special exhibit in our bathrooms highlighting our rainwater recycling program. We use rainwater from the green roof to flush the toilets!
•    In August, 2008, we worked with Columbus School for Girls to bring 3rd graders into the Space to tour the green roof and design their own roof top gardens for their school.
•    In the Summer of 2008 we held an Organic wine tasting with rooftop garden tours
•    In the Fall of 2008 we held the Iron Artist Challenge,  a recycled art-making event for OSU students and local artists and collectives.
•    In July of 2009 we held a Columbus Green Drinks event with a rooftop garden tour. If you are interested in a tour of the roof gardens, have an idea for a green event, or just want to know more - please contact us at uas@osu.edu.

LEED Certification

The historical Lazarus Building, built in 1909, was complety remodeled in 2007 to become the nations largest rehabilitated LEED Gold Certified buildling. What does this mean?

•    75% of construction and demolition debris was recycled.
•    Installation of energy efficient windows & daylight harvesting.
•    Establishment of low-flow plumbing & gray-water system and recycled paper products in the bathrooms .
•    Use of non-toxic adhesives, sealants and paints throughout the building.
•    Utilizing recycled finishes - such as bamboo flooring, recycled plastic baseboards, recycled glass terrazzo.

If you are interested in a tour of the roof gardens, have an idea for a green event, or just want to know more – please contact uas@osu.edu.

Image: View from the rooftop garden.