At the University of Iowa, sustainability is more than a concept. It is a shared commitment to creating a campus and community where people and the environment can thrive together. Leading that effort is the Office of Sustainability and the Environment (OSE), a team dedicated to advancing sustainable practices through education, research, operations, and community engagement.
The OSE team includes Stratis Giannakouros, Director, and Program Managers Beth MacKenzie and Brinda Shetty, and 13 current interns, who work alongside students, faculty, staff, and campus partners to promote innovative solutions that support a healthier and more sustainable future.
A Legacy of Sustainability
The Office of Sustainability was established in 2008 with strong support from students, faculty, and staff. Originally housed within Facilities Management, the office focused on integrating sustainability into campus operations and infrastructure. As sustainability became more deeply embedded in university operations, the office expanded its reach.
In 2017, the office transitioned to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, allowing greater opportunities to support academics, teaching, and research while continuing to serve the entire university. Today, OSE collaborates with colleges, departments, student organizations, and community stakeholders to weave sustainability into every aspect of campus life.
What Sustainability Means
For the OSE team, sustainability is about creating systems that can endure and support both people and the environment over the long term.
"Sustainable simply means something can be maintained at length without interruption or weakening," the team explains. "Our goal is to sustain an environment where all people can thrive now and in the future."
That mission often involves identifying waste and inefficiencies and developing solutions that encourage responsible use of resources while balancing environmental stewardship and human well-being. At its core, sustainability is about finding practical ways to meet today's needs without compromising the future.
Inspired by Connection and Collaboration
The path into sustainability is often fueled by curiosity and appreciation for the world around us. For the OSE team, what makes the work especially meaningful is understanding how interconnected everything is.
Environmental, social, cultural, and economic systems all influence one another, and sustainability challenges rarely have simple solutions. This systems-thinking approach encourages looking beyond immediate outcomes and considering how decisions affect communities and ecosystems over time.
One of the most rewarding aspects of their work is collaborating with students.
"Students bring creativity, fresh ideas, and new ways of thinking about problems," the team shared. Their innovative perspectives frequently lead to new approaches and solutions that benefit both the university and the broader community.
Small Habits, Big Impact
Sustainability is not confined to the workplace. The OSE team incorporates sustainability-minded habits into everyday life in ways that promote well-being and connection with nature.
Many staff members make time to spend outdoors, whether that's taking a walk, holding a walking meeting, or stepping outside for a quick break during the day. Bringing elements of nature indoors is another common practice, from adding plants to workspaces to maximizing natural light or creating calming environments with nature sounds.
The team also prioritizes continuous learning. Staying informed through podcasts, newsletters, sustainability news, and current research helps them remain engaged with emerging ideas, challenges, and solutions in the field.
Finding Your Place in Sustainability at Iowa
One of the most encouraging messages from the OSE team is that sustainability is for everyone.
Faculty and staff can participate by volunteering at campus events such as Earth Month tree plantings or supporting recycling and composting initiatives during On Iowa events. Others may choose to join committees and organizations that address sustainability through policy, planning, and campus improvement efforts.
The university offers opportunities through groups such as the Sustainability Charter Committee, Faculty Senate, Staff Council, and various student-led organizations. Faculty and staff can further support sustainability by advising student organizations, collaborating on projects, or connecting students with valuable resources.
Not all sustainability efforts require formal involvement. Some of the most impactful initiatives begin within individual departments, laboratories, or offices. From free-share corners that encourage the reuse of office supplies to laboratory programs aimed at reducing energy use and waste, everyday actions can create meaningful change.
Students and researchers are also finding creative ways to address sustainability challenges, whether by designing pollinator-friendly green spaces or exploring bird-friendly building standards across campus.
A Shared Responsibility
Perhaps the most important takeaway from the Office of Sustainability and the Environment is that sustainability is not the responsibility of one department alone. Meaningful change happens when individuals find opportunities to contribute where they are.
Whether through volunteering, supporting student initiatives, serving on a committee, improving workplace practices, or simply spending more time connecting with nature, every action plays a role.
As the OSE team reminds us, sustainability is ultimately a shared effort, and creating a more resilient future starts with people willing to get involved and make a difference right where they are.
Interested in getting involved? Learn more about sustainability initiatives across campus and discover opportunities to contribute by connecting with the University of Iowa Office of Sustainability and the Environment.