Environmental Steering Committee
The Environmental Steering Committee (ESC) is a broad serving body that attempts to consider all college-wide activities through the lens of environmental sustainability. ESC members are made up of individuals (students, faculty, and staff) throughout the college who have both a genuine interest and or a stake in the college’s future with respect to issues around sustainability and environmental stewardship. Through ongoing assembly the ESC, guided by the College’s mission; identifies, evaluates, and recommends actions that strengthen the College’s efforts and profile in regards to environmental consciousness. These efforts include college wide, community based, and international efforts.
Otis Sustainability Alliance
The Otis Sustainability Alliance, founded in 2013 by Fashion Design Chair Rosemary Brantley, brings together creative leaders from the fields of fashion, design, art, and higher education who are committed to advancing the environmental, social, educational, and economic dimensions of sustainability through our work as artists, designers, and educators. Inaugural partners were Nike, Patagonia, Disney, Eddie Bauer, Quiksilver, and Todd Oldham. In 2014, Under Armour joined the Alliance. See more about the Otis Sustainability Alliance.
Sustainability Minor
Although sustainability is embedded into the curricula of many disciplines, students who want to focus on it can pursue the Sustainability Minor, which is open to all majors. Recognizing the innovative role artists and designers can play in solving pressing challenges, this minor provides students with a broad understanding of the social, political, economic and environmental issues that impact the future of humanity and our planet. Students study and develop strategies and systems applicable to art and design that meet the needs of current generations without compromising those of future generations. Courses fulfill requirements in Creative Action and Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as electives across all studio departments. See more about the
Sustainability Projects
Otis College has introduced many sustainability projects. Among these are:
- Paper, Aluminum Cans, and Plastic/Glass bottles are sorted in recycle bins throughout the Goldsmith campus. All Goldsmith Campus trash is sent to a materials recovery facility, where a percentage of all campus waste is recycled and/or reused.
- Lighting is 100% efficient ballast & T8/T12 efficient flourescent tubes.
- Hand dryers in Ahmanson/Galef reduce paper waste.
- Non-emergency lighting controlled by timers, pressure controls, and sensors.
- Ahmanson HVAC is highly efficient Variable Air Volume ("VAV") and fan drives are variable speed with computer-controlled thermostats.
- Galef HV/HVAC system uses "smart" thermostat control.
- Highly efficient steel water tower heat exchanger for Ahmanson bldg.
- Galef bldg. design based on green principles with efficient exterior bldg. "Low E" glass.
- Low Fire Ceramic kilns are energy-efficient and firing takes place at night during "low peak" usage.
- Printmaking & Letterpress Labs uses all non-toxic, eco-friendly inks and printmaking processes.
- Goldsmith elevators are computer controlled and use a efficient "smart" system.
- Goldsmith uses a solvent wash station and rag recycling service.
- Faculty/staff carpooling is encouraged through incentives.
- Eco-friendly packaging choices are offered at the Café.
- Discounts offered for bringing your own cup to the Café.
- FSC certified recycled paper and printing are used in College publications.
- Ahmanson Hall is a retrofit.
- Excess materials and supplies can be traded at the Rescource Exchange to reduce landfill waste.
- Ahmanson elevators are computer controlled and use an efficient "smart" system.
- Heat generated by Otis' computer system is used to heat the Ahmanson building in cold weather.
- Technical Services uses bio-degradable products whenever possible. TSS collects hazardous waste and disposes of it in an environmentally appropriate fashion.