As indicated in the Sustainability Survey Report released after a campus-wide survey and public forums, NMU is “striving to become a leader in sustainability and the goal is clearly outlined in the new strategic plan.” The university has already implemented a number of sustainability actions on campus, ranging from LEED-certified facilities to biodegradable eating utensils in Dining Services to bio-based products and specialized plant materials used for water conservation at the NMU Golf Course.

The following list of sustainability efforts and achievements is maintained by NMU Engineering and Planning:

NMU SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

Academic courses incorporate sustainability – those are unrecorded here

New sustainability committee: authorized by the president; will convene this fall

LEED Construction/Renovation

2017-18 – New residence hall complex anticipated to receive LEED silver certification 2016 -- NMU currently has six LEED certified facilities, including two at the silver level 2015-Jamrich Hall awarded LEED Certified for Schools certification 2009 - Brandon Sager and Michael Andary received LEED Accredited Professional certification 2008 – Van Antwerp Hall renovation given LEED silver certification, first silver certified building in U.P. 2007 – Meyland Hall awarded LEED certification – the first certified residence hall in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio and Indiana, as well as the first certified building in the Upper Peninsula. First Silver Certified facility in Upper Peninsula. 2005 – NMU began incorporating LEED design into all construction/renovation projects, which it continues today 2004- NMU became member of U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Capital Improvement Efforts

Heat recovery coils Installing Variable Frequency Drives on motors / pumps Steam trap repair / replacement Construction / renovation of LEED buildings Boiler Replacement Light Fixture Replacement with T8, 28 watt fluorescent or LED lamps LED exterior light pole installation Insulation of steam piping and buildings Vending machine occupancy sensors Lighting controls - daylight and occupancy sensors Plumbing fixture modifications - low flow faucets, waterless urinals and toilets Performance Contract - Johnson Controls Inc. Combined Heat and Power Plant utilizing Biomass Chilled water loop in academic mall to increase chiller use efficiency

Dining Services

Uses bio-degradable eating utensils (i.e. Spudware, Greenware and Chinet) Uses corn-based glasses that are compostable for catering and concessions Trayless alternative available Renovations in dishwashing area reduced water usage Pulper installed at The Marketplace  in 2007 to reduce waste volume Purchases eggs for retail, residential and catering from BSB farms in Skandia Purchases local livestock at the 4-H auction during Marquette County Fair Purchases coffee for our retail operations from Dancing Crane Farms of Skandia Purchases local fish from Thill’s of Marquette Purchases dairy products from Jilbert’s Dairy of Marquette Provides residence hall students a reusable NMU Dining mug at start of the year check-in (can be used in dining halls for to-go beverage or at any NMU dining facility for a discounted fill) Is a major contributor to the NMU campus recycling program Programs being reviewed for possible implementation – reusable take-out container program and purchasing locally raised beef from a farm located in Rapid River (about 60 miles from NMU)

Energy Conservation

NMU regularly monitors and publicly posts the campus’ use of electricity, water and fuel. Posts are located at www.nmu.edu/facilities/comparative-utility-report.

Golf Course

Bio-based products and specialized drought-tolerant plant materials used for water conservation Wildlife management to protect habitats of species that help control pests

Grounds Crew

Recycling of all used oils and antifreeze from campus vehicles and equipment Composting of all landscaping waste product In fall 2015, NMU Grounds identified 5-plus acres to incorporate into a let-it-grow/no-mow program Installed test plots to evaluate low maintenance landscaping methods Prohibits the use of restricted-use pesticides on campus Attempts to use primarily native species plantings  Developed Landscape Master Plan to guide future campus landscaping and reduce operational costs

Housing and Residence Life (*available in some halls; #available in all halls)

Dual-valve toilets* Shower shut-off valves* Energy-saving light technology* Use of green cleaning supplies# Extensive recycling# High efficiency boilers in apartments Promoting cold water washing in laundry facilities

Physical Campus Operational Efforts

Installing vending machine “misers” Data/server rooms initiated built-in power management function to reduce cooling costs Improved exterior campus lighting scheduling program New method for scheduling classes to minimize HVAC operational needs Preventative checking of steam traps Energy management system utilization and scheduling to efficiently operate HVAC systems within academic, administration, and recreation facilities Classroom utilization monitoring to build only square footage necessary and maximize use

Recycling

NMU’s recycling program began in 1992.  In the past 9 years, Northern has worked to grow the program into a comprehensive campus-wide single sort recycling plan. It includes single sort for paper, plastic, glass, etc.  Beyond the single sort, NMU also has programs for metal batteries, fluorescent lamps and e-cycling.