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Students in grassy bog doing hydrology research

Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainable actions are commonly defined as those that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Most definitions of sustainability emphasize the intersection of environmental protection, economic development and social equity. Thus, a focus on sustainability reinforces other Focus Areas such as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Rural Roots. Building a Culture of Sustainability will require a comprehensive strategy that infuses sustainability considerations into all university-wide decision-making, curricula and outreach efforts. This coordinated approach builds on existing goals outlined in NMU's 2030 Sustainability Plan and Campus Energy Master Plan, which have been developed in consultation with the Sustainability Advisory Council, the Carbon Neutrality Task Force and the efforts of many students, staff and faculty across campus. Coordinating these efforts will bring NMU's performance in this area to the next level, and will promote NMU's reputation as a regional leader in sustainability.

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Student and professor with campus composting bin

Focus Goals

G1:  Sustainability as a driver in campus decision-making

  • Emphasize sustainability in operations and in campus-wide policies

G2:  Environmental sustainability support

  • Implement first steps towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050
  • Improve waste and recycling efforts
  • Provide a sustainable dining experience

G3:  Sustainability curricula

  • Create new, interdisciplinary sustainability curricula, including hands-on learning experiences
  • Educate students and community about different sustainability principles and practices

G4: Sustainability beyond the classroom

  • Build local and regional partnerships to expand educational opportunities  
  • Support applied sustainability-related research

Sustainability Focus Goals Strategy

Item Strategy Oversight Goal Alignment Focus Area Key Metrics Timeline
1 Continue to develop an inter-departmental Sustainability Hub for Innovation & Environment (SHINE) to promote sustainability efforts Academic Affairs G1, G2, G3, G4

Establishment of a location and budget

Expansion of programs

2022
2 Create Campus Energy Master Plan and a plan for Carbon Neutrality by 2050

Facilities

Finance and Administration

G1, G2 Development of both plans 2022
3 Explore Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for all new campus infrastructure 

Facilities

Finance and Administration

G1 LEED scorecard completion for each project 2024
4 Transition university fleet to hybrid or electric vehicles

Finance and Administration

Purchasing

G1, G2 Bid comparison for each new vehicle 2024
5 Develop composting systems on campus

Dining

Facilities

Finance and Administration

G1, G2 Implementation of system for each Dining venue 2022
6 Implement sustainability practices in all aspects of Dining operations, including residence hall and community dining venues, retail, concessions and catering operations

Dining

Finance and Administration

G2 Number of practices implemented 2023
7 Create a sustainability certification program that is accesible to a wide range of audiences Academic Affairs G3 Establishment of program 2023
8 Use the student-initiated Green Fund to implement sustainability initiatives Sustainability Advisory Council G1, G2, G3, G4 Number of implemented initiatives 2024
9 Work with local partners to provide internships, service projects, educational experiences and research opportunities

Academic Affairs

Center for Student Enrichment

G1, G2, G3, G4 Number of opportunities provided 2023