Sustainability Hub for Innovation & Environment

Here you'll find information on all things sustainability including current initiatives, academic programs, ways to get involved and much more. We're glad you're here. Let's get to work.

Supporting, encouraging, and contributing to a diverse and sustainable world

Our purpose is to improve planning and coordination for sustainability on campus, increase the implementation of sustainable initiatives and practices on campuses, and support education on sustainability inside and out of the classroom.

Northern Michigan University's STARS rating, determined by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education as a measure of universities' performance related to sustainability, advanced to silver in 2020. The rating system factors in academics and research, operations, administration/planning and engagement.

SHINE aligns with partners that offer resources and best practices for social good and brings together those making a positive impact on their employees, communities, and environment.

SHINE strives to protect NMU’s beautiful physical surroundings by promoting awareness and responsibility and inspiring innovative sustainable solutions, behavioral changes, and environmental ethics.

SHINE’s peer-to-peer education program offers students the resources and knowledge to solve sustainability issues and encourages habit modification to make a collective difference on campus.

EcoReps — a student sustainability peer-to-peer education program
The Green Fund
Sustainable Business & Enterprise Creation
Paid Student Internship Opportunities

SHINE writes sustainability narratives and implements transformational sustainability projects by providing insight and actionable recommendations based on research, strategy, and big picture ideas.

"Being able to use my communication and digital marketing skills to help promote sustainability on campus and in the Marquette community has been a very enlightening and fulfilling experience."

Kyler Phillips

Marketing Major

SHINE Partners

good for upper peninsula logo united nations logo certified b corporation logo

Please get in touch if you have questions, would like to learn more, or have an idea to share.

General sustainability - Sarah Mittlefehldt, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Sustainability, smittlef@nmu.edu
Energy-related - Kathy Richards, Associate VP Engineering/Planning/Facilities, kathrich@nmu.edu
Recycling-related - Brandon Sager, Assistant Director-Facilities, brsager@nmu.edu
Food-related - Paul Schoonveld, Director of Dining Services