SHINE logo

Sustainability Hub for Innovation & Environment (SHINE)

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 campus, and support education on sustainability inside and out of the classroom.

Learn about NMU's latest sustainability initiatives here.

STARS Gold Logo

NMU Sustainability Rating

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 gold in 2024. The rating system factors in academics and research, operations, administration/planning and engagement.

We are also on the Princeton List of Green Schools - 2024. Learn more about what this means for Northern here.

Green Athletics Logo w/ white background

Campus Engagement

Green Athletics is a student-driven working group consisting of student-athletes, coaches, and other administrators striving to create and promote sustainable changes within NMU's Athletic Department. Their goal is to be the greenest in the GLIAC through decreasing NMU Athletics environmental impact, as well as education and outreach.

EcoReps logo

Student Engagement

EcoReps is a peer-to-peer sustainability education program. It is designed to give students the resources and knowledge to solve environmental, economic, and social sustainability issues. EcoReps organize campus-wide
programming, carry out collaborative projects, and host various events on and off-campus such as clothing swaps, zero-waste events, residence hall presentations, and skill-builder workshops.

Northern Climate Network logo

Community Engagement

The Northern Climate Network is a campus and community organization dedicated to providing opportunities to discuss and learn about climate change in our region. The Northern Climate Network is sponsored by Marquette’s Climate Adaptation Task Force, which is a collaborative effort led by Marquette County, the Superior Watershed Partnership and Northern Michigan University.

Contact Us

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

  • General sustainability: Jes Thompson, Assistant Vice President of Sustainability and SHINE Director, jessitho@nmu.edu
  • Energy-related: Kathy Richards, Associate VP Engineering/Planning/Facilities, kathrich@nmu.edu
  • Recycling-related: Grace Listopad, Director of EcoReps, glistopa@nmu.edu   
  • Food-related: Paul Schoonveld, Director of Dining Services, pschoonv@nmu.edu

 

Campus Sustainability Updates

Join Campus Sustainability Updates that SHINE shares to its network to inform students, faculty, and community members. This network is a resources that includes how to become involved in sustainability on campus and the community, and the initiaves happening at NMU. Subscribe here!