Sustainability is CENTRAL Update on Sustainability Activities on the Campus of Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, Michigan 2010

What is sustainability? Sustainable systems are those which are: “…meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” – Our Common Future, UN- World Commission on Environment and Development (1987) AKA “The Brundtlund Report” Sustainable systems focus on the “Triple bottom line”: –Economic bottom line (profits & fiscal health) –Environmental bottom line (planetary health) –Social bottom line (health of people and society)

Why is it important? Shared planet—there are finite resources… Global Climate Change –Weather extremes; intense storms –Global warming nearing a tipping point Earth’s human population continues to grow and to consume resources and energy as economies develop. Increased consumption per capita –U.S. has 5% of the world’s population but uses 25% of the world’s resources & energy. –China and India on the same path. High dependence on fossil fuels and non-renewable resources… not sustainable over time.

Why it is important to focus on CMU Universities are a microcosm of the larger society and can be laboratories for change. Increased costs for materials, utilities, services, travel, etc. –Obligation to Michigan taxpayers to operate responsibly. –Higher Education budgets not keeping pace with costs Educate students to be socially responsible, environmentally responsible, and fiscally responsible –Encourage civic engagement –Model behavior – set the example. Showcase success. –Shift institutional culture and have students carry this with them when they graduate In higher education, “sustainability” involves facilities, curricula, research, operations, planning, purchasing, community outreach partnerships, professional development, and student life.

Campus Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC) Formed in late January, 2008 by a charge from former President Michael Rao 20 members – faculty, staff and students Charged by the President to ensure that CMU strives to be “…ecologically sound, socially just, and economically viable now and for future generations.”

CSAC Charge Within one year: Complete a comprehensive inventory of CMU’s past and present energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and building growth. Develop a comprehensive plan to stabilize and reduce long-term energy and utility costs. Draft an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy that promotes the purchase of ENERGY STAR certified products. Formalize sustainable design & operations policies so all new campus construction and major renovation projects are built to LEED specifications. Develop an institutional action plan with target dates, goals, actions and mechanisms for tracking progress.

CSAC Charge In subsequent years: Recommend a target percentage of electricity that should be purchased or produced from renewable energy sources. Recommend a target percentage by which CMU should reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Complete a comprehensive review of additional initiatives and activities that will further CMU’s commitment to sustainability. Partner with senior leadership to model appropriate behaviors, raise public awareness, and integrate sustainability into the institutional culture. Engage and encourage academic leadership to integrate sustainability into the curriculum. Incorporate sustainability concepts into existing purchasing policies and practices.

What is CMU doing? Member of –U.S. Green Building Council –College and University Caucus, a division of the National Recycling Coalition –AASHE (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education) – Support car pooling and public transportation use. Green cleaning products in use Energy conservation Water conservation Recycling

Significant Actions -- Energy New Energy Manager position – to assure sustainable energy use on campus ESCO Audit – RFP going out soon. 1,250 ton steam absorber unit on line Comprehensive Inventory of all energy use and calculation of CMU’s “carbon footprint”. Action plan to reduce energy use.

Biomass Fuel at CMU Referenced in the 2006 NACUBO publication “The Business Case for Renewable Energy: A Guide for Colleges and Universities” Use of wood chips in CMU’s central heating and cooling plant replaces natural gas and saves over $1 million per year in energy costs. Fire Up, Chips! Wood chips that is…..

Significant Actions -- Purchasing “Energy Star” rated appliances required in purchasing policy (computers, monitors, etc.) Phase out of personal inkjet printers Networking of laser printers Flat screen monitors for desktops Apple eWaste program – recycling of electronics Identification of “green products” to purchase and other products to avoid. -- Recycled paper – yes! -- Products made from post-consumer recyclables – yes! -- Bottled water – no! University Stores is constantly evaluating products and seeking “greener alternatives”

Significant Actions -- Dining Local food purchases where possible Trayless dining in residential restaurants Reductions in water use Reductions in food waste (34%) Evaluation of campus composting program Retrofitting of ventilation hoods for energy conservation

Significant Actions -- Curriculum Review and listing of CMU courses that address sustainability concepts Recommendations for new courses Evaluating the addition of sustainability into the general education curriculum Proposed revisions to the CMU “Red Book” to include expectations of sustainable student actions while on campus.

Significant Actions – Living Environment Classroom renovations will address efficient lighting and HVAC (Pearce) Brooks Hall – HVAC update Picnic tables and landscaping Educational posters, etc. in residential halls. Recycling & Energy Reduction competitions Improved campus landscape

Significant Actions -- Building Sustainable Design and Operations Policy –Published standard for all new construction and major renovations Education & Human Services Building will be LEED certified– Likely at the “Gold” level. Seeking LEED certification in all new construction and renovations. Geothermal heating Beaver Island Biological Station.

What Can Everyone Do? Be proactive:Be proactive –Reduce consumption, Reuse materials, Recycle! –Turn off lights in areas not in use; Keep windows closed; Turn off computers. –Walk, use public transportation, car pool. –Think before you print. Use paper on both sides Make “sustainability” a core concept in your operation….part of everyone’s job. Submit ideas: –Click “Sustainability” on CMU home page“Sustainability” – _Sustainability.htm

Any Questions?? Contact: Tom Rohrer, Director Great Lakes Institute for Sustainable Systems 116 Anspach Hall -- CMU (989)