Sustainability is Sustainability is CENTRAL CENTRAL Update on Sustainability Activities on Update on Sustainability Activities on the Campus of the Campus of Central Michigan University Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, Michigan Mount Pleasant, Michigan 2010 2010
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Sustainability is CENTRAL Update on Sustainability Activities on the Campus of Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, Michigan 2010.
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Sustainability is Sustainability is CENTRALCENTRAL
Update on Sustainability Activities on Update on Sustainability Activities on the Campus of the Campus of
Central Michigan UniversityCentral Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant, MichiganMount Pleasant, Michigan
20102010
What is sustainability?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?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 Why it is important to focus on sustainability @ CMUsustainability @ 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.
• 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”
• 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 Significant Actions – Living EnvironmentEnvironment
• 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 -- BuildingSignificant 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 system @ Beaver Island Biological Station.
What Can Everyone Do?What Can Everyone Do?
• 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