Fall 2011

Working to make CMU a leader in Sustainability

The Great Lakes Institute for Sustainable Systems

at Central Michigan University

What is Sustainability?

“Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”

—Our Common Future, United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development (1987)

Background on Sustainability @ CMU 2008-2010 CMU instituted a program to

improve “sustainability” on campus Initiated by former President Dr. Michael Rao Continued support from President Ross and

Provost Shapiro Initial focus was “Facilities First” (energy and

water conservation; waste management; recycling; purchasing; etc.). Current savings ~ $1.6 million/year

Teaching, Research and Service components focused on Sustainability developed and integrated.

Joined Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education

Using the “Triple Bottom Line” to Assess Sustainability…* Environment Economy Society

*Willard (2002) The Sustainability Advantage

Dr. Rick Kurtz and others proposed in 2009 the establishment of a Sustainability Institute on the campus of CMU…

Great Lakes Institute for Sustainable Systems @ CMU

www.cmich.edu/gliss.htm

Four Foundational Pillars of the Institute Environmental Protection and Resource

Stewardship Economic Viability – Fiscal Sustainability Social Justice and Community Viability Sustainable Energy Resources

www.cmich.edu/gliss.htm

Sustainability in Academic Programs

New minor in Sustainable Development (CBA)

MBA concentration in Sustainable International Development (CBA and CHSBS)

Green Chemistry (CS&T) New IET course in Sustainable

Technologies ProfEd certificate program in

Sustainability and Environmental Awareness (CHSBS & CST)

M.A. in Sustainable Systems (CHSBS) Research and Internship Opportunities

for Students

Sustainability in Service and Community Partnerships

GLISS serves as a resource center and point of intake for persons seeking sustainability information.

Service Learning projects and internships (CEHS, ENV program, CBA)

Policy “white papers” on Sustainability issues – science, policy, economics, etc. Consulting services Demonstration projects on campus GLISS Speaker Series

Community Partners in Sustainability

Union Township Wind Turbine Research Project – DELEG

grant Propane Vehicle Conversion – Federal grant Township Sustainability Committee – Policy

Advice and Land Use Planning Non-motorized Pathways Community Gardens and Kitchen

Mount Pleasant School District Energy Audit Project

Active Corporate Partners in Research and Student Learning

Enbridge Energy Systems Duke Energy United Solar Ovonics Eco-Green Energy Lease Management, Inc. Heritage Wind Energy Dow Chemical Five Lakes Energy Corporation

Sustainability Research @ CMU Connect existing research projects to the

Institute Small scale wind systems Bio-diesel fuel research Li-Ion battery research Campus Grow -- Composting Michigan Water Research Center – nutrients

and contaminants Gateway Communities Economic Development

Project Center for Applied Research and Rural Studies Parks Planning and Resource Impact Monitoring

Propose New Research Projects – Interdisciplinary -- Science/Policy/Business/Education

Awards and Recognition

2009 Recycler of the Year Award – MI Recycling Coalition

2009 Sierra Club “Cool School” 2010 Sierra Club “Cool School” Going Green Award – Corp! Magazine 2010 Green Cleaning Award

– American School and University Review Sustainable Residence Life Award- GLACUHO –

Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers

SRCEE President’s Award – Wind turbine project, Brittany Mouzourakis

Questions and Comments?

For additional information contact:

Thomas K. Rohrer, Director Great Lakes Institute for Sustainable Systems116 Anspach HallCentral Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant MI 48859U. S. A.001 (989) 774-7636tom.rohrer@cmich.edu