Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 51.18
Liaison Joseph Kahn
Submission Date April 20, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Central Michigan University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.75 / 4.00 Morgan Hummon
Sustainability Advancement Graduate Assistant
Facilities Management, Great Lakes Institute for Sustainable Systems
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
Yes

A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:

Central Michigan University's Master Plan includes four main priorities. How each priority addresses sustainability is outlined below:

Priority 1
Student Success - Challenge our students to develop the knowledge, skills and values to be successful and contributing global citizens.

By 2019, 95% of graduates are employed in their field of choice or are engaged in postgraduate studies.

Priority 2
Research and Creative Activity - Promote excellence in research and creative activities.

The number of students engaged in regional, national, and international research and creative activities will increase annually by 5%.

Priority 3
Quality Faculty and Staff – Foster a vibrant, innovative, intellectual community of high quality faculty and staff who value inclusiveness, diversity, shared governance and respect.

Foster and maintain a welcoming and inclusive campus environment for ALL CMU community members.

Priority 4
Community Partnerships - Develop and strengthen learning experiences through collaboration with local, national and global partners to enhance cultural awareness, the natural environment, health and wellness and local economies.

*The proportion of students who have enrolled in service-learning courses will be 20% within five years.
*The proportion of graduating seniors who have completed an academic community-oriented co-curricular activity or internship will exceed 50%.
*The proportion of graduating seniors who are involved with volunteering/community service work as reported on the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) will be 80% within five years.
*Health and wellness is perceived as an integral part of CMU’s culture as reported on the bi-annual Staff Satisfaction Survey.
*Increase CMU’s economic impact on the local and State economies as measured by an economic impact study conducted every five years.


A copy of the strategic plan:
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The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the sustainability plan:
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The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
No

A copy of the climate action plan:
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The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
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Does the institution have other published plans that address sustainability or include measurable sustainability objectives (e.g. campus master plan, physical campus plan, diversity plan, human resources plan)? :
Yes

A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):

The Transportation Master Plan addresses bike-friendly issues on campus, increasing visibility in walkways to promote non traditional forms of transportation, as well as promoting the use of all designated walkways and bike lane for students, faculty and staff.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:

New Target: Incorporate principles of sustainability into university classes, curricula, and
service learning opportunities as appropriate. Develop a minor in Sustainability and
Environmental Policy for consideration of the Academic Senate by 2015-16.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Priority 2

Research and Creative Activity - Promote excellence in research and creative activities.

Priority 2 Initiatives:
2.1 Enhance and improve incentives, infrastructure and support services for research and creative activities.
2.2 Support field-defining areas of research and creative activities across the university.
2.3 Enhance efforts to promote the active involvement of students in research and creative activities.
2.4 Support emerging areas of interdisciplinary, international and cross-cultural research and creative activities that build on the university’s strengths.
Priority 2 Metrics:
By 2019, Using impact factors in the sciences, social sciences and business, CMU will improve its rank among peer institutions to be in the top 50% of peer institutions.
Faculty participation in invited, peer-reviewed/juried performances and exhibitions in national or international venues will increase annually by 5%.
By 2019, the percent of faculty engaged in research or creative endeavors will increase to 65%.
By 2019, external funding for research and creative endeavors received by CMU will improve to rank in the top 50% among peer institutions.
The number of students engaged in regional, national, and international research and creative activities will increase annually by 5%.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:

New Target: Promote a culture of sustainability on campus which increases the
awareness of sustainability and best practices for maintaining a sustainable campus
among students, faculty, visitors, and staff of the university.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Sustainability Plan-New Target: Work with community leaders, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, and
private industry in Mount Pleasant, Isabella County, and throughout the mid-Michigan
area on cooperative ventures which promote community sustainability and support
university sustainability initiatives.

Master Plan-Priority 4

Community Partnerships - Develop and strengthen learning experiences through collaboration with local, national and global partners to enhance cultural awareness, the natural environment, health and wellness and local economies.

Priority 4 Initiatives:
4.1 Generate opportunities for community involvement through academic experiences, performances, speakers, athletics, civic engagement and volunteering.
4.2 Involve students, faculty and staff with community members to support and sustain healthy environments.
4.3 Foster and enhance relationships with tribal, governmental, business and non-profit entities.
Priority 4 Metrics:
The proportion of students who have enrolled in service-learning courses will be 20% within five years.
The proportion of graduating seniors who have completed an academic community-oriented co-curricular activity or internship will exceed 50%.
The proportion of graduating seniors who are involved with volunteering/community service work as reported on the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) will be 80% within five years.
Health and wellness is perceived as an integral part of CMU’s culture as reported on the bi-annual Staff Satisfaction Survey.
Increase CMU’s economic impact on the local and State economies as measured by an economic impact study conducted every five years.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:

New Target: Reduce the overall carbon footprint of the university by 10% by 2020 using the 2012 baseline of 34.11 pounds CO2 equiv./GSF.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:

New Target: Continue implementation of Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Design
(LEED) practices in the design, construction, and operation of all campus projects and
buildings. Achieve LEED certification on all new buildings, significant additions, and major
building renovation projects.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:

New Target: Continue progress in reducing campus energy consumption as measured
on a kBTU/GSF basis using the 2012 baseline of 136.9 kBTU/GSF.

2010-2012 Target:
Reduce campus energy consumption per GSF by 20% by 06/30/2013
Includes electricity, natural gas and wood; Using FY 2007 baseline = 130.5 kBTU/GSF
FY 2013 = 161.9 kBTU/GSF (24% increase)


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Most coffee served in Java City locations are certified as one or more of the
following: Fair Trade, organic, Rainforest Alliance, Shade Grown and BirdFriendly
Coffees (ongoing)
Residential restaurants, Meals 2 Go, and Express Grab programs use
biodegradable packaging (ongoing)
Residential Restaurants, Meals 2 Go, and Express Grab programs continue to use
biodegradable packaging. Styrofoam dish products, once used as backups, have
been replaced with biodegradable and compostable products. Plastic cutlery has
been replaced with PotatoWare biodegradable products. Straws and stir sticks are
composed of recycle based products. Paper and reusable bags are available in
campus stores.

Cage-free eggs purchased in by Campus Dining when possible (ongoing)
Campus Dining continues to explore purchasing of sustainably sourced tuna
(ongoing)
Campus Dining investigates possible changes in their purchasing policies to
further their sustainability efforts (ongoing)
http://cmu.campusdish.com/Sustainability.aspx


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Sustainability is Central, addresses initiatives and plans to further said initiatives, such as the project found below:

Plants and Society Garden installed in 2014-15 (complete)
The Plants and Society Garden includes plants that are a
part of our everyday living and used for food, human
health, clothing, shelter and entertainment. The area is
complemented with a raised berm which serves as an
amphitheater for special gatherings. The hardscaping was
completed in fall of 2014 while planting began in the spring
of 2015. A portion of the food produced by the garden is
donated to the local soup kitchen.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:

New Target: Maintain existing institutional purchasing protocols and practices which
foster improvements in overall campus sustainability including reuse and resale of
surplus materials.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Central Michigan University's Transportation Master Plan includes comprehensive strategies to advance sustainable means of transportation through increasing bus stops, adding additional safe bike-housing locations, increasing visibility in walkways, as well as other such initiatives.

New Target: Continue encouragement of use of mass transit, carpooling, and ride
sharing opportunities and use of human-powered transport by university students,
faculty, and staff. Emphasize walking and cycling paths in the new University Master
Planning process in 2014-2015.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:

New Target: Maintain exiting campus waste diversion programs and develop methods to
improve waste diversion. Municipal solid waste in calendar year 2013 was 2,220 tons with a diversion rate of 30.9%. By 2020, we aim to increase the diversion rate to 40%. We plan to continue programs to generate revenue from the sale of surplus cardboard and office paper instituted in 2013.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:

New Target: Continue progress in reducing campus water consumption from
municipal sources (City of Mt. Pleasant) on a gallons/Gross Square Foot (GSF)
basis.

FY 2015 water usage = 21.9 gallons/GSF (10.2 % decrease from 2008 base year)


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Master Plan-Priority 3

Quality Faculty and Staff – Foster a vibrant, innovative, intellectual community of high quality faculty and staff who value inclusiveness, diversity, shared governance and respect.

Priority 3 Initiatives:
3.1 Invest in the recruitment, development and retention of an outstanding, diverse faculty and staff.
3.2 Provide professional support for the ongoing development of faculty and staff in the areas of teaching, leadership, research and cultural competence.
3.3 Support the exchange of diverse viewpoints in order to develop timely and informed university policies, procedures and practices that promote inclusiveness and facilitate shared governance.
Priority 3 Metrics:
90% of the time, we will be successful in hiring the first-choice finalist.
Staff agree or strongly agree that CMU is a good place to work.
Fixed-term faculty and graduate assistants agree or strongly agree that CMU is a good place to work(source: new faculty survey).
CMU will provide professional development opportunities to faculty and staff at least bi-annually.
Foster and maintain a welcoming and inclusive campus environment for ALL CMU community members.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:

From 2008 to present, the Central Energy Fund (CEF) has carried forward funding for 101 energy projects such as:

Retro-commission 20 buildings for energy efficiency
T-12 to T-8 lighting upgrade in 78 buildings (ROI 40.5%)
Occupancy lighting control in 25 buildings (ROI 31%)
Demand Control Ventilation (CO2) in 43 buildings (ROI 120.7%)
Self-contained heating valves in 17 residence halls (ROI 35.1%)
Campus lighting upgrade to LED lights, 512 wall packs (ROI 16.1%)
Exhaust fan upgrade, 17 residence halls, 105 fans (ROI 147.1%)
Installation of 46 Variable Frequency Drives (ROI 400%)
Dow Science fume hood controls project, upgraded 177 hoods (ROI 91%)
Total invested in these projects: $2,961,287
Utility rebates: $675,350
Net project cost: $2,285,938
Average ROI: 24.06%
Utility savings to date from these projects: $1,879,911
Starting in August 2015, record keeping on energy projects began to be done
through the Green Revolving Investment Tracking System (GRITS) to help track
the project progress and its paybacks (ongoing)
“The Green Revolving Investment Tracking System (GRITS 1.2) web tool is designed
to help institutions better manage and analyze project-level energy, financial and
carbon data. GRITS provides an intuitive interface to better track performance data
from energy efficiency and other resource conservation measures.”


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body (e.g. a mission statement that specifically includes sustainability and is endorsed by the Board of Trustees)? :
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The formal statement in support of sustainability:
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The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
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Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
Yes or No
The Earth Charter ---
The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) ---
ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter ---
Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment ---
The Talloires Declaration (TD) ---
UN Global Compact ---
Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) ---

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.