Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 66.05
Liaison Yumiko Jakobcic
Submission Date Feb. 27, 2015
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Grand Valley State University
EN-4: Outreach Materials and Publications

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Amanda Rodgers
Graduate Assistant
Sustainable Community Development Initiative
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution produce the following outreach materials and/or publications that foster sustainability learning and knowledge? :
Yes or No
A central sustainability website that consolidates information about the institution’s sustainability efforts Yes
A sustainability newsletter Yes
Social media platforms that focus specifically on campus sustainability Yes
A vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability Yes
Building signage that highlights green building features Yes
Food service area signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems Yes
Signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies employed Yes
A sustainability walking map or tour Yes
A guide for commuters about how to use alternative methods of transportation Yes
Navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians Yes
A guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience Yes
Regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper, either through a regular column or a reporter assigned to the sustainability beat Yes
Other sustainability publications or outreach materials not covered above Yes

A brief description of the central sustainability website:

The Office of Sustainability Practice's (OSP) website consolidates sustainability information about campus operations, education and curriculum, student involvement, and community engagement.


The website URL for the central sustainability website:
A brief description of the sustainability newsletter:

The OSP submits a variety of sustainability-themed articles to the monthly Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies newsletter. The Michigan Alternative Renewable Energy Center at GVSU also publishes a monthly newsletter and the Annis Water Research Institute creates a monthly and annual newsletter as well.


The website URL for the sustainability newsletter:
A brief description of the social media platforms that focus specifically on campus sustainability:

The OSP maintains active Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to share sustainability-related student jobs and internships, conferences, events, policies, programs, and community-wide information.


The website URL of the primary social media platform that focuses on sustainability:
A brief description of the vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability:

A sustainable research database has been developed for faculty and students. The database is housed as a separate category in the library.


The website URL for the vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability:
A brief description of building signage that highlights green building features :

Each LEED Building has signage for LEED recognition and flyers with the buildings green characteristics.


The website URL for building signage that highlights green building features :
A brief description of food service area signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems:

Campus Dining is continually increasing its sustainable practices while serving the campus community high quality foods and top-notch customer service. Signage and brochures include information about providing local suppliers, waste management and recycling, and sustainable products. Compostable items in Campus Dining restaurants feature a sticker, alerting guests. All waste bins also include detailed signage as to how to sort trash. Menus are also digital in all restaurants to eliminate the need to print updated menus.


The website URL for food service area signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems:
A brief description of signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies:

There are two types of these signs on the GVSU campus grounds. The first sign references storm water management areas, and the second sign references "Natural Meadow Areas", where the grass used for lawns in certain areas on campus, is allowed to grow taller than the traditional mowing height, to eliminate the need for additional watering and traditional turf management practices. These signs are in various spots across campus.


The website URL for signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies:
A brief description of the sustainability walking map or tour:

GVSU offers numerous digital tours of LEED certified facilities, physical maps for personal buildings tours, and an all-inclusive Digital Sustainability Map that features more than 30 locations on campus.


The website URL of the sustainability walking map or tour:
A brief description of the guide for commuters about how to use alternative methods of transportation:

GVSU's annual Family Guide explains students' alternative transportation options, including details about bike riding and carpooling.


The website URL for the guide for commuters about how to use alternative methods of transportation:
A brief description of the navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians:

GVSU offers extensive resources on non-motorized transportation, including path and trail maps, bike safety tips, repair information, and the ability to register a bike with GVSU public safety


The website URL for navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians:
A brief description of the guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:

The Office of Housing and Residence Life is committed to being sustainable. LEED Certified Buildings, energy efficient appliances, campus recycling, residential energy savings competitions, community garden, and the campus connector transportation systems are all initiatives that are becoming a way of life in our on-campus residential areas as well as the campus community at large. Sustainable living is included in our residential services guide.


The website URL for the guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:
A brief description of regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper, either through a regular column or a reporter assigned to the sustainability beat:

The Office of Sustainability Practices writes a monthly blog post for the student newspaper, the Lanthorn.


The website URL for regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper, either through a regular column or a reporter assigned to the sustainability beat:
A brief description of another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above (1st material):

Staff and students at GVSU's Annis Water Research Institute work together to publish academic papers on a variety of research topics relating to plant life, water resources and the Great Lakes ecosystem.


The website URL for this material (1st material):
Does the institution produce another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above? (2nd material):
Yes

A brief description of this material (2nd material):

GVSU's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center publishes an informational brochure that details their facility and current projects.


The website URL for this material (2nd material):
Does the institution produce another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above? (3rd material):
Yes

A brief description of this material (3rd material):

The University provides documentation on LEED certified buildings in the form of fliers.


The website URL for this material (3rd material):
Does the institution produce another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above? (4th material):
Yes

A brief description of this material (4th material):

University Communications assigns a staff member to publicize sustainability-related events, activities and information in several publications including GV Now, The Forum, and GV Magazine.


The website URL for this material (4th material):
Does the institution produce another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above? (5th material):
Yes

A brief description of this material (5th material):

The Office of Sustainability Practices publishes various materials for orientation purposes, including event fliers and tips on how to lead a sustainable lifestyle.


The website URL for this material (5th material):
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Does the institution produce another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above? (6th material):
No

A brief description of this material (6th material):
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The website URL for this material (6th material):
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Does the institution produce another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above? (7th material):
No

A brief description of this material (7th material):
---

The website URL for this material (7th material):
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Does the institution produce another sustainability publication or outreach material not covered above? (8th material):
No

A brief description of this material (8th material):
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The website URL for this material (8th material):
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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.