Michigan State University

Sustainability in academics has continued to mature as seen by the increase in courses; learning outcomes; students; and graduates in a broadening set of degree offerings with sustainability focus. MSU has continued to foster relationships … read more

Sustainability in academics has continued to mature as seen by the increase in courses; learning outcomes; students; and graduates in a broadening set of degree offerings with sustainability focus. MSU has continued to foster relationships between students, faculty, and external stakeholders as a part of the learning experience. The Department of Community Sustainability has instilled sustainability into all of its majors along with a set of core competencies: critical thinking; systems thinking; economic literacy; ecological literacy; boundary-crossing; community; equity; civic engagement; leadership; initiative and practical skills; and ethics.  They also serve as a core for coursework supporting majors and minors across the entire university. Schools such as the School of Planning, design, and construction have recently voted to incorporate sustainability into their vision statement;"We collaborate to create sustainable and healthy built, natural, and virtual environments."  

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"A particular research program of great interest to sustainability and unique is the collaboration with University of Wisconsin - the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center. While launched several years prior, it was launched with the … read more

"A particular research program of great interest to sustainability and unique is the collaboration with University of Wisconsin - the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center. While launched several years prior, it was launched with the full concept of sustainable agriculture. It involves 35 faculty and received 25 million per year through a DOE grant. Lead: Eric Hegg. At Great Lakes Bioenergy,researchers draw on the expertise of engineers, economists, microbiologists, and ecologists to develop sustainable biofuels and bioproducts. Working together, they engineer bioenergy crops to enhance their environmental and economic value, conduct research to generate multiple products from plant biomass, and optimize the field-to-product pipeline. An initiative aimed at raising environmental awareness and engagement in Monroe, Michigan, born out of a collaboration with Michigan State University’s College of Arts and Letters, is now being recognized with the Distinguished Partnership Award for Community-Engaged Service by MSU’s Office of University Outreach and Engagement.

Kelly Salchow MacArthur, associate professor of graphic design in the Department of Art, Art History and Design, along with two of her past students, Larissa Moyer and Malarie French, worked with the River Raisin Institute of Monroe on the project, called the Resilient Monroe Green Map Initiative."

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MSU has a robust student body, with countless extracurricular opportunities. The university has over 50 Registered Student Organizations that have roots in sustainability or in one or more legs of the triple bottom line. Students … read more

MSU has a robust student body, with countless extracurricular opportunities. The university has over 50 Registered Student Organizations that have roots in sustainability or in one or more legs of the triple bottom line. Students have independently led an event called the Big Green Gig, which has celebrated Earth Day in East Lansing and helped to bring the community and students closer together. The Big Green Gig has occurred in 2017 and 2018, and has become an annual event, with hundreds participating in games, up cycling crafts, and interactive educational activities. Students have also been able to shine through RISE; more than 200 students have moved from that program to other areas of campus, teaching their peers sustainable living and growing their education in the sustainability area. The Bailey Greenhouse and Urban Farm, run by RISE students, along the with Student Organic Farm, have been partially-operated by students since their inceptions. Students learn to plant, grow, and harvest crops and become more connected to food systems and sustainability in the field first-hand. Students learn valuable skills in sales, crop production, and marketing as they work to make a profit off their product and sell to fellow students as well as dining halls. Through MSU's RSOs, groups, workshops, gardens, community service projects, and other activities, countless students are exposed to sustainability every year in fun, engaging, and innovative ways. In addition, students now run a university business: Land Grant Goods. It gives students first hand experience in both making sustainable products as well as running a sustainable business operation.

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The world's big problems require innovative thinking, passionate people, and a global network of collaborators who will work toward the common good. With our unique partnership approach and capacity to take on increasingly complex problems, … read more

The world's big problems require innovative thinking, passionate people, and a global network of collaborators who will work toward the common good. With our unique partnership approach and capacity to take on increasingly complex problems, MSU is creating a global network that connects faculty, students, universities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, foundations, and industry partners across countries, projects, and multi-continent consortium. MSU has sharpened its focus on several critical international themes, including agriculture and food systems, sustainable environment, health and nutrition, and education.  Through their International Studies and Programs, MSU researchers work directly with farmers, policy makers, government entities, and researchers in partner institutions to increase agricultural productivity, improve diets, and build greater resilience to challenges like climate change. Backed by more than a quarter-billion dollars in international funding over the past decade, MSU researchers are working with key stakeholders around the globe to improve livelihoods through innovative research and sustainable solutions that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges in agriculture and food security. A flagship program is the Partnerships for Sustainable Community Development (PSCD). PSCD is a long-term collaborative alliance of local and international organizations dedicated to improving local livelihoods. The partnership was established at Michigan State University (MSU) in 2007 as a means to find long-term solutions, build capacity, and create collaborations that promote resilient and sustainable communities. https://pscd.isp.msu.edu/about/about/.  On a more regional and local basis, community based partnerships are embedded throughout the fabric of the university.  University Outreach and Engagement, https://engage.msu.edu/upload/flyers/Outreach-Brochure-2018_acc.pdf fosters MSU’s land-grant mission by connecting university knowledge with community knowledge in mutually beneficial ways. UOE also engages in research designed to demonstrate the disciplinary and interdisciplinary impact of engaged scholarship on faculty work and university-community partnerships. In all of its work, UOE emphasizes university community partnerships that are collaborative, participatory, empowering, systemic, transformative, and anchored in scholarship. MSU has also assumed a leadership role with respect to national conversations about the scholarship of engagement—defining, measuring, and evaluating best practices. IN addition there are a number of community-based networks across the state, each with their own structure and governance.  Most germane to sustainability are the EDA University Center for Regional Economic Innovation, https://reicenter.org/ and Neighborhoods without Borders (Flint) https://engage.msu.edu/about/projects/community-and-economic-development/neighborhoo…. MSU is also an endorsing partner in the Grand Rapids Area Community Sustainability Partnership, collaborating with membership to promote sustainability education, awareness, and business strategy.  http://grpartners.org/about/.

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Under the Energy Transition Plan, Infrastructure and Planning Facilities: Transitions from coal to natural gas in 2016; have added solar car ports and tied them into our micro-grid and; made multiple equipment dispate and demand … read more

Under the Energy Transition Plan, Infrastructure and Planning Facilities: Transitions from coal to natural gas in 2016; have added solar car ports and tied them into our micro-grid and; made multiple equipment dispate and demand limit decisions in order to reduce costs and improve plant efficiency (balancing natural gas usage against predicted solar power contributions and the cost to purchase power off the utility grid. The Energy Transition Plan five year review (2017) reported that MSU has reduced emissions by 30 % in year 2014-2015 from its baseline year of 2009-10. The switching of fuel sources has drastically reduced particulate matter 2.5 emissions, lowered fuel costs, and decreased costs of converting the input fuel into electricity and heat within the power plant. The fuel conversion is resulting in 250,000 tons of CO2 emissions reductions - approximately equivalent to planting half a million trees annually, a 43% reduction in overall CO2 emissions from campus.

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In 2009, MSU received its first LEED award (silver certification) for the construction of an addition to the Chemistry Building. The Chemistry addition includes LEED features such as recycled glass in the flooring, low-flow toilets, … read more

In 2009, MSU received its first LEED award (silver certification) for the construction of an addition to the Chemistry Building. The Chemistry addition includes LEED features such as recycled glass in the flooring, low-flow toilets, drip irrigation and motion sensors for classroom lights.

Gold certifications:

Butterfield Hall
MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center
College of Human Medicine’s Secchia Center in Grand Rapids
Shaw Hall
Silver certifications:

Brody Hall (addition three)
Case Hall (addition three)
Chemistry Building (addition two)
Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum
Life Science (Bott Nursing Education Research)
Kellogg Biological Station's dairy facility
A total of 1,559,273 square feet of MSU-owned space has been LEED registered.

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A number of major energy projects were implemented in accordance with the Energy Transition Plan. A five year review was conducted in 2017 and progress reported. http://ipf.msu.edu/_files/pdfs/etp-five-year-review-aug-2017.pdf Major energy projects included: . Power Plant efficiency … read more

A number of major energy projects were implemented in accordance with the Energy Transition Plan. A five year review was conducted in 2017 and progress reported. http://ipf.msu.edu/_files/pdfs/etp-five-year-review-aug-2017.pdf Major energy projects included: . Power Plant efficiency improvements and the elimination of coal, fuel switching to 100 % natural gas and the installation of the largest solar carport array (non-utility) in the United States. In addition, Steam Trap Program instituted; 10 year building re-commissioning program completed in 2018.

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RHS Purchasing: majority within 600 miles
Clean Plates at State
Student Organic Farm program

1) IPF collaborated with the Civil Engineering Department, which established the National Center for Pavement Preservation, to assess campus pavements and provide data for preservation and maintenance.  Potentially saving thousands of dollars with the right … read more

1) IPF collaborated with the Civil Engineering Department, which established the National Center for Pavement Preservation, to assess campus pavements and provide data for preservation and maintenance.  Potentially saving thousands of dollars with the right plan in place.  2) MSU Developed a Sustainable Stormwater Management Walking Tour highlighting the low impact development practices utilized on campus. 3) Posts were installed in specific locations on campus to provide an alternative way to hang up hammocks that would not damage or impact the campus arboretum.  

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A notable accomplishment in this category is the implementation of High-Performance Cleaning; Custodial Services using cutting-edge technology [user and environmentally friendly] to clean spaces while protecting the health of the building occupants and the environment. … read more

A notable accomplishment in this category is the implementation of High-Performance Cleaning; Custodial Services using cutting-edge technology [user and environmentally friendly] to clean spaces while protecting the health of the building occupants and the environment. They have also implemented the use of chemical-free floor cleaner; sealed floors to protect from stains and decrease need for harsh stain-removers; and made increased recycling a priority. They have lowered water consumption and electricity usage and and reduced the amount of chemicals being washed down drains. The floor finish that we recently selected for the finishing of our resilient flooring, Buckeye Clarion 25, has achieved an EPA registered antimicrobial, Microban certification. https://www.buckeyeinternational.com/products/floor-finishes/clarion-25.

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MSU developed and published in 2018 the MSU Mobility Plan. Michigan State University’s Mobility Plan initiative comprises mobility technology, mobility source management, and infrastructure. The combination of these collective efforts results in the weaving of … read more

MSU developed and published in 2018 the MSU Mobility Plan. Michigan State University’s Mobility Plan initiative comprises mobility technology, mobility source management, and infrastructure. The combination of these collective efforts results in the weaving of a mobility tapestry that  serves as a comprehensive and adaptable road map to guide and position MSU as a recognized leader in mobility, both nationally and globally.
The MSU Mobility Technology Committee, the MSU Mobility Source Management Committee, and the MSU Infrastructure Committee summarize their work in the MSU Mobility Report which is attached. Several aspects of this plan are in implementation mode and have served to provide data driven decisions as to mobility safety and policy.  The university has also engaged in collaborative research in establishing a test bed for advanced mobility in the newly formed Spartan Mobility Village.  MSU has also engaged in the multi-partner regional effort to explore a regional bike and scooter sharing program with CATA, Meridian Twp; Lansing, East Lansing, and several other partners.  MSU has also contracted with the CATA Transportation System to provide bus ridership for free for students. CATA reprots that bus ridership increased nearly 38 % in the first semester that the free service was offered.  In addition to the charging stations installed by MSU, MSU’s partnership with the Lansing Board of Water and Light for the Kellogg Center station. MSU Bikes is Michigan State University’s resource for all things bike related. Its mission is to encourage bicycling and provide the accessibility, support and education necessary to make biking an option for the MSU community. MSU Bikes has both new and used bikes available to rent or purchase, and the MSU Bikes Service Center, located on the south-side of Bessey Hall, manages all bike-repair needs as well as providing various parts and biking accessories for sale. In addition to plenty of bike racks around campus, two new MSU bike garages offer secure, covered parking for bicycles. The Campus Fleet  program continues to emphasize adding electric vehicles to the fleet - promoting and giving customers the opportunity to experience new technology like hybrid and all electric vehicles and utilizing the campus as a living laboratory for understanding how alternative transportation modes integrates with the broader campus mobility strategy.  Lastly, the Solar Carports detailed in the Innovation Section provide a multi-modal transport hub for the last vehicle mile traveled. The carports serve as a hub for a combination of walking, biking, scooters, and bus transportation. MSU Bikes’ brochure which shows not only all the bike-related facilities on campus but also the EV charging stations, the Multi-Modal Transp. Center and solar car ports:
https://msubikes.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/bikes-brochure-8-10-2017-final_page_2-e…

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A unique and accomplished unit within MSU is its Surplus Store & Recycling Center (SSRC).  The SSRC puts a reuse first focus on both recycling and waste with an emphasis on positively impacting the local … read more

A unique and accomplished unit within MSU is its Surplus Store & Recycling Center (SSRC).  The SSRC puts a reuse first focus on both recycling and waste with an emphasis on positively impacting the local community. Construction and demolition waste is routinely sorted for reusable materials that are either sold or given away though the store. The waste stream is routinely evaluated to identify new opportunities for reuse first and recycling where possible. Reusable materials are regularly removed from the recycling stream and are either sold or given away through the store. A sub-store (Spartan Upcycle) was created to inspire and promote creativity, resource conservation and community engagement through art, education and imagination. SSRC actively supports reuse and recycling community collections across 3 counties and maintains a public recycling drop-off center available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additional accomplishments:
• Spartan Sports Sale – generated $140,000 in six hours selling materials when offices moved.
• Sparty’s Cabin [Tiny House] construction
• Hosted Patagonia “Worn Wear College Tour”
• Completed Organic Wastes Inventory and Assessment
• Launched premier SPARTAN SHADOWS program – creating furniture and wood products out of reclaimed wood from campus
• Launched SPARTAN UPCYCLE – reduces waste by inspiring creativity, resources conservation, and community engagement through art, education and imagination.
• Ride a Bike to the Movies Night
• Hosted Food@MSU Forums;
• Capstone project with Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering to design and test sensor technology on waste receptables.
• RecycleMania participation recycled more than 836,000 pounds of materials – 2nd in the Big 10 conference for Gorilla Prize Category.

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A key action that has contributed to the reduction of water and significant costs savings was the installation of a reverse osmosis process for the power plant.  The change resulted in a payback of just … read more

A key action that has contributed to the reduction of water and significant costs savings was the installation of a reverse osmosis process for the power plant.  The change resulted in a payback of just a few weeks, over $350,000 in savings and reduced the correlated water usage for that process by 10 %.  IN addition, the university is working to ensure a balanced and sustainable approach to water consumption on the MSU campus.  An interdisciplinary water team works together assessing water use; and efforts to improve the efficiency and reduction of use through conservation efforts.  Drip irrigation systems target plant's root systems.  Replacement of high-water-use fixtures with more lower-use fixtures MSU also has in place a WellHead Protection Program that is updated regularly; it received an exemplary awarded by the Mi Section of the American Water Works Association.   

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MSU has hired a Director of Sustainability and Program Coordinator in the EVP of Administration to provide the overall coordination of sustainability throughout the university and with external partners. This will both expand and heighten … read more

MSU has hired a Director of Sustainability and Program Coordinator in the EVP of Administration to provide the overall coordination of sustainability throughout the university and with external partners. This will both expand and heighten the emphasis on Moving Forward with the vision of embedding sustainability into the fabric of the university using the focus of campus, community, curriculum, and culture. MSU also completed their five year review of progress forward on the Energy Transition Plan, producing a corresponding Sustainability Report. It noted many significant accomplishments towards it's sustainable energy goals and identified a forward strategy for advancing sustainability at the university. http://ipf.msu.edu/_files/pdfs/etp-five-year-review-aug-2017.pdf

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Since 2015, MSU has pushed itself past its own limits to accommodate campus diversity, culture, and employee satisfaction. The university has come to terms with its previous shortcomings, and has risen to the occasion to … read more

Since 2015, MSU has pushed itself past its own limits to accommodate campus diversity, culture, and employee satisfaction. The university has come to terms with its previous shortcomings, and has risen to the occasion to remedy these. In the last three years, MSU has instituted a new Office for Civil Rights and Title IX, increased its number of counselors twofold, implemented an integrated learning lab on campus, conducted four diversity and inclusion surreys and reports, revamped its employee orientation to cover diversity and inclusion policies more effectively, celebrated 50 successful years of its upward bound program, and was was awarded $4.9 million by the National Science Foundation to support low-income students through scholarships to study STEM and Natural Science at MSU.

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MSU named its first Chief Investment Officer to oversee all of the university's lng-term investments. The CIO has hired 2 investment officers as well. Having a CIO has allowed MSU to grow internal talent and … read more

MSU named its first Chief Investment Officer to oversee all of the university's lng-term investments. The CIO has hired 2 investment officers as well. Having a CIO has allowed MSU to grow internal talent and capabilities to identify new investment opportunities There is also an Investment Advisory Subcommittee established by the Board of Trustees.The Board of Trustees added three External members to the Committee.

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Since 2015, MSU has pushed itself past its own limits to accommodate campus diversity, culture, and employee satisfaction. The university has come to terms with its previous shortcomings, and has risen to the occasion to … read more

Since 2015, MSU has pushed itself past its own limits to accommodate campus diversity, culture, and employee satisfaction. The university has come to terms with its previous shortcomings, and has risen to the occasion to remedy these.Health and employee compensation has not been ignored; in fact, the university's Health4U program is thriving and engaging staff on campus across disciplines every year.

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