| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 75.15 |
| Liaison | Laura Young |
| Submission Date | March 3, 2022 |
Michigan State University
EN-4: Outreach Materials and Publications
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Laura
Young Sustainability Program Coordinator Administration-EVP-Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution have a central sustainability website that consolidates information about the institution’s sustainability efforts?:
Website URL for the central sustainability website:
Does the institution have a sustainability newsletter or social media platform that focuses specifically on campus sustainability?:
A brief description of the sustainability newsletter or social media platform:
MSU Sustainability shares all that is front facing for campus sustainability initiatives. MSU Sustainability has channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In addition, campus sustainability partners also maintain their own social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram. Partners seek to cross promote posts. Partners include: Eat at State, MSU LiveOn, MSU Surplus, MSU Recycling. All departments participate in a monthly communications meeting to plan and discuss content and strategies.
MSU Sustainability:
https://www.facebook.com/msusustainability/
https://twitter.com/MSU_Sustains
https://www.instagram.com/msusustainability/
For partner social media channels, refer to additional documentation.
Does the institution have signage that highlights sustainability features on campus?:
A brief description of the signage that highlights sustainability features on campus:
Each Residence hall has a 36 x 48 posters framed with 12 sustainable LEED initiatives in each lobby for the residents and guests to see. LEED plaques are displayed in certified halls. There is also extensive, color-coded recycling signage in every MSU building. Signage and posters can also be downloaded for individuals units to supplement existing signage: https://msurecycling.com/signs-posters/. In the dining halls, signage identifies sustainable food options and highlights food waste programs. In addition, signage around campus denotes student-led sustainability projects, such as a pollinator garden at Wells Hall or solar-lighting installed on bus shelters. Signage is also placed at strategic locations around campus promoting MSU as a Bicycle Friendly University and as a designated Tree Campus Higher Education institution. MSU Water also has multiple signs across campus to educate the public about the university's stormwater practices and also highlights protecting the riparian buffer along the Red Cedar River. Lastly, commemorative trees on campus have labels that identify the planting date, tree species, common name, and scientific name.
Does the institution provide a sustainability walking map or tour?:
A brief description of the sustainability walking map or tour:
The MSU Office of Sustainability offers sustainability walks and tours that showcase the ways in which sustainability is embedded within MSU's campus, curriculum, culture and community, highlighting topics such as green buildings, freshwater protection, sustainable food, and renewable energy. Several virtual/self-guided walks have been developed including: "Sustainable MSU: Walk, Run, and Ride Tour", "Cultivating Connections with Nature: The Gardens of MSU", and "MSU Teaches, Talks and Walks Trees: Explore the Spartan Tree Campus Legacy". https://sustainability.msu.edu/campus-information/Sustainability%20Walks/Sustainability%20Walks.html.
In addition, campus partners have also developed self-guided tours, including:
Campus Storm water Walking Tour: http://msu-water.msu.edu/what-is-storm-water/campus-storm-water-walking-tour/
Department of Horticulture Garden Guide: https://www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/our_gardens/Visit/
Agriculture & Ecology Walking Tour (Off-campus at W.K. Kellogg Biological Station): https://lter.kbs.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/LTER-walking-tour-flier-JED.pdf
Does the institution produce a guide for green living and/or incorporating sustainability into the residential experience?:
A brief description of the guide for green living and/or incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:
The Spartan Green Living Certification was developed by the 2020-2021 MSU Eco-Reps cohort and reviewed by the Student Sustainability Leadership Council. The pilot version of the program launched during the Spring 2021 semester. This program was designed by students for students to help Spartans embrace sustainable practices in their daily lives. Certification is open to any MSU student, whether living on or off campus. The certification uses a self-reporting approach in multiple areas including: energy, water, food, health and well-being, purchasing, transportation and waste. https://sustainability.msu.edu/get-involved/student-resources/green_certification.html
In addition, MSU Sustainability includes several resources and guides on its website to encourage sustainable living: https://sustainability.msu.edu/get-involved/student-resources/index.html (see sustainable living section). Information about sustainable living on campus is also highlighted on LiveOn website: https://liveon.msu.edu/Sustainability
A brief description of other comprehensive sustainability outreach materials and publications not covered above:
Internal materials are created for residence halls including student floor bulletin boards, posters, and flyers. Table tent ads are placed multiple times throughout the year to promote sustainable behaviors, programs and events (e.g., the MSU Sustainability Pledge, Pack Up. Pitch In.). There are move in and move out guides designed to help students move more sustainably. Sustainability videos have also been developed, and recordings from webinars are used as reference resources for the campus community.
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.