| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 60.05 |
| Liaison | Jessica Thompson |
| Submission Date | Feb. 15, 2023 |
Northern Michigan University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Jessica
Thompson Professor/SAC Co-Chair Business |
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in curriculum and/or research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to academics and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Sustainability objectives related to academics in the University's strategic plan:
Continue to develop an inter-departmental Sustainability Hub for Innovation & Environment (SHINE) to promote sustainability efforts
Work with local partners to provide internships, service projects, educational experiences, and research opportunities
Create a sustainability certification program that is accesible to a wide range of audiences
The full action plan is available here: https://nmu.edu/president/interim-strategic-plan-creating-culture-sustainability
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address student, employee, or community engagement for sustainability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to engagement and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Sustainability objectives related to engagement in the University's strategic plan:
Work with local partners to provide internships, service projects, educational experiences, and research opportunities
Create a sustainability certification program that is accesible to a wide range of audiences
Continue to develop an inter-departmental Sustainability Hub for Innovation & Environment (SHINE) to promote sustainability efforts
Use the student-initiated Green Fund to implement sustainability initiatives
The full action plan is available here: https://nmu.edu/president/interim-strategic-plan-creating-culture-sustainability
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in operations?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to operations and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Sustainability objectives related to operations in the University's strategic plan:
Explore Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for all new campus infrastructure
Transition university fleet to hybrid or electric vehicles
Develop composting systems on campus
Implement sustainability practices in all aspects of Dining operations, including residence hall and community dining venues, retail, concessions and catering operations
The full action plan is available here: https://nmu.edu/president/interim-strategic-plan-creating-culture-sustainability
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address diversity, equity, and inclusion; sustainable investment/finance; or wellbeing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Sustainability objectives related to administration and planning in the University's strategic plan:
Create Campus Energy Master Plan and a plan for Carbon Neutrality by 2050
The full action plan is available here: https://nmu.edu/president/interim-strategic-plan-creating-culture-sustainability
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
The institution’s highest guiding document (upload):
Website URL where the institution’s highest guiding document is publicly available:
Which of the following best describes the inclusion of sustainability in the highest guiding document?:
The institution's sustainability plan (upload):
Website URL where the institution's sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body?:
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
NMU's mission, vision, and core values each explicitly endorse sustainability as a key consideration for the institution:
NMU MISSION
Northern Michigan University’s distinctive academic and career programs are nurtured by exceptional teaching and extensive opportunities for scholarship, creativity and engagement. Our supportive, connected community empowers students, graduates, faculty and staff to contribute to a diverse and sustainable world.
NMU VISION
Northern Michigan University promotes an active environment to foster strong minds and bodies, inspires innovation and inclusion through community engagement, and develops leaders capable of local and global impact.
CORE VALUES
Community
Opportunity
Rigor
Environment
Inclusion
Connections
Innovation
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
Sustainability is the simple idea that we need to protect the environment while also promoting economic vitality and social equality. We see these three dimensions —ecology, economics, and society— as inextricably linked.
Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
| Yes or No | |
| The Earth Charter | No |
| The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) | No |
| ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter | No |
| Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability | No |
| SDG Accord | No |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | No |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | No |
| UN Global Compact | No |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | No |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
NMU has committed to achieving carbon neutrality and has activated a Carbon Neutrality Task Force, which is charged with the following:
Define for the NMU community the difference between the University’s sustainability plan and its Carbon Neutrality Plan, outlining the main responsibilities for each, including those for the President’s Sustainability Advisory Council and those for the to-be established carbon neutrality oversight group.
Develop a detailed procedure for carbon neutrality oversight and measurement of the University’s carbon footprint, using the internationally recognized Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
Create four phases of projects and steps that will get Northern to carbon neutrality:
Projects and steps for academic years 2021-22 and 2022-23
Projects and steps for academic years 2023-24 and 2024-25
Projects and steps for years 2025 – 2030
Projects and steps for years 2030 – 2050.
Create a progress report on the above three steps that includes tentative timelines, estimated costs, and assigned unit oversight and submit it to the President and Executive Council by March 2022 before sharing with the campus community for feedback April 2022.
Refine the Carbon Neutrality Plan based on University community feedback and submit it to the President and Executive Committee by the end of September 2022 and then to the NMU Board of Trustees for its December 2022 business meeting for potential approval with summer implementation start.
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning efforts is available:
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.