| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 60.05 |
| Liaison | Jessica Thompson |
| Submission Date | Feb. 15, 2023 |
Northern Michigan University
PRE-2: Points of Distinction
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
N/A |
Jessica
Thompson Professor/SAC Co-Chair Business |
Name of the institution’s featured sustainability program, initiative, or accomplishment:
A brief description of the institution’s featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
SHINE is an interdisciplinary hub to improve sustainability-related communication, coordination, and education on campus in order to attract and retain students. The next generation of Wildcats are seeking institutions that commit to sustainability – including environmental, social and economic equity. In a recent campus-wide survey, 62% of students (n = 698) agreed or strongly agreed that sustainability is part of our culture at NMU, but only 48% (n = 541) reported being aware of sustainability efforts on campus. It is time for NMU to demonstrate sustainability leadership in our academic programs and operations. SHINE will increase awareness and coordinate efforts across our campus while engaging students to help build a culture of sustainability at NMU.
Which of the following impact areas does the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Public Engagement
Coordination & Planning
Website URL where more information about the accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
Name of a second highlighted sustainability program/initiative/accomplishment:
A brief description of the second program/initiative/accomplishment:
NMU's Office of the President has including "Building a Culture of Sustainability" as one of the four main focus areas for the University's strategic plan. Sustainable actions are commonly defined as those that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Most definitions of sustainability emphasize the intersection of environmental protection, economic development and social equity. Thus, a focus on sustainability reinforces other Focus Areas such as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Rural Roots. Building a Culture of Sustainability will require a comprehensive strategy that infuses sustainability considerations into all university-wide decision-making, curricula and outreach efforts. This coordinated approach builds on existing goals outlined in NMU's 2030 Sustainability Plan and Campus Energy Master Plan, which have been developed in consultation with the Sustainability Advisory Council, the Carbon Neutrality Task Force and the efforts of many students, staff and faculty across campus. Coordinating these efforts will bring NMU's performance in this area to the next level, and will promote NMU's reputation as a regional leader in sustainability.
Which impact areas does the second program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Air & Climate
Coordination & Planning
Website URL where more information about the second program/initiative/accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the second program/initiative/accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the second program/initiative/accomplishment:
Name of a third highlighted program/initiative/accomplishment:
A brief description of the third program/initiative/accomplishment:
EcoReps is a student sustainability peer-to-peer education program. They manage the university's Green Fund application process. In 2022 they helped develop a proposal for demonstration solar array. In November 2022 the array was installed and will power most of the SHINE (sustainability hub) building on campus.
Which impact areas does the third program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Energy
Website URL where more information about the third program/initiative/accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the third program/initiative/accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the third program/initiative/accomplishment:
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.