Northern Michigan University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

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 accessible to a wide range of audiences

The full action plan is available here: https://nmu.edu/president/interim-strategic-plan-creating-culture-sustainability

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

Tactic 3.4. Facilitate educational efforts around Indigenous practices, including Indigenous food movements and inter-relational accountability.

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

Sustainable investing and divestment from fossil fuels are part of the University's Investment Policy for Endowments: https://www.nmu.edu/Webb/MiscUploads/Policies/Final%20NMU%20Statement%20of%20Investment%20Policy%20Endowments%202023.pdf

To satisfy these priorities, the Board of Trustees has adopted the following guidelines: 1. The Endowment Fund will divest from direct or indirect ownership in companies involved in the extraction, production, and distribution of fossil fuels by 2028.

Northern Michigan is committed to promoting sustainable investments when selecting investments in the Endowment Fund. The Committee understands that sustainability aligns with the University’s core values and may consider sustainability when selecting investments. At the same time, maximizing the return on the Endowment Fund is the primary fiduciary responsibility.

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

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.

In April 2023, NMU was the 17th university to commit to the Okanagan Charter. https://www.acha.org/documents/general/Okanagan_Charter_Oct_6_2015.pdf

Details of the commitment and organizational efforts to fulfill this multidimensional sustainability commitment: https://news.nmu.edu/northern-michigan-university-joins

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.