Central Michigan University

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

The sustainable CMU

The vegetated roof of CMU's new Education and Human Services Building is one of the university's successes in creating a more sustainable campus.

Photo by Robert Barclay
University Communications

RSS Print

Media Contact(s):

Heather Smith
989-774-1702
heather.smith@cmich.edu

TO VIEW A VIDEO, CLICK HERE.

Sustainability has been a priority for Central Michigan University for many years, but a recent increase in the university's commitment to be "green" continues to pay off.

CMU has gained a spot in Sierra Magazine's 2009 top 50 "cool schools" listing. Sierra Magazine, published by the Sierra Club, is an environmental organization that works to protect communities, wild places and the planet.

CMU was listed 46th among 135 colleges and universities throughout the U.S. that were ranked based on their overall sustainability efforts. Categories in the Sierra Club survey included: efficiency, energy, food, academics, purchasing, transportation, waste management and administration.

Efforts across campus continue to make an impact on reducing CMU's carbon footprint. Recycling is one of those areas, and CMU is always looking for new ways -- and new items -- to recycle. Spearheaded by CMU's Student Recycling Coordinators, recent projects include the implementation of used light bulb and battery recycling; curbside recycling pickup for all CMU apartment complexes; and recycling of aluminum, plastic and glass on campus and at home football games. CMU also was awarded 2009 "Recycler of the Year" by the Michigan Recycling Coalition.

Other sustainability successes on campus throughout the past year include:

• the installation of occupancy sensors in academic building rooms;
• implementation of trayless dining in residential restaurants;
• low-flow water fixture installation;
• 50 bike racks and six new bus shelters were installed to encourage alternative transportation;
• installation of aerators on 4,500 faucets;
• equipped new Education and Human Services building with a vegetated roof and rain garden parking lot; and,
• purchasing environmentally friendly products for use in campus operations.