The "Sustainable
University of Michigan"
a s t u d e
n t - l e d i n i t i a t i v e
| Sustainability Agenda | Implementation Strategies | Sustainability Efforts | EMS Blueprints | Contacts |
UPDATE 4/26/2004 - The U-M Environmental Task Force, formed in 2003 by President Mary Sue Coleman, issues report recommending eight key areas for U-M to monitor for environmental sustainability. Read the Press Release. Read the Environmental Task Force Report. Want to make sure U-M follows these recommendations and others??? Current students interested in taking the Sustainable University of Michigan student-led initiative forward should contact the webmaster.
 TAKE ACTION!.... |
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U-M Environmental Task Force Report identifies key environmental performance areas to monitor and improve, and recommends reporting the University's progress on an annual basis. Want to make sure U-M takes action?? The "Sustainable University of Michigan" student-led initiative needs new student leadership - interested
current students should contact the webmaster for more information.
Our old action items have been archived here. | |
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The "Sustainable University of Michigan" initiative is motivated by our serious environmental concerns,
and was triggered by the Sustainability lecture series during the 1999 Winter semester at the University of
Michigan Business School. Several of the world-renowned speakers challenged our university to expand its
leading role into the realm of environmental and social responsibility. The signers of this document feel
that the time has come for the University of Michigan (UM) to take on the challenge, and demonstrate its
leadership by formally integrating a Sustainability agenda into its operations and educational approach.
Currently the "University of Michigan Mission and Vision Statement" does not mention environmental responsibility and environmental impacts. However, the Campus Master Plan Advisory Committee has been charged by the President with considering "issues of sustainability." In response, the committee suggested the management of UM properties to "support the ongoing processes that sustain life and [...] promote their continuing function." Moreover, the Campus Master Plan Phase 1 states: "The University is at present engaged in a number of important collaborative environmental initiatives. Campus-wide policies on environmental planning, design and management could reinforce these efforts."
The enclosed draft UM Sustainability Agenda suggests concrete ways of establishing such support. We, the
undersigned strongly encourage the University to adopt the recommended strategies, which we consider essential
first steps in demonstrating UM's preparedness to adequately deal with the social and environmental challenges
of the 21st century.
- Michigan Student Assembly passes "Striving
for a Sustainable U of M" resolution (12/11/2001)
- Radio interview
on WEMU, giving a good overview of our efforts (10/10/2001)
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Editorial on October 2001 faculty petition to U of M administration regarding
Kyoto Protocol, Michigan Daily (11/19/2001)
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Article about our meeting with President Bollinger (4/6/2001)
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Critical article by us about U of M's environmental efforts (4/17/2001)
and U
of M's stance on greenhouse gas emission reductions (4/10/2001)
- Two articles about this initiative in the 'Michigan Daily': (3/29/01)
(11/27/2000)
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Letter to the editor, Michigan Daily (2/7/2001)
- U
of M alumni petition to President Bollinger on greenhouse gas emissions
of U of M (1/31/2001)
Suggested Implementation Strategies
Rationale for Sustainability Agenda