AASHE Conference Working Together for Sustainability – On Campus and Beyond November 9-11, 2008 Norman Christopher Director of Sustainability Grand Valley State University

University Resources Campus Operations -Administration -Campus Dining -Facilities Services Education for Sustainability Student Involvement Community Engagement GVSU Sustainability Initiative Source: Adapted from Tony Cortese, Second Nature

Economic Prosperity Environmental Stewardship Social Responsibility “Green” Efficiencies + “Sustainable” Value Creation Re-Investment

Purpose To develop the necessary skills, analytical tools, and resources to address global, national, and local sustainability issues through curriculum development, service learning, and integrated programs and activities using a balanced “triple bottom line” approach Mission To provide GVSU administration, faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders with the required skills and capabilities to become better stewards and responsible global citizens in the workforce, community, and family life Vision Applied sustainability “best practices” are accepted and valued as having an integral role in fulfilling and accomplishing GVSU’s strategic plan

Create Awareness Develop Understanding Determine Applications Monitor Progress Generate Performance Establish Transformational Change

Signatory to the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment Integration of Sustainability Guiding Principles into GVSU strategic plan Signatory to the Talloires Declaration regarding environmental sustainability education Development of periodic campus sustainability reports Use of sustainability guiding principles for GVSU re-accreditation Campus Sustainability Week committed to raising awareness and inspiring collaboration among faculty, staff, and students on sustainability issues Development of a university accountability report featuring sustainability metrics

Participation in the AASHE STAR Campus Sustainability Rating Pilot Project Creation of a comprehensive recycling program including e-waste Use of Energy Star® equipment Development of an efficient bus transit system with the ITP RAPID i.e. 2MM bus ridership Generation of energy savings projects i.e. $1MM annual savings per year Commitment to LEED building design and construction for all new buildings and large renovations

Assistance with weekly farmer’s markets Greater use of local, fair trade, and organic produce Completion of a successful food waste composting trial Use of biodegradable service ware and grocery bags Recycling of frying oils and grease into biofuels Purchase of 100% organic cotton uniform shirts Support of campus community garden Campus Dining grows its own herbs and makes its own croutons Participation in RecycleMania Innovation, creativity, and value creation such as by going “trayless”

Development of an environmental studies minor Establishment of sustainability emphasis within liberal studies major Creation of additional courses and curriculum in sustainable development e.g. green chemistry, global impact change Participation and support of the Michigan Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability (MIHEPS) Development of general education themes, e.g. earth and environment, social justice, cities Development of sustainability certificates e.g. business sustainability, renewable energy, urban sustainability

Development and monitoring of student-assisted community sustainability platform projects Establishment of Student Senate Sustainability Round Table Discussions RecycleMania competition Collaboration and participation with Michigan Student Sustainability Coalition (MSSC) Participation in annual “Make a Difference Day!” community service projects Development of a student sustainability pledge Development of a community garden Participation in Powershift and Focus the Nation climate change activities

Founding member of the Community Sustainability Partnership, a network of community organizations in West Michigan who embrace sustainable guiding principles in their planning and operations ( Support for the United Nations University Regional Center of Expertise in Education for Sustainable Development Participation on the governor appointed Michigan Climate Action Council Development and monitoring of city and regional indicator reports Development and monitoring of community stakeholder sustainability platform projects Assistance with development of sustainable inner-city neighborhoods and regional communities

Economic Prosperity Environmental Stewardship Social Responsibility “Green” Efficiencies + “Sustainable” Value Creation Re-Investment

Systems oriented thinking Critical path and root cause analysis Life cycle analysis Creativity and innovation Total and full cost accounting Collaborations and partnerships Listening and understanding Team and consensus building Risk management Story telling Transparency Inclusiveness Accountability Leadership

“The time is always right to do what is right” Martin Luther King Norman Christopher, Executive Director Sustainability Initiative, Grand Valley State University One Campus Drive, 224 LOH Allendale, MI – F