WMU was named the 2014 Best of Green Schools recipient in USGBC's higher education category. The annual awards program is designed to recognize the best environmental efforts in schools across the country. In making the announcement, the council's leadership lauded more than 20 years of WMU sustainability accomplishments in energy conservation efforts, recycling and waste reduction programs and support of cooperative research into green manufacturing practices.
The Center for Green Schools works to ensure every student has the opportunity to attend a green school within this generation. The U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.
The award means WMU will receive recognition from the council throughout the coming year and have access to a Green Classroom Professional Certificate Program. That program is a tool to help school staff and educators identify what supports or impedes healthy, resource-efficient and environmentally sustainable learning spaces.
Western Michigan University's sustainability efforts, which are part of its strategic plan, date back to 1971 when the University established Michigan's first environmental studies program. In 1980, WMU launched a quasi-green revolving fund—the first in the nation—that is used to fund energy-saving projects. Energy savings from those efforts have been captured and reinvested in additional energy-saving initiatives over the years. Additional work at WMU has focused on solar power, electric vehicles, food and gardening, storm water management, and interdisciplinary efforts to build sustainability into curricula and research. In 2010, WMU students became the first student body in Michigan to initiate and approve a fee that supports campus sustainability initiatives and provides funding for student research.
With 20 buildings on campus that are either certified or registered for certification, the University's commitment to LEED—Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design—is one of the highest in Michigan. In 2015, WMU aims to establish a LEED Lab program on campus. The University has been recognized in Princeton Review's Guide to 322 Green Colleges. Additionally, the Sustainable Endowments Institute recognizes WMU as one of 80 national campus sustainability leaders and the Detroit Free Press has named the University a Michigan Green Leader.
To read more, visit wmich.edu/news: WMU earns national recognition from U.S. Green Building Council