WMU's efforts to stay green recognized

Western Michigan University's use of LEED construction standards for both new projects and existing buildings is just one reason the university has been named one of the nation's most environmentally responsible green colleges.

 

The recognition from Princeton Review and the U.S. Green Building Council's Center for Green Schools is the fourth time in four years WMU has been included in a guide to the greenest colleges. 

 

The guide was compiled based on results of a 50-question survey of 806 schools. Information from the survey was used to generate a green rating for each school that ranges from 60 to 99. Schools with a score of 83 or better were included in the guide. WMU's rating was 94. There are 322 U.S. and Canadian colleges and universities that were recognized.

 

Colleges and universities must "demonstrate notable commitments to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation" to receive the recognition. 

 

Princeton Review says that WMU's extensive use of electric vehicles, its water management record and many conservation efforts were reasons to be named among the most environmentally responsible. Its use of trayless dining, food from local sources and that it provides learning and research oriented opportunities through its Office for Sustainability also are notable.

 

WMU is  the only Michigan university with a student sustainability fee that provides support for sustainability efforts as well as grants for student-initiated research, the Princeton Review says. 

 

WMU also is among schools that signed the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment and the Talloires Declaration. Further, WMU is a member of the Founding Circle of the Billion Dollar Green Challenge. (The Challenge encourages colleges, universities, and other nonprofit institutions to invest a combined total of one billion dollars in self-managed revolving funds that finance energy efficiency improvements.)