2012 iscn symposium - gliss overview june 2012
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TRANSCRIPT
Fall 2011
Working to make CMU a leader in Sustainability
The Great Lakes Institute for Sustainable Systems
at Central Michigan University
What is Sustainability?
“Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”
—Our Common Future, United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development (1987)
Background on Sustainability @ CMU 2008-2010 CMU instituted a program to
improve “sustainability” on campus Initiated by former President Dr. Michael Rao Continued support from President Ross and
Provost Shapiro Initial focus was “Facilities First” (energy and
water conservation; waste management; recycling; purchasing; etc.). Current savings ~ $1.6 million/year
Teaching, Research and Service components focused on Sustainability developed and integrated.
Joined Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
Using the “Triple Bottom Line” to Assess Sustainability…* Environment Economy Society
*Willard (2002) The Sustainability Advantage
Dr. Rick Kurtz and others proposed in 2009 the establishment of a Sustainability Institute on the campus of CMU…
Great Lakes Institute for Sustainable Systems @ CMU
www.cmich.edu/gliss.htm
Four Foundational Pillars of the Institute Environmental Protection and Resource
Stewardship Economic Viability – Fiscal Sustainability Social Justice and Community Viability Sustainable Energy Resources
www.cmich.edu/gliss.htm
Sustainability in Academic Programs
New minor in Sustainable Development (CBA)
MBA concentration in Sustainable International Development (CBA and CHSBS)
Green Chemistry (CS&T) New IET course in Sustainable
Technologies ProfEd certificate program in
Sustainability and Environmental Awareness (CHSBS & CST)
M.A. in Sustainable Systems (CHSBS) Research and Internship Opportunities
for Students
Sustainability in Service and Community Partnerships
GLISS serves as a resource center and point of intake for persons seeking sustainability information.
Service Learning projects and internships (CEHS, ENV program, CBA)
Policy “white papers” on Sustainability issues – science, policy, economics, etc. Consulting services Demonstration projects on campus GLISS Speaker Series
Community Partners in Sustainability
Union Township Wind Turbine Research Project – DELEG
grant Propane Vehicle Conversion – Federal grant Township Sustainability Committee – Policy
Advice and Land Use Planning Non-motorized Pathways Community Gardens and Kitchen
Mount Pleasant School District Energy Audit Project
Active Corporate Partners in Research and Student Learning
Enbridge Energy Systems Duke Energy United Solar Ovonics Eco-Green Energy Lease Management, Inc. Heritage Wind Energy Dow Chemical Five Lakes Energy Corporation
Sustainability Research @ CMU Connect existing research projects to the
Institute Small scale wind systems Bio-diesel fuel research Li-Ion battery research Campus Grow -- Composting Michigan Water Research Center – nutrients
and contaminants Gateway Communities Economic Development
Project Center for Applied Research and Rural Studies Parks Planning and Resource Impact Monitoring
Propose New Research Projects – Interdisciplinary -- Science/Policy/Business/Education
Awards and Recognition
2009 Recycler of the Year Award – MI Recycling Coalition
2009 Sierra Club “Cool School” 2010 Sierra Club “Cool School” Going Green Award – Corp! Magazine 2010 Green Cleaning Award
– American School and University Review Sustainable Residence Life Award- GLACUHO –
Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers
SRCEE President’s Award – Wind turbine project, Brittany Mouzourakis
Questions and Comments?
For additional information contact:
Thomas K. Rohrer, Director Great Lakes Institute for Sustainable Systems116 Anspach HallCentral Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant MI 48859U. S. A.001 (989) [email protected]