Michigan State University

College Sustainability Report Card 2007

Michigan State University has shown institutional support for sustainability by creating an Office of Sustainability, hiring a coordinator to promote sustainability efforts on campus, and working through a larger University Committee for a Sustainable Campus. This has helped the University to carry out policies addressing LEED-designed buildings, renewable energies, local foods, and energy conservation. A campus sustainability report was released in 2003 and a monthly newsletter entitled "Footprints" details campus sustainability efforts.

A broad campus sustainability report was released in 2003 that detailed the University's baseline operations. Since then, the University has taken steps to address energy use and environmental sustainability. Lighting retrofits, an energy conservation campaign, a cogeneration plant, and a 10 kilowatt solar array have all helped to reduce energy use.

An agriculture and food subcommittee works to incorporate more local and organic foods in the dining halls, with sample meals to gauge student interest and encourage the development of a community foods program. Coordinating small, local farms to produce for a large university is one challenge that has been encountered during this effort. In response, the University is taking steps to network those local farmers, which is a strategy also used by some other schools. Fair trade products are also being introduced into dining halls. The Office of Recycling and Waste Management recycles wastes on campus and is advocating for a composting effort and recycling facility, as well.

As part of the University's Rebuild Michigan Project, major building or renovation projects are required to consider LEED standards. A chemistry building and university federal credit union, both currently under construction, are registered with the U.S. Green Building Council. Among other initiatives, a green roof was installed on the Plant and Soil Sciences building.

The University has no known policy of disclosure of endowment holdings or its shareholder voting record.

The University prioritizes investing to maximize profit and has not made any public statements about investigating or investing in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.

The University has not made any public statements about active ownership or a proxy voting policy.