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Report Card 2010

Western Michigan University

Campus Survey

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With the publication of the College Sustainability Report Card 2010, more than 1,100 school survey responses from over 300 institutions are now available online. In total, these surveys offer more than 10,000 pages of data collected from colleges and universities during the summer of 2009. To access surveys from other schools, go to the surveys section of the website. To see grades, or to access additional surveys submitted by this school, please click the "Back to Report Card" link at the beginning or end of the survey.

 

Name: Sharon Dwan
Title:
  Research Analyst

Date survey submitted:

 

ADMINISTRATION

SUSTAINABILITY POLICIES
1) Does your school have its own formal sustainability policy?
[  ]  No
[X ]  Yes. Please describe and provide URL, if available: www.wmich.edu/sustainability/policy/index.html


2) Has the president of your institution signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC)?
[  ]  No
[X]  Yes. If completed, please provide the date the GHG Report was submitted to the ACUPCC: 07/17/09

3) Has your institution signed the Talloires Declaration?
[  ]  No
[X]  Yes

4) Is there a sustainability component in your institution's master plan and/or strategic plan (check all that apply)?
[  ]  No
[X ]  Yes, in the master plan. Please describe and provide URL, if available:

http://www.cpec.wmich.edu/docs/masterplan/2008-09_SEI_Update_Final.pdf

[ X ]  Yes, in the strategic plan. Please describe and provide URL, if available:
 

ADVISORY COUNCIL
5)
Does your school have a council or committee that advises on and/or implements policies and programs related to sustainability?
[  ]  No
[X ]  Yes

If you answered "No" to question 5, please proceed directly to question 11.

6) Please provide the name of the committee and list the number of meetings held since August 2008.
Name:  President’s University-wide Sustainability Committee
Number of meetings: 9

7) Please provide number of stakeholder representatives on the committee:   25
[#  3  ]  Administrators
[#  5  ]  Faculty 
[#  9  ]  Staff  
[#  6  ]  Students
[#   2 ]  Other. Please describe:  2 alumni post-graduate researchers

8) Please provide the name of the chair(s) of the committee for the 2009-2010 academic year, and indicate which stakeholder group the chair(s) represents.
If 2009-2010 academic year information is not yet available, please provide information for 2008-2009 instead.
Name of chair(s): Harold Glasser
Position(s) (e.g., administrator, faculty, staff, student):  Faculty

9) To whom does the committee report (e.g., president, vice president)? President

10) Please list key issues/programs that the committee has addressed or implemented since August 2008.

Key issues/programs that the group has addressed/implemented since August 2008:
Progress made on each of these issues since August 2008:

 

Please see the President's Universitywide Sustainability Committee's Strategic Sustainability Initiatives Report (February, 12 2009), for details:

http://www.wmich.edu/sustainability/pdf/initiatives-report.pdf

 

See page 4 for a summary of initiatives in progress (or planned) and pages 7-8 for a list of recent sustainability accomplishments. 

 

Since this Report was issued in February, additional major accomplishments include:

1. Creating an Office of Campus Sustainability.

2. Hiring a Director of Sustainability.

3. Completing a full Scope I, II, III GHG Inventory.

4. Signing the ACUPCC

5. Collaborating with local government, NGOs, schools, HE institutions, foundations, and businesses to create a Sustainability 

Covenant for short- and long-term sustainability planning and best-practice sharing.

6. Creating a Sustainable Communities Initiative to support quarterly best-practice and brainstorming luncheons to facilitate implementation 

of the Sustainability Covenant.

7. Signing on to and developing an implementation plan for the Climate Savers Computing Initiative.

8. Expansion and refinement of our "one-stop" campus sustainability information portal.

9. Completion of a campus "sustainability identity" to foster WMU's efforts to model and promote sustainability.

10. Expansion of a pilot to explore the creation of  a 100% PCW, FSC certified, acid free, chlorine free, locally produced paper policy.

11. Developing an LCD for CRT "buy back" program.

12. Completion of a Review and Assessment of Campus Composting Alternatives Report (highlighted by the NWF's Campus Ecology Program) 

and development of a proposal for a vermicomposting pilot for one dining hall (≈ 16% of Dining Services' pre-consumer food waste).

13. Creation of a program to train all "Campus Ambassadors" (tour guides) to highlight WMU's sustainability accomplishments and 

opportunities so as to facilitate meeting President Dunn's goal of creating a campus culture of sustainability.


SUSTAINABILITY STAFF
11)
Does your school employ sustainability staff (excluding student employees and interns)?
[  ]  No
[ X ]  Yes. Please provide titles and number of sustainability staff.
[# 4.0  ]  Number of full-time staff (in FTE). Titles:

Recycling coordinator

Energy and Water Reduction Manager

Asylum Lake/Environmental Research Coordinator

Sustainability Director [appointment in process]

 

[# 4.5  ]  Number of part-time staff (in FTE). Titles:

Post-graduate sustainability researchers – 1.5 FTE

Steam Trap Program Manager - .75 FTE

Electrical Conservation - .75 FTE

Energy Outreach Coordinator -    .5 FTE

Energy Specialist -                       .5 FTE

Power House Director -              .25 FTE

Commissioning Manager -           .25 FTE

 
12) Does the head of the sustainability staff report directly to the president or another high-level administrator (e.g., vice president, vice chancellor)?
[  ]  N/A
[  ]  No
[X ]  Yes. Please describe:  Reports directly to the President

OFFICE OR DEPARTMENT
13)
Does your school have an office or department specifically dedicated to furthering sustainability on campus?
[  ]  No
[X ]  Yes. Please describe (including name of office or department and year created): Office of Campus Sustainability, created in July 2009


WEBSITE
14)
Does your school have a website detailing its sustainability initiatives?
[  ]  No
[ X ]  Yes. Please provide URL:  http://www.wmich.edu/sustainability


GREEN PURCHASING
15) Does your school have a formal green purchasing policy?
[  ]  No
[ X ]  Yes. Please describe policy and provide URL to full policy, if available: www.wmich.edu/sustainability/policy/index.html

·        Storm Water Management

o       http://www.wmich.edu/sustainability/pdf/storm-management-policy.pdf

·        Facility Life Cycle Design

o       http://www.wmich.edu/sustainability/pdf/life_cycle_guidelines.pdf

·        New Building Construction

o       http://www.wmich.edu/sustainability/campus/buildings.html

·        Climate Savers Computer Purchasing

o       http://www.obf.wmich.edu/logistical-services/purch-docs/computer-purchase-policy.pdf

·        Compact Fluorescent Lamp Purchasing

o       http://www.pp.wmich.edu/ms/em/policies/lightPolicy.pdf

·        Environmental Safety and Emergency Management

o       http://www.esem.wmich.edu/policies.htm

·        Landscape LEED standards

o       http://www.wmich.edu/sustainability/pdf/leed_initiative.pdf

·        Green Cleaning

o       http://www.wmich.edu/sustainability/pdf/green_cleaning_Policy.pdf

·        Energy Star Purchasing

o       http://www.obf.wmich.edu/logistical-services/purch-docs/computer-purchase-policy.pdf

·        Recycled Paper Purchasing

o       http://www.wmich.edu/sustainability/pdf/recycled_paper_products.pdf

·        Waste Reduction/ Recycling

o       http://www.wmich.edu/sustainability/pdf/chhsrecyclingpolicy.pdf

·        Dining Services

o       Paper Goods and Packaging

§         http://www.wmich.edu/dining/green/index.html

o       Elimination of Trays in Dining Halls

§         http://www.wmich.edu/sustainability/pdf/tray_elimination_resolution.pdf

·        GeoMelt Anti-Icing on Sidewalks

o       http://www.wmich.edu/sustainability/campus/grounds.html

·        Flew Fuel and Electric Campus Vehicles

o       http://www.wmich.edu/sustainability/campus/learn/flexfuel.html

·        Green Garage

o       http://www.wmich.edu/sustainability/campus/transportation.html

 

16) Does your school purchase ENERGY STAR qualified products?
[  ]  No
[  ]  Some. Please describe:
[X]  All

17) Does your school purchase environmentally preferable paper products (e.g., 100 percent post-consumer recycled content, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council)?
[  ]  No
[X ]  Some. Please describe:   

WMU is running a university-wide trial using 100% [current policy is 30-35%] PCS, FSC certified paper .

 [  ]  All. Please describe:

18) Does your school purchase Green Seal, Environmental Choice certified, or biorenewable cleaning products?
[  ]  No
[  ]  Some. Please describe:
[ X ]  All. Please describe: The university has a Green Cleaning policy, stating use of Green Seal and other     environmentally friendly products.

         http://www.wmich.edu/sustainability/pdf/green_cleaning_policy.pdf

19) Are your school's computer/electronics purchase decisions made in accordance with standards such as the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)?
[  ]  No
[  ]  Some. Please describe:
[ X ]  All

         http://www.wmich/sutainability/pdf/csci.pdf


20) Does your school use only pesticides that meet the standards for organic crop production set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or Canadian Organic Standards (excluding on-campus farms)?
[  ]  No
[  ]  Some. Please describe:
[ X ]  All

CLIMATE CHANGE & ENERGY  


GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY

21) Has your school completed a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory?
Please check all that apply.
[  ]  No.
[  ]  In progress. Please describe status and provide estimated completion date:
[X ]  Yes.  Please provide total annual GHG emissions (in metric tons of CO2e). Also, include the start date for each year as well as the URL to each inventory, if available online, or attach the document.
2008:
2007: Scope I, II, II; 126, 411 MT eCO2
2006:
2005:

COMMITMENT TO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTION

The purchase of carbon offsets does not count toward greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions for this indicator. They are counted in a subsequent indicator.


22) Has your school made a commitment to reducing GHG emissions by a specific amount?
[ X  ]  No
[  ]  Yes. Please list details.
Reduction level:
Baseline year:
Target date:

If you answered only "No" or "In progress" to question 21, please now skip to question 27.

REALIZED GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
23)
Has your school achieved a reduction in GHG emissions?
[  ]  No
[ X  ]  Yes. Please list details: At this time, WMU’s full scope I, II, and III GHG Inventory is only complete and valid for one base year, 2007 (thus, a percent reduction cannot be validated at this point). That said, WMU has documented modest and ongoing reductions in steam use, electricity, and water consumption for 2008.

 

 

2006-2007

2007-2008

2008-2009

 

Steam (LBS)

 

502,482,061

 

492,646,576

 

427,218,322

 

Electric (KWh)

 

73,394,079

 

72,058,800

 

72,380,127

 

Gas (MCF

 

914,866

 

1,045,757

 

1,059,567

 

Percentage reduced:
Baseline year:
Date achieved:

24) Please provide the total heating and cooling degree days averaged over the past three years.
Data on total degree heating and cooling days is available at: http://www.degreedays.net/. This information will be used to help reduce bias between schools in different climates.

The following degree heating and cooling day data was calculated using the Degree Days.net calculator for the Kalamazoo Airport Station 

(85.55 W, 42.23 N), which is the closest station to WMU with accurate, long- term data (≈ 5 miles from campus).

 

Cooling degree days average over the past three years:

• Cooling degree days averaged over the past three years (based on a 78 degree F. base temperature) = 143


Heating degree days average over the past three years:

• Heating degree days averaged over the past three years (based on a 65 degree F. base temperature) = 6490


25) Please provide GHG emissions figures on a per-thousand-square-foot basis for the past three years.
Per-Thousand-Square-Foot Emissions = Total CO2e in metric tons / Total maintained building space in thousands of square feet.
2008:
2007:   Per-Thousand-Square-Foot Emissions =  19.0   [Total eCO2 in metric tons / Total maintained building space in thousands of square feet]

*Based on 6,667,730 square feet of maintained space.

2006:


26) Please provide GHG emissions figures on a per-full-time-student basis for the past three years.
Per-Student Emissions = Total CO2e in metric tons / Total number of full-time enrolled students.
2008:
2007:   Per-Student Emissions = 6.21 

            [Total eCO2 in metric tons / Total number of full-time enrolled students]

2006:

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

27) What programs or technologies has your school implemented to improve energy efficiency (e.g., cogeneration plant, retrocommissioning of HVAC systems, performing system tune-ups, temperature setbacks)? 

http://www.pp.wmich.edu/ms/em/initiatives/index.html  :

           

Co generation - electricity and steam production

Electrical load shedding for peak demand control

Time of day HVAC scheduling

Lighting retrofit - incandescent to compact fluorescent, T12- -T8, HID to Fluorescent, LED exit signs, traffic signals and pedestrian lights to LED.

HVAC retrofits  - VFD, VAV retrofits

Continuous and retro commissioning

Preventative Maintenance Programs  - steam traps, filters, insulation.

Heat Recovery Ventilation

Demond Control Ventilation

High Efficiency Motors

Daylight Harvesting

Occupancy Sensors

Temperature Set Point Policy

Winter Setback Energy Policy

CFL Purchase and Usage Policy

Energy Star Equipment Purchase Policy

Computer Energy Savings Mode Policy

Chiller - Cooling Tower Advanced Water Treatment Efficiencies

Irrigation Control via Building Automation

Low flow aerotors, flush valves and shower heads

Touchless Faucets, Autoflush Urinals and Toilets

High Efficient Washing Machines in Resident Halls

Dining Services Refrigeration Systems - Water Cooled to Air Cooled

 

ENERGY CONSERVATION

28) Do you facilitate programs that encourage members of the campus community to reduce energy use (e.g., cash incentives, signs reminding individuals to turn off lights and appliances)?
[  ]  No
[ X ]  Yes. Please describe:

 

Signage, email for holiday periods, resident hall competitions, 2009 CRT swap with a cash incentive, electronic fliers, and as of 2009, WMU has an NSF sponsored first-year seminar pilot that focuses on climate change education.

 

RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION

29)  Does your school generate renewable electricity?
[  ]  No
[  ]  Yes. Please specify percentage of overall electricity generated from each of the following sources and describe details below.

[    %]  B100 biodiesel
[    %]  Clean biomass
[    %]  Concentrating solar power (CSP)
[    %]  Geothermal
[    %]  Low-impact hydropower
[0.022 %]  Solar photovoltaics (16,000 kWh/yr)

[0.003 %]  Wind (2,000 kWh/yr)
[    %]  Other

Description:

30)  Does your school have solar hot water systems?
[ X ]  No
[  ]  Yes. Please specify number of systems and total BTUs generated annually, if available:

RENEWABLE ENERGY PURCHASE

31) Has your school purchased electric energy from renewable sources or renewable energy credits (RECs)?
RECs and electricity from renewable sources must be Green-e certified or meet the requirements of the Green-e standard.
[  ]  No
[X ]  Yes. Please describe:  Renewable source                                           

Date of most recent contract: President’s residence
Quantity (kWh): 36,609 kwh
Percentage of your total electric energy use that it represents: 100 % renewable

32)
Has your school purchased non-electric energy from renewable sources?
[ X ]  No
[   ]  Yes. Please describe.
Date of most recent contract:
Quantity (BTUs):
Percentage of your total non-electric energy use that it represents:

 

ON-SITE COMBUSTION 

 

33) Please provide total BTUs of energy for heating and cooling from on-site combustion:.

412,509 MMBTU       


34)
Please list each fuel source (e.g., coal, natural gas, oil) and the percent of overall BTUs derived from that source:

Natural Gas ~ 99%

Solar and Wind < 1%


35)
Is any on-site combustion for heating and cooling derived from renewable sources?
[ X ]  No
[  ]  Yes. Please describe.
Percentage on-site combustion derived from renewable sources: [   %]
Total BTUs of energy generated from renewable sources: [#      ]
Description of renewable energy sources used for on-site combustion for heating and cooling:

FOOD & RECYCLING
The food portion of this category is covered in a separate dining survey.


RECYCLING OF TRADITIONAL MATERIALS
36) Please indicate which traditional materials your institution recycles (check all that apply).
[  ]  None
[ X ]  Aluminum
[ X ]  Cardboard
[ X ]  Glass
[ X ]  Paper
[ X ]  Plastics (all)
[  ]  Plastics (some)
[ X ]  Other. Please list:  polystyrene foam, and the Green Garage recycles oils and oil filters,  tyvek, inkjet cartridges, printer toner cartridges, metal cans, caps, and foils,batteries-alkaline, lead acid, and rechargeable, scrap metal, electronics, plastic bags, overhead transparencies

37) Diversion rate: [ 27 %] based on Recycle Mania 2009 results

RECYCLING OF ELECTRONIC WASTE
38)
Does your institution have an electronics recycling program?
[  ]  No
[ X ]  Yes. If available, please indicate the total annual weight or volume of each material collected for recycling or reuse.
[ X ]  Batteries – 1,480 pounds
[ X ]  Cell phones
[ X ]  Computers
[ X ]  Lightbulbs– 28,178 bulbs
[ X ]  Printer cartridges
[ X ]  Other E-waste. Please list: televisions, copiers, phones, etc – 105,000 pounds, including computers

COMPOSTING (ASIDE FROM DINING FACILITIES)

39) What percentage of your campus's landscaping waste is composted or mulched?
[ 100 %]

All yard waste is recycled...in fiscal year 2008/2009 1,420 cubic yards or 473.3 tons! ALL mowers are equipped with mulching decks, we do not pick-up any grass clippings. We also recycle wood pallets and clean lumber, metal, asphalt and concrete waste.

40) Do you provide composting receptacles around campus in locations other than dining halls (e.g., in residence halls, offices, academic buildings)?
[  ]  No
[ X ]  Yes. Please describe: President’s Residence

SOURCE REDUCTION
41)
Does your school have any source-reduction initiatives (e.g., end-of-semester furniture or clothing swaps and collections)?

[  ]  No
[ X ]  Yes. Please describe:

We do have some things in place - we will donate surplus furniture and equipment to charitable organizations on an on-going basis. The Residence Hall area will do the same with surplus or outdated furniture. The Theater Department has an annual sale of used costumes, usually around Halloween time. Other than that we try to sell or donate what we can at the Surplus facility to avoid sending items to the landfill as much as possible. Residence Life has “Trash to Treasures” annually for food, clothing, toiletries, etc.; Students for a Sustainable Earth holds a “swap” for clothing, books, and appliances; and there is Downcycling of computers.

 

GREEN BUILDING

GREEN BUILDING POLICY
42)
Does your school have a formal green building policy?
[  ]  No
[X  ]  Yes. Please describe policy and provide URL to the full policy, if available:

 

The university has Facility Life Cycle Design Guidelines for new building construction. All building projects over $1 million must use the LEED Rating system as a design checklist.

http://www.wmich.edu/sustainability/pdf/life_cycle_guidelines.pdf


GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS

43) Please indicate LEED-certified buildings.
[#    1  ]  Total number of LEED-certified buildings.
[    sq ft]  Certified-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[    sq ft]  Silver-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[ 240,000  sq ft]  Gold-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names: College of Health and Human Services
[    sq ft]  Platinum-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:

44) Please indicate buildings that meet LEED certification criteria but are not certified.
[#      ]  Total number of buildings that meet LEED criteria
[    sq ft]  Certified-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[ 58,258  sq ft]  Silver-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names: Brown Hall
[    sq ft]  Gold-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[    sq ft]  Platinum-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:

45) Please indicate buildings that are ENERGY STAR labeled.
[#   0   ]  Total number of ENERGY STAR buildings. Please list building names:
[    sq ft]  Combined gross square footage.
There is no system in place for building systems regarding ENERGY STAR.


RENOVATIONS AND RETROFITS
46)
Please indicate LEED-EB certified buildings.
[#  1    ]  Total number of LEED-EB certified buildings. Please list building names:

College of Health and Human Services, the first LEED-EB certified building in higher education.
 [ 240,000 sq ft]  Combined gross square footage.

47) Please indicate buildings that meet LEED-EB certification criteria but are not certified.
[#  5    ]  Total number of buildings that meet LEED-EB criteria but are not certified. Please list building names:

Brown Hall – 58,258

Kohrman Hall – 214,970

Chemistry – 83,331     

Richmond Center - 52,517

Engineering and Applied Sciences – 302,585
[ 711,661 sq ft]  Combined gross square footage.

48) Please indicate renovated buildings that are ENERGY STAR labeled. NA
[#      ]  Total number of renovated buildings that are ENERGY STAR labeled. Please list building names:
[    sq ft]  Combined gross square footage.

49) What energy-efficiency technologies have you installed in existing buildings (e.g., HVAC systems, motion sensors, ambient light sensors, T5 lighting, LED lighting, timers, laundry technology)?  

For each technology, please indicate the number and type of fixtures installed, and the number of buildings in which those fixtures are installed. If possible, include either the percentage of the overall campus fixtures each type represents or the percentage of overall maintained building space that has been renovated with the technology (e.g., 20 buildings representing 10 percent of maintained building space have been retrofitted with motion sensors; thus, 10 percent of the total maintained building space in square feet would be the desired data). 

 

WMU - Energy Technologies in Existing Buildings

 

Technology

# of Fixtures

(Estimation)

% Completed of

Maintainable Space

Sq Feet Completed of Maintainable Space

Time of Day HVAC Scheduling

--

100%

6,667,730

BAS – Temperature Policy

--

90%

6,000,957

HVAC – DDC, VAV, VFD

3,000

90%

6,000,957

Incandescent to Compact Fluorescent

12,000

95%

6,334,344

T12 – T8

6,000

25%

1,666,933

LED Exit Signs

2,000

70%

4,667,411

Occupancy Sensor/Motion Sensor

5,000

70%

4,667,411

Traffic, Pedestrian and Parking Ramp LED

90

100%

6,667,730

Daylight Harvesting

300

95%

6,334,344

Demand Control Ventilation

60

95%

6,334,344

HID to Fluorescent

400

70%

4,667,411

Chiller Load Shedding during Peak Demand

28

100%

        6,667,730

Heat Recovery Systems

4

50%

3,333,865

Steam Trap Program

4,500

100%

6,667,730

Commissioning – AHU, occupancy sensor

300

75%

5,000,798

Retro - Commissioning

25

40%

2,667,092

 


50) What water-conservation technologies have you installed in existing buildings (e.g., low-flow faucets, low-flow showerheads, waterless urinals, dual-flush toilets, gray water systems, laundry technology)?  
For each technology, please indicate the number and type of fixtures installed, and the number of buildings in which those fixtures are installed. If possible, include either the percentage of the overall campus fixtures each type represents or the percentage of overall maintained building space that has been renovated with the technology (e.g., 20 buildings representing 10 percent of the maintained building space have been retrofitted with low-flow faucets; thus, 10 percent of the total maintained building space in square feet would be the desired data).  

 

WMU - Water Efficiency Technologies in Existing Buildings

 

Technology

# of Fixtures

(Estimation)

% Completed of

Maintainable Space

Sq Feet Completed of Maintainable Space

Irrigation Control via Building Automation

25

50

2,613,600

Resident Hall Washing Machines

110

100%

2,600,000

Cooling Tower Advanced Water Treatment Efficiency

14

100

4,800,000

Refrigeration System for Dining Services

(Water Cooled to Air Cooled)

60

75%

1,950,000

Chemical Free Water Treatment for Fountain

1

20%

60,000

Auto Flush for Bathrooms

1,000

80%

3,200,000

Dual Flush Toilets

50

5%

330,000

High Efficiency Dishmachines

1

15%

390,000

 

51) What percentage of your institution's non-hazardous construction and demolition waste is diverted from landfills?
[ 90  %] The percentage of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste that is/can be diverted from landfills is dependent upon the matter to be replaced with each building.

 

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES
52)
Are there any sustainability-themed residential communities or housing options at your school?
[  ]  No
[ X ]  Yes. Please provide details below.
Name of program:

The Gibbs House for Environmental Research and Education, Western Michigan University's Environmental Institute
Type of community (e.g., hall, building, house):  House
Number of students involved: 7
Additional details:  http://www.wmich.edu/env/gibbshouse/homepage.html

Gibbs House is “A program of Western Michigan University's Environmental Institute that focuses on undergraduate research and community engagement. We offer year-long fellowships to undergraduates who design and execute projects that improve local environmental sustainability within numerous disciplines. The Gibbs House is also a place where community groups meet and hold events, WMU classes have hands-on lessons, and free workshops are hosted.”

 

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
53)
Does a portion of your new student orientation specifically cover sustainability?
[  ]  No
[X ]  Yes. Please describe how sustainability is incorporated (e.g., information sessions, green tour):

Student ambassadors are trained for information sessions regarding sustainability on campus.

Info Showcase – a part of first-year orientation and also WMU’s recycling pamphlet is included in the packet handed out.

INTERNSHIPS/OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
54)
Does your school offer on-campus office-based sustainability internships or jobs for students?
[  ]  No
[ X ]  Yes. Please provide number of students and average number of hours worked weekly per student:
[# 10  ]  Paid positions. Average hours worked weekly per student: 15 (Recycling Office only)
[#  6-8    ]  Unpaid positions. Average hours worked weekly per student in research: around 10 hours per week.

55) Does your school have residence hall Eco-Reps or other similar programs to promote behavioral change on campus?
[  ]  No
[ X  ]  Yes. Please provide details below, and indicate URL if available: http://www.wmich.edu/sustainability/student/organizations.html

Michigan Student Sustainability Coalition

Gibbs House Cooperative

Western Student Association Campus Concerns/Sustainability Committee http://wsa.wmich.edu/campusconcerns/

Students for a Sustainable Earth: http://ssewmu.wordpress.com/
[#     ]  Paid positions. Average hours worked weekly per student:
[#  2   ]  Positions that award academic credit. Average hours worked weekly per student: 10
[#     ]  Uncompensated positions. Average hours worked weekly per student:

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
56) Does your school have active student-run organizations devoted to sustainability efforts on campus?
[  ]  No
[ X ]  Yes. Please provide total number of active organizations, names of organizations, a brief description of each, and URLs, if available:

Students for a Sustainable Earth: http://ssewmu.wordpress.com/

A student run Biodiesel Coop that produces biodiesel from waste oil for students, staff and community members; as well as for biodiesel campus transportation


SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES AND COMPETITIONS
57) Does your school organize any sustainability challenges/competitions for your campus and/or with other colleges?
[  ]  No
[ X ]  Yes. Please list details for all competitions.

 

Campus Climate Challenge

www.ClimateChallenge.org

 

Recycle Mania is a friendly competition among university recycling programs in the United States. Recycle Mania began in Ohio in 2001 between Ohio University and Miami University to increase recycling in residence halls and dining areas. Western Michigan University joined the competition in 2003.

The competition is a 10 week program to see which institution can collect the most recyclable material per student living in the residence halls and/or campus apartments. Materials collected for the competition include paper, cardboard, plastic and glass bottles, metal cans, metal caps and foil. The winner receives the traveling trophy for the year and a congratulatory advertisement in all the other schools' student newspapers.

In 2004, the Recycle Maniacs (17 schools that participated in the 2004 competition, including WMU) received the National Recycling Coalition's annual award for Outstanding Recycling Innovation Product or Process. The "innovation" was the utilization of the competitive spirit at Universities to encourage recycling and waste reduction.

 

Name of competition:  Recyclemania
Year initiated: Western Michigan University joined the competition in 2003.
Frequency of competition: Once annually
Participants: Entire Campus
Incentives: Bragging Rights
Goal of competition: Increase awareness, reduce waste, increase recycling
Percent of energy/water/waste reduced: Comparing data from RecycleMania 2007 to Recycle Mania 2009, WMU reduce total waste by 28%
Lasting effects of competition: Improved participation by all constituencies, but especially students.
Website: http://www.wmich.edu/sustainability/campus/learn/recylemania.html

 

TRANSPORTATION

CAMPUS MOTOR FLEET

58) How many vehicles are in your institution's fleet?

[# 272  ] At this time WMU has 272 road legal vehicles in our fleet.  (There are approximately 445 vehicles in the fleet if you include all

drive-able equipment like lawn equipment, construction equipment, etc.).

 

59) Please list the number of alternative-fuel vehicles in each class.

[#    1   ]  Hybrid. Please list makes and models: PHEV, retrofitted Honda Prius http://www.ceas.wmich.edu/PHEVData/PHEV

[#   2    ]  Electric. Please describe type of vehicles: WMU has two electric vehicles manufactured by "Miles Electric vehicles", they are both pickup trucks which were modified by adding maintenance bodies and ladder racks so they could be used by the maintenance department.  WMU is in the process of adding two more electric vehicles but are still in the investigatory stages ofthe process.

[#   1    ]  Bio-diesel. Please describe type of vehicles and list bio-diesel blend(s) used:

Volkswagen pick-up using 100% biodiesel fuel from the WMU Biodiesel Coop. WMU has numerous pieces of equipment which run on diesel fuel including 1 loader, 1 backhoe, 3 bobcats, 2 dump trucks, 2 stake body trucks, 2 dry good delivery trucks, 1 trash truck, 4 tractors, numerous lawn mowers and lawn equipment, etc.  All of the diesel vehicles used on campus use one source for fuel which is an ultra-low sulfur B5 bio-diesel mixture.  WMU uses a 5% blend of

bio-diesel since most manufactures will not accept warranty claims if a higher bio-diesel mixture is used.   

[#  85    ]  Other. Please describe: WMU has approximately 85 vehicles that are E-85 compatible (these vehicles will run on gasoline or a fuel mixture of 85% Ethanol and gasoline).  All new vehicle purchases are to be E-85 compatible if the option is available.

 

Although this is not part of the alternative fuel question above, WMU has 8 vehicles which are equipped with "displacement on demand"

technology.  This does impact the carbon footprint of our vehicles as this technology does reduce the fuel consumption of the vehicle.

 

60) What is the average GHG emission rate per passenger mile of your institution's motorized fleet?

[#   1.5    ]  pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per passenger mile traveled.

 

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES
61)
Does your school offer incentives for carpooling?
[  ]  N/A. Please explain:
[ X ]  No
[  ]  Yes. Please describe details of the program including the type of the incentive and eligible community members (e.g., faculty, staff, students):

Preferred parking at the College of Health and Human Services parking lot for those driving hybrid vehicles.

62) Does your school offer public transportation subsidies?
[  ]  N/A. Please explain:
[  ]  No
[X  ]  Yes. Please describe the program including the size of the discount (as a percent of full price) and eligible community members (e.g., faculty, staff, students): Free for all faculty, staff and students.

63) Does your school provide free transportation around campus?
[  ]  N/A. Please explain:
[  ]  No
[ X ]  Yes. Please describe: Bronco Transit shuttles individuals around campus and city-wide.

64) Does your school operate a free transportation shuttle to local off-campus destinations?
[  ]  N/A. Please explain:
[  ]  No
[X  ]  Yes. Please describe: Free city bus transportation city-wide.

BICYCLE PROGRAM

65) Does your school offer a bicycle-sharing/rental program or bicycle repair services?
[ X ]  No
[  ]  Yes. Please provide details below.
Year created:
Number of bikes available:
Fees for participation:
Repair services provided:

 

CAR-SHARING PROGRAM
66)
Does your school partner with a car-sharing program?
[ X  ]  No
[  ]  Yes. Please provide details below.
Year created:
Total number of vehicles:
Number of hybrid vehicles:
Fee for membership:

PLANNING
67)
Does your school have policies that support a pedestrian-friendly or bike-friendly campus (e.g., in the school's master plan, a policy prohibiting vehicles from the center of campus)?
[  ]  N/A. Please explain:
[  ]  No
[ X ]  Yes. Please describe:

WMU has configured its campus as a pedestrian-friendly or bike-friendly campus with the closure of through roads.

68) What percentage of individuals commute to campus via environmentally preferable transportation (e.g., walking, bicycling, carpooling, using public transit)?
[ 17% ] (environmentally preferable commuting)

 

STATISTICS

69) Campus setting:
[  ]  Rural
[  ]  Suburban
[X  ]  Urban
[  ]  Other. Please describe:

70)  Total number of buildings: [#   151    ]

71)  Combined gross square footage of all buildings: [#  7,928,887   ] (Maintained space:  6,667,730)
72)  Full-time enrollment (undergraduate and graduate): [#   20,345      ]
73)  Part-time enrollment (undergraduate and graduate): [#   4,473      ]
74)  Part-time enrollment as a proportion to a full-time course load: [ #           ] There is no one proportion for calculating part-time.

75)  Percent of full-time students that live on campus: [    25     %]

Questions 76-87 are for informational purposes only; responses will NOT be included in the Report Card evaluation process.

OTHER AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGAGEMENT

Please mark an "X" next to each item that applies to your institution.

76)  Outdoors club: [X  ]

77)  Disposable water bottle ban: [  ]

78)  Participation in Recyclemania: [X  ]

79)  Student trustee position: [  ]

80)  Environmental science/studies major: [X  ]

81)  Environmental science/studies minor or concentration: [ X ]

82)  Graduate-level environmental program: [  ]

83)  Student green fee: [  ]

84)  Alumni green fund: [  ]

85)  Revolving loan fund for sustainability projects: [ X ]

       (The V.P of Business and Finance applies the principals of a revolving loan fund informally.)

86)  Campus garden or farm: [ X ]

       Gibbs House; and Cooperative Garden with Kalamazoo Valley Community College

87)  Single-stream recycling: [  ]

 

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