Sustainable Community Development Initiative

Awards & Recognitions

For a complete list of LEED certifications on campus, click here.

AWARD	AWARDING BODY	DESCRIPTION	DATE ISSUED

Deals of the Year	West Michigan Business Review	Grand Valley State University to build new $40 million Seidman College of Business in downtown Grand Rapids.	2010
Sustainability Innovation	Sustainable Endowment Institute	The awards recognize school initiatives for either a comprehensive sustainability strategy or a specific category in the 2008 Campus Report Card.	2008
Excellence in Green Building Curriculum	U.S. Green Building Council	The curriculum and programs reflect high quality green building education, serving as models and resources for other educators.	2008
Energy Star Award	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency & U.S. Department of Energy	The Mark A. Murray Living Center on the Allendale campus is awarded for its efficient use of energy.	2008
Effective and Innovative Practices Award	APPA: The Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers	GVSU receives this award for quality improvement initiative.	2007
Exemplary Sustainable Building Award - Honorable Mention	Sustainable Building Industry Council	Steelcase Workstage - GVSU MAREC receives award for Building of the Future	2005
Sustainable Design Award & Sustainable Building Award	American Institute of Architects: Grand Valley	Two Grand Valley State University projects have been honored for their excellence in building and design by the Grand Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.	2004

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RECOGNITION	RECOGNIZING BODY	DESCRIPTION	DATE ISSUED

One of the nations most environmentally responsible colleges: 2nd year in a row	Princeton Review	Include a dedication to build according to LEED standards, sustainability committees, environmental literacy programs, the use of renewable energy resources, recycling and conservation programs within a college or university.	2011
Best Workplaces for Commuters	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency & U.S. Department of Transportation	Recognizes employers that provide environmentally friendly commuter benefits to employees. The designation shows Grand Valley is committed to reducing pollution, commuter costs and traffic congestion.	2011
STARS Silver Status	AASHE Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System	The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to gauge relative progress toward sustainability.	2011
GVSU first public university to receive environmental certification	Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stweardship Program (MTESP)	The program is intended to promote and communicate best management practices, to control potential sources of pollution, comply with environmental laws and regulations, adopt pollution prevention practices, and reduce waste.	2011
GVSU receives grade of "A-"	Sustainable Endowment Institute's 2011 Campus Sustainability Report Card	GVSU receives overall grade of "A-" by GreenReportCard.org - the first interactive website to provide in-depth sustainability profiles for hundreds of colleges in all 50 U.S. states and in Canada.	2011
GVSU creates Climate Action Plan	GVSU	Grand Valley State University created the GVSU Climate Action Committee to determine the organization’s carbon footprint.	2010
GVSU receives a "B" & National Merit Recognition	Sustainable Endowment Institute's 2010 Campus Sustainability Report Card	GVSU receives overall grade of "B" by GreenReportCard.org - the first interactive website to provide in-depth sustainability profiles for hundreds of colleges in all 50 U.S. states and in Canada.	2010
One of two Michigan four-year schools with great green programs	Peterson's "Green Jobs for a New Economy: The Career Guide to Emerging Opportunities	GVSU was named as one of two Michigan schools among what editors called "top 50 four-year schools with great green programs."	2009
Top 25 Environmentally Responsible and Cutting Edge Green Colleges	Kaplan College Guide	The section provides students with a look inside the classroom, around campus, and at student life, while shining a spotlight on what's good for the globe at each college.	2009
Scale Rating of 98	Princeton Review	Based on a scale of 60-99, GVSU received the highest "green" rating among Michigan's colleges and universities.	2009
Re-Accreditation Note	Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools	"the university's award-winning sustainability initiative serves the missions of education and outreach and provides national leadership."	2008
GVSU signs the Talloires Declaration	Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future	The Talloires Declaration is a ten-point action plan for incorporating sustainability and environmental literacy in teaching, research, operations and outreach at colleges and universities.	2008
GVSU signs The American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment	The American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment	GVSU has committed to accelerating progress towards climate neutrality and sustainability by empowering the higher education sector to educate students, create solutions, and provide leadership-by-example for the rest of society.	2008

For a complete list of LEED certifications on campus, click here.