GVSU noted as "cutting-edge green" university

ALLENDALE, Mich. — Grand Valley State University is the only Michigan school cited in a new guide of "cutting-edge green" colleges and universities, recognizing the university's commitment to sustainability -- a commitment that considers environmental, economic and social responsibility.

Grand Valley was included in the Kaplan College Guide 2009, which this year focuses for the first time on environmentally responsible schools and green careers. The guide, produced by Kaplan Publishing, features 25 green private and public colleges from across the nation. 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.

Wendy Wenner, dean of Grand Valley’s College of Interdisciplinary Studies, said the university’s inclusion in the guide is a recognition of an institution-wide sustainability initiative. “This is recognition of Grand Valley's commitment to applied sustainability. Our interdisciplinary approach encompasses faculty, staff, students, and the community and is part of a comprehensive strategy,” Wenner said. “Our commitment to economic, social and environmental sustainability empowers our students to positively affect the global community now and in the future.”

Grand Valley’s projects and programs that support the sustainability initiative include building nine buildings to the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards and establishing a thriving partnership with the Rapid transit system. In the classroom, Grand Valley has established an environmental studies minor and a sustainability emphasis within the Liberal Studies major. Grand Valley has signed the AASHE Presidents Climate Agreement and the Talloires Declaration and participates in the AASHE STAR Campus Sustainability Rating Pilot Project.

To develop the guide, Kaplan editors gleaned insights on green schools and professions from a wide array of constituents, including admissions directors, parents, students, and professionals. Kaplan reviewed a range of criteria to formulate its list of 25 green schools. Specific areas examined include: environmentally responsible campus projects; initiatives and courses offered; organizations and student groups on campus; and achievements noted in the Sustainable Endowments Institute's College Sustainability Report Card 2008. The list highlights schools whose efforts reflect a commitment to long-term sustainability and to encouraging students to make better choices.

This is only the latest recognition Grand Valley has received for its sustainability efforts. The university was the recipient of the U.S. Green Building Council’s 2008 Recognition Award and the Sustainable Endowments Institute’s 2008 National Sustainability Innovator Award. Grand Valley’s Mark A. Murray Living Center was given an Energy Star designation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — the first university student housing unit in Michigan to receive such a designation.

For more information about the guide, visit www.kaplanpublishing.com . For more information about Grand Valley’s sustainability efforts, visit www.gvsu.edu/sustainability .