Sustainability

CALENDAR OF
EVENTS

News Archives

WMU Pilot Plants—Recycling Fiber-based Hot Cups
(May 12, 2009—Global Green) Western Michigan University’s Coating and Recycling Pilot Plant performed initial bench top research on two brands of hot cups mimicking the Fibre Box Association’s protocol for recycling treated corrugated. Through WMU's expertise it appears that fiber-based hot cups could be designed for repulpability, which would enable them to be integrated within corrugated cardboard or mixed waste paper streams.

A Lot to Digest with Composting on Campus
WMU's composting efforts featured in National Wildlife Federation's Campus Ecology Program.

Tree Campus USA's Inaugural Class
(02/10/09—Arbor Day Foundation) Arbor Day Foundation honors Western as one of the 29 Colleges and Universities in Tree Campus USA's Inaugural Class.

If we build advanced batteries, they will be used
(Jan. 2, 2009—Kalamazoo Gazette) If any place is going to be the high-tech lithium-ion battery capital of the world, Michigan should be it.

Plugging in to new technology
(Dec. 30, 2008—Kalamazoo Gazette) Engineering professor outfits Prius hybrid to run all-electric.

WMU comes in first for purchases of Recycled Products!> (Nov. 18, 2008—Email from Vice President Lowell Rinker) Out of 37 universities served by Office Depot, WMU comes in with the highest percentage of sales of recycled products!

WMU's Sustainability is ahead of the Curve
(Oct. 24, 2008—Western Herald) Western Michigan University took some huge steps in approaching sustainability on Oct 23. In a special announcement with President John Dunn, Republican Congressman Fred Upton and Mayor of Portage Pete Strazdas, WMU launched its energy Points of Pride, LED lighting, sustainability Web site, and two electric powered vehicles.

WMU's Dr. Green
(Oct. 13, 2008—MiBiz) KALAMAZOO — Dr. John Patten became a "green man" prior to his arrival at Western Michigan University (WMU) in 2003 — and that description has nothing to do with gamma radiation, olive-colored skin or a hulking appearance.

No Trays at Cafeterias
(Sept. 10, 2008—WWMT Channel 3) WMU Dining Services goes trayless in three of the five dining facilities.

Greening the campus while improving workflow
(Aug. 14, 2008—WMU News) Western Michigan University continues efforts to increase online business and personnel transactions, improving workflow and reducing paper consumption as part of the University's "green initiative".

Upton Unveils a New Energy Bill
(Aug. 7, 2008—WMU News) Upton unveils a new energy bill that sets up a $1 billion grant program to develop technology already being pursued at WMU.

Green Manufacturing Initiative
(Aug. 2008—WMU Magazine) At Western Michigan University, renewable resources and green manufacturing have emerged as major areas of focus for the Manufacturing Research Center.

Students, faculty and staff ride the bus for free
(July 23, 2008—WMU News) Western Michigan University students, faculty and staff don't have to look far to save money at the gas pump with a renewed contract to provide free bus transportation around campus and in Kalamazoo.

'Green' Jobs Expand Michigan Worker Retraining
(July 25, 2008—Green Jobs) Alternative energy may become a viable career option for a struggling Michigan workforce. Speaking Friday, July 25, 2008, in Traverse City, Governor Jennifer Granholm announced that the No Worker Left Behind program will put more effort into preparing laid-off workers for alternative energy careers.

The second year of the program will feature the new Green Jobs Initiative, a $6 million investment in training for jobs in alternative energy industries including wind, solar, biofuels, geothermal and other green industries. The Department of Labor and Economic Growth will partner with community colleges, entrepreneurs and employers to create the training programs needed to help green companies succeed in Michigan. See Green Jobs for the rest of the story.

Product Review: Haworth Zody Performance Task Chair
(April 14, 08—Treehugger.com) When we test-drove Haworth's Zody for the first time, one thought loomed in our minds: You can pry this lumbar support from our cold, dead hands. The first task chair certified as a Cradle to Cradle Gold product, the Zody contains up to 50 percent recycled content. It's also up to 98 percent recyclable.

WMU professor makes sense of alternative energy sources
(Nov. 5, 2007) Dr. Steven Bertman asks "What Biofuels are in Your Future?"

Health and Human Services Building wins green award
(Nov. 5, 2007) WMU awarded $15,000 federal grant to improve energy efficiency of new building to highest standards

Geoscientist and economist discuss our energy future
(Oct. 2, 2007) Economic, environmental consequences of viable energy alternatives discussed Thursday evening at Fetzer Center.

Award-winning chemist to speak on solar energy
(Sept. 15, 2007) Cal Tech's Dr. Harry B. Gray speaks Tuesday on "Powering the Planet with Solar Energy."

Area's first wind turbine will be dedicated Friday
(Sept. 12, 2007) U.S. Rep. Upton and President Dunn will be among the principal speakers at Parkview Campus dedication.

Shedding light on energy conservation
(Sept. 11, 2007) WMU saving 75 percent on lighting, converting 8 million square feet of building space to compact fluorescents.