Declarations and Commitments

Talloires Declaration

Western Michigan University signed this declaration on January 1, 2008, stating that WMU, as a institution of higher learning, will be a leader in developing, creating, supporting and maintaining sustainability.

• Usage Guidelines
• Usage Limitations
• Design Center Guidelines
• Termination
• Liability Limits
• Entire Agreement/Amendment
• Application
  

American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment

We, the undersigned presidents and chancellors of colleges and universities, are deeply concerned about the unprecedented scale and speed of global winning and its potential for large-scale, adverse health, social, economic and ecological effects.

Construction

Storm Water Management Policy

As the University continues to develop its facilities, infrastructure, and landscape, its footprint is having a greater affect on the water table below campus. This policy is applicable to all projects on University property that disturb one acre or more and designed to offset any changes made to the existing storm water runoff of the storm sewer system.

WMU Facility Life Cycle Design Guidelines

WMU designs buildings to minimize environmental impact in all areas including building materials, occupation and operation.

Energy and Water Management

Climate Savers Computing Initiative

WMU has agreed to join Computer Systems Center Incorporated© (CSCI) in their efforts to reduce wasted energy consumption by computers. Here are three ways to reduce your computer's energy consumption:

1. Turn on your computer's power management
2. Buy energy-efficient computers and accessories
3. Avoid phantom power. Unplug your system or turn off the power strip when you are shutting down your computer.

Compact Fluorescent Lamp Policy

WMU’s efforts to reduce energy consumption include conversion from incandescent to compact fluorescent lamps whenever possible. All spent bulbs are recycled.

Temperature Setback Policy

In 2001, WMU developed the Temperature Set-Point Policy for all campus buildings. Sensors in the buildings allow for room temperatures to drop or rise two degrees depending on the season when rooms are not being occupied to save some energy. On nights, weekends and holidays the set-point temperatures decrease even more to conserve energy further.

Environmental Safety

Environmental Safety & Emergency Management

maintains an extensive list of policies pertaining to health and safety.

Landscape

Leed EB Initiatives

Landscape services adheres to general LEED standards for numerous initiatives including storm water management, snow removal, lawn mowing and fertilizer, irrigation and others

Maintenance and Cleaning

Green Cleaning Policy

WMU strives to provide a safe, clean, and healthy environment for our students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Purchasing

Energy Star Purchasing Policy

Since October 2000, WMU has required that new energy consuming products be Energy Star compliant whenever necessary.

Purchase of Computers and Peripherals

1. All computer equipment will be Energy Star 4.0 rated (or better), and default energy usage settings will be set to WMU approved specifications by TotalTECH through the purchase process (as established by the PUSC).
2. Computers will now meet the University's security requirements, including the requirement that laptop computers must have Computrace tracking installed and activated prior to delivery to the user of the computer.
3. This will ensure that all purchased devices are compatible with the University technology infrastructure.

Waste

College of Health & Human Services Waste Reduction Plan

As a requirement for the LEED-EB certification of the College of Health & Human Services, a waste reduction plan was developed.  This plan will likely expand to the rest of campus in the future.