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Sustainability

For more than 50 years, WMU has built a culture of sustainability that informs everything we do. As one of the nation’s greenest campuses, we’re leading the way in energy conservation and education.

  • First in Michigan to receive Green Seal Certification

  • Second university in Michigan to open Consumers Energy Solar Garden

  • 20 LEED Certified buildings

  • 95% of construction waste is recycled

  • Top innovator in school sustainability

    Center for Green Schools

  • STARS 2018 Silver rating

  • A pair of students work on a bicycle at WMU's Open Bike Shop

    A greener campus

    The Open Bike Shop is a great service for the Kalamazoo community, but it’s also a powerful statement about Western’s environmental commitment.

    Dael Kurti, Open Bike Shop patron

    Take a spin through the Bicycle Resource Hub

  • A recyclable bag is the backdrop for bamboo eating utensils and a metal water bottle

    Encouraging change

    Over $350K in student sustainability grants has funded research and projects that continue to make WMU a greener campus for everyone.

    Learn about EcoEssential items

  • WMU student Bailey Papes poses in front of a large bronze globe

    Thinking globally

    Commitment to sustainability is one of the reasons I chose WMU. What we do now will have a huge impact on the future.

    Bailey Papes, chemical engineering major

    See how our students gain a global perspective

  • A pair of WMU students work on solar panels in front of Haenicke Hall

    Building on our progress

    We want to go beyond sustainability. We want to regenerate. We want to make things better than we found them.

    Stephen Root, regional supervisor for landscape services

    Explore all our sustainability efforts