Having accomplished approximately 90 percent of the goals in the university's 2007 sustainability plan, the Office of Campus Sustainability and President's Standing Committee on Environmental Initiatives have developed a new strategic plan that includes goals and metrics for the next five years.
"We've captured the low-hanging fruit," said Daryl Pierson, sustainability coordinator in the Office of Campus Sustainability. "In order to fulfill our vision of being a leader among urban research universities in activities related to sustainability, we have to take our game to the next level."
The Sustainability Strategic Plan was developed in alignment with the university's "Distinctively Wayne State" strategic plan for 2016-21. Its six goals build upon the university's commitment to be an institution known for academic and research excellence.
The first goal is to establish a campuswide waste reduction initiative that encompasses reduction and reuse of materials while increasing the diversion rate to 60 percent of recyclables kept out of traditional waste solutions by 2021. Currently, Wayne State's diversion rate is in the high teens.
To accomplish this goal, the committee is requesting funding to place less-expensive cardboard recycling bins next to every trash can on campus.
"Studies have shown that diversion rates will skyrocket if that happens," said Pierson.
Another tool to help in this regard is the Warrior Exchange website, which allows WSU departments to post unwanted furniture, supplies, equipment and electronics from campus to a dedicated university website. These items can then be claimed by another WSU department. The Warrior Exchange enhances campus efficiency by facilitating equipment redistribution.
Goal two is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Wayne State University by 25 percent below 2014 average levels. Efforts will include continuing to design LEED-certified buildings, placing native plants in gardens and retrofitting existing facilities with new technologies.
The university began replacing old fluorescent T12 bulbs in 2013 and has realized a return on investment in under three years.
"This is doing the right thing for the environment, but it also helps Wayne State's bottom line," said Pierson. "As a result of that success, we'll roll out LED lights to the bulk of the campus."
Goal three is increase programs and opportunities of awareness related to alternative transportation options that encourage use of energy-efficient vehicles, reduce vehicle usage and emissions, and expand awareness of impacts related to transportation. To accomplish this, Wayne State will continue to create a campus that is conducive to biking and walking, and encourage ride-sharing options such as Zipcar and Zimride. University programs and initiatives in alternative energy provide ways to further those technologies, educate the public on the importance of emission reduction, and build relationships with industry leaders and startups committed to improvements in this area.
Goal four is to increase sustainable food practices of campus foodservice operations through local sourcing of whole, fresh, and/or organic foods; achieve reductions in food and food-related energy waste; and increase student opportunities to learn about food, nutrition and sustainability and their intersection. Additional Wayne State efforts in sustainable food practices include SEED Wayne's campus gardens and the Wednesday Farmers Market each summer, among others.
Goal five is to develop and implement funding tools that directly support sustainability initiatives. The Office of Sustainability has applied for grants to pay for new recycling bins and to fund a student position to coordinate other students interested in assisting with sustainability issues.
Goal six is to build upon Wayne State's core mission to create knowledge and prepare a diverse student body to thrive by using the campus as a learning laboratory for sustainability while integrating sustainability learning into a broader cross section of the academic curriculum.
"Right now Wayne State is in a good position," said Pierson. "There's a willingness to move forward with sustainability issues. With determination and interest, the sky is the limit for what we can accomplish."
The plan is to formalize the Sustainability Strategic Plan in June and roll it out in the fall.
To learn more about green initiatives around campus, attend the Earth Day event on Thursday, April 21.
Environmental impact
From water and urban farming to sustainability, green technologies and much more, Wayne State's location in the heart of Detroit provides students with endless opportunities to make a substantial difference in the city and beyond through interdisciplinary pathways in the arts and sciences, engineering, law, medicine, pharmacy, and business.