Erb Institute Impact Projects
U-M graduate student Nick Barret recently attended a conference in Cuba focusing on the future of the country’s renewable energy policy. The trip was made possible through funding by the Erb Institute, a partnership between the Ross School of Business and the School for Environment and Sustainability.
The Erb Institute’s mission is to create a socially and environmentally sustainable world through the power of business. The institute accomplishes this through research, teaching and business engagement focused on preparing and supporting business leaders who can transform companies, industries and entire economies for systemic sustainability.
Dow Fellows program extended through 2020
An additional $3 million gift from The Dow Chemical Company Foundation to the Dow Sustainability Fellows Program at U-M will enable fellows to continue implementing sustainable solutions for food systems, cities, infrastructure, mobility, consumption and energy systems from Michigan to Sub-Saharan Africa.
Since its inception, the program has supported 271 fellows from 17 of U-M’s 19 degree-granting units, and fostered interdisciplinary collaboration among all students on sustainability projects through the Dow Distinguished Awards for Interdisciplinary Sustainability.
Farm to table
New in 2017, the Campus Farm began providing food to be served to the campus community at the MDining halls and residential cafes. Established in 2012, this student-project serves as the central hub of hands-on activity related to the production of sustainable food. Food is grown by students, harvested by students, prepared for students and consumed by students as well as faculty and staff.
Using U-M buildings as batteries
Michigan researchers and staff are testing how to use the immense thermal energy of large buildings as theoretical battery packs. The goal is to help the nation’s grid better accommodate renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar.
U-M’s AASHE gold STARS rating
The University of Michigan’s sustainability performance received a gold rating by the international Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System in 2015. U-M was one of 80 institutions earning a gold rating, and among more than 700 colleges and universities around the globe using the STARS reporting tool to compare sustainability in higher education.
Developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, STARS uses a self-reporting framework to benchmark sustainability efforts in the areas of academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration and innovation.
