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From projects as simple as mounting radiator valves in South Quad, North Quad and The Towers residence halls, which is estimated to save the university nearly $160,000 annually, to installing energy saving software on the many computers in labs throughout campus, which is estimated to save the university $50,000 annually, the university is reducing its energy usage as well as saving money. Other major energy features, including the university's wood-chip burning facility and solar panels on the roof of the Education and Human Services Building also are key to saving energy. For example, records show that even on the coldest days this winter, the EHS Building solar panels provided enough energy to heat the building for a portion of the day. "Energy conservation doesn't mean you have to lose your comfort," Walton says. And when the university uses less energy, Walton says CMU actually receives money from its utility companies – including Consumers Energy and DTE – through their respective energy optimization programs. All the money saved in energy efficiencies and optimization is reinvested in continued energy saving ventures, Walton says. Going green The EHS Building was the university's first building designed per Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. This involves incorporating sustainable design aspects such as the use of recycled construction materials, energy efficiency, water use reduction and day lighting. All other recent constructions projects, including the Events Center and the graduate housing currently under construction, also will adhere to LEED standards. Beyond the buildings, CMU is committed to implementing environmentally sound practices daily and was recently recognized as a leader among institutions of higher learning by being designated a nationally recognized leader in green cleaning initiatives. Brew work in one of two on-campus gardens managed by Campus Grow, a registered student organization. Students Megan Leonard and Ryan The university received the "Grand Award" in the College/University category of the 2011 Green Cleaning Award for Schools and Universities, sponsored by American School & University magazine, The Green Cleaning Network, and Healthy Schools Campaign. The award recognizes educational institutions with exemplary green-cleaning programs and practices among custodial staff. "CMU is on the leading edge of sustainability initiatives among institutions of higher learning," says Jay Kahn, CMU director of facilities operations. "It reflects our aggressiveness with regard to our use of cutting-edge technology in our cleaning operations, training of our staff and commitment to the environment." CMU Facilities Management, which started a green-cleaning program in 2007, at one time used nearly 40 different chemicals to clean campus buildings. Over a five-year period, the university reduced chemical inventories throughout campus buildings by more than half. Judges in the competition cited CMU for an improved communication cleaning strategy, increased staff training, and tracking buildings that have asthmatics and making sure such buildings are cleaned with fragrance-free Green Seal products. "This award shows how much faculty, students and staff are committed to creating a sustainable campus," says Sarah Reisner, a CMU graduate student in the M.S.A. program who also conducted research on university green practices and submitted the application for the award. • On-campus initiatives As odd as it sounds, CMU actually will be looking to "go green" when the football team hosts the Michigan State Spartans this September. Throughout the season CMU Athletics again this year is participating in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Game Day Challenge to reduce waste and increase recycling at college football games. "We're making a push as a university to be sustainable, and within CMU Athletics we feel we have a responsibility to be part of the solution," says Brad Wachler, assistant athletic director. Efforts also are underway to have CMU designated as a "bicycle-friendly campus" by the League of American Wheelman. Samantha Fiani, a graduate student in the Great Lakes Institute for Sustainable Systems, is working with the CMU Police and Residence Life to complete the certification process and improve cyclist safety on campus. Other initiatives include the annual Earth Day celebration, Recyclemania and many registered student organizations, including: Campus Grow, which manages two community gardens on CMU's campus Take Back the Tap, which is a group that promotes the use of refillable bottles Student Environmental Alliance, which advocates environmentally conscious practices and behaviors "It's important to be aware of how your actions are affecting the earth. You can make a difference by being aware of your choices," says Chloe Gleichman, a Saline junior and Student Environmental Alliance president. • 12 centralight summer '12

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