In its 2014 annual report, released last month to the Board of Trustees, Michigan State University noted a number of significant gains in the areas of energy use, waste reduction, community engagement and water usage.
According to the report, coal use at MSU has been reduced by 65 percent since 2009-10. This has resulted in an 18 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
In the area of waste reduction, in 2013-14 the university diverted about 57 percent of its waste, thanks in great part to increases in surplus store sales and the recycling of nontraditional materials such as concrete, food waste and wood.
In addition, the Surplus Store and Recycling Center returned $2.7 million to university departments and administration for credit on materials sold and facility costs.
Despite an ever-growing campus, MSU was able to keep water usage relatively stable. This was accomplished, in part, by the use of more efficient bathroom fixtures.
MSU now has nearly 400 environmentally friendly vehicles, including hybrid vehicles, bi-fuel propane vehicles and low-speed electric vehicles. In addition, bicycle registration has increased by about 80 percent since the Bike Service Center opened in 2006.
“A lot of work still needs to be done in order for the university to meet its many sustainability goals,” said Jennifer Battle, director of MSU Sustainability. “But I am very pleased and proud of the gains we have made, and I look forward to working with the community, both on and off campus, as we strive to create a more sustainable university.”
The annual report can be viewed at http://sustainability.msu.edu/report/2014.