Sustainability Goal Framework

In 2011, the University of Michigan enhanced its commitment to sustainability with the creation of the Office of Campus Sustainability and the adoption of long term Sustainability Goals. Each goal is to be met by 2025 and is based on a FY2006 baseline.

The goals were identified through a Campus Sustainability Integrated Assessment process (CSIA). The CSIA was an intensive two-year project, led by the Graham Sustainability Institute and the Office of Campus Sustainability, involving more than 500 students, faculty, and staff representing 101 organizational units and 27 academic programs. The purpose of the assessment was to identify long-term sustainability goals that would be ambitious yet potentially attainable.

The goals encompass the five Ann Arbor Campuses (South, Central, Medical, North, and East Medical) only and do not include any property owned or leased by U-M outside of these boundaries.

The goals are:

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% 

Decrease the carbon intensity of passenger trips on U-M transportation options by 30% 

Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills by 40% 

Purchase 20% of U-M food in accordance with U-M Sustainable Food Purchasing Guidelines 

Protect Huron River water quality by minimizing runoff from impervious surfaces and reducing the volume of land management chemicals used on campus by 40%

Invest in sustainability culture programs to educate our community, track behavior, and report on progress over time