Energy

Energy Efficiency Tips: Plug Load Management

Take a few minutes to look around your home, dorm room, office, or lab space and determine how many electronics or other devices are currently plugged into the wall outlets. Actually do it! Try to pick a space where you have some control or influence over decision making, and go take a look. This blog post will be waiting here … Read More

Sustainability Tips for Incoming Students

New school year, new tips! We’ve refreshed the information below for the 2023-2024 school year. Welcome Wolverines! Over the next month or two, thousands of new students, both undergraduate and graduate, will be preparing to start their first semester at the University of Michigan. Picking classes, completing required orientation materials, figuring out financial aid and housing, moving, meeting new classmates … Read More

Planet Blue Student Innovation Fund: a Meaningful Outlet for Experiential Learning and Change Making

Image of the current farm stand set up with an arrow pointing towards the new design for the mobile farm stand

Since 2019, in addition to running the Planet Blue Ambassador program, I have had the opportunity, challenge, and joy of co-advising the Student Sustainability Coalition (SSC). For those of you less familiar with the multitude of sustainability programs at the University of Michigan, SSC is a group of undergraduate and graduate students who aim to amplify the student voice on … Read More

A Discussion About Sustainable Fashion with Erb Graduate Annie Zaro

image of madewell previously owned jeans

The rise of social media and access to the internet has sparked new waves of environmentalism among younger generations, particularly college students. Many among Generation Z and Millennials have become increasingly aware of their own environmental impact and are seeking avenues to curb their carbon footprint. Of the multitude of options—from changing your diet, minimizing plastic use, to consumer choice—finding … Read More

7 More Tips for Saving Money with Sustainable Behaviors

Are you looking for more environmentally friendly actions to incorporate into your routines? These sustainable actions may take a bit more effort than those listed in Part One, based on our personal experiences, but they won’t be as much of an investment as buying an electric car or switching out your water heater, for example! Here is a list of … Read More

Summer Intern Spotlights: Part 1

Madison and Emily volunteer at the zero-waste Convocation Picnic.

Wondering what students from across campus did this summer to advance sustainability efforts at U-M and beyond? Check out Part 1 of our Summer Internship Spotlights below featuring the work of 6 students in support of our collective mission to transition to a more just and sustainable future. Name: Kenzie Nitz Year/major at U-M: Senior / Organizational Studies (M) & … Read More

Go Blue While Going Green: Planet Blue Student Innovation Fund Aids Sustainability Projects

refurbished bike repair station

The University of Michigan Student Sustainability Coalition (SSC) has awarded four new grants through the Planet Blue Student Innovation Fund (PBSIF) to support large-scale, student-led projects that increase sustainability on the Ann Arbor campus.  Born out of a collaboration between students and administrators in 2011, the PBSIF grants advance progress towards a more sustainable and just campus while inspiring students … Read More

What Is a Geo-Exchange System?

As a part of U-M’s commitment to carbon neutrality, you may have heard that several new geo-exchange systems are in the process of being planned and implemented on campus: the Leinweber Building geo-exchange project, the new Ginsberg Center, as well as the new Central Campus housing and dining project all incorporate plans to be heated and cooled using geo-exchange. But … Read More

Pitching In Together: A Showcase of Student Sustainability Projects

Image of the Energy Team During their Pitch

Two sustainability-focused student programs at the University of Michigan, the Student Sustainability Coalition (SSC) and the Planet Blue Student Leaders (PBSL), participated in a virtual “Shark Tank” style event called Pitching In Together in April of 2021. Over the academic year, the PBSLs piloted creative environmental behavior-change campaigns with students across campus, and at this event, SSC heard pitches from … Read More