case study two
Determining the Collective Impact of Sustainability at Grand Valley State University
This project determined the estimated collective economic impact of sustainability at the University in 2015 which totaled ~ $250MM. The areas covered included the major sustainability initiatives on campus and in the community among faculty, staff, and students.
The estimated collective economic impact of sustainability at GVSU was ~$250MM in 2015 which covered the major sustainability initiatives on campus and in the community including: waste, energy, water, land and buildings, education, food, purchasing, health and wellness, transportation, and community engagement. In 2009 sustainability became one of the University’s seven core values. This project was undertaken to determine the long-term benefit and value created by employing sustainable development best practices using the “triple bottom line” lens of economic, environmental, and social impact.
Sustainability was formally introduced to the University in 2004, but many environmental sustainability best practices were already in place including energy and water conservation management strategies. Over the years, sustainability became embedded in planning and reporting for the University, and offered a lifestyle that was embraced by faculty, staff, and students, as well as community stakeholders. Many times, sustainability progress is measured by performance metrics that do not capture the full significance, value created, and worth of implementing those best practices. Economic impact as a measurement tool enables you to capture this additional value, such as with avoided costs.
Some of the highlights of the report included:
- Nearly 200 sustainability related courses were being offered
- 20 LEED certified building projects were completed
- ~1MM pounds of local food produce was being purchased
- ~$2MM in annual energy savings were experienced
For these ongoing sustainability efforts GVSU received a Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) through their Sustainability Tracking and Reporting System (STARS).
Source: Grand Valley’s Sustainability Impact Totals $250MM, www.gvsu.edu/gvnow/2017, posted January 4th, 2017
Norman Christopher
August 2019
