An EnergyStar program participant since 1997, U-M has been working hard at energy and resource conservation, and our efforts have been recognized over the years. In 2004, U-M was named the EnergyStar Partner of the Year, which recognizes institutions for their energy-saving efforts. To date, participation in the EnergyStar resource conservation program has resulted in upgrades in 32 percent of campus facilities, which translates into a savings of 25 million kilowatthours of electricity annually�enough to power 1,600 homes with 2,000 square feet in Ann Arbor every year.
One important part of U-M�s utilities reduction campaign has been a marketing effort focused on getting the word out to the faculty, students and staff. Flyers and stickers have been used over the past year to highlight different aspects of energy conservation. Posters in dorms, offices and classrooms have helped bring a high level of compliance to the University�s energy-saving strategy. 
To date, designs have included: �We�re Green with Pride!� announcing the EnergyStar partner award given to U-M and �Turn off the juice when not in use!� a reminder to power down computers, printers, TVs and other electrical appliances to keep costs down and energy reserves up.
In January 2006, U-M was recognized as part of a Combined Heat and Power Partnership by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy for success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the use of combined heat and power or cogeneration. U-M’s use of a Central Power Plant to produce most of the electricity for central campus resulted in a reduction of annual emissions equivalent to planting 39,763 acres of forest or removing the emissions of 26,509 automobiles.
In September 2005, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation recognized the University of Michigan for reaching the “gold level” status as one of the Best Workplaces for Commuters. One of the main factors that earned U-M the gold standard was its implementation of the new MRide program providing free bus passes for students, faculty and staff and several other alternative transportation programs. By offering a comprehensive commuter benefits program, U-M has saved nearly $17 million in new parking construction expenses.
In spring 2005, the vice president for research formed the Michigan Energy Research Council (MERC) to study how the University could best support a broad range of energy-related research. With strengths in science, engineering and policy, U-M recently established the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute, and is poised to take a leadership role in the field of energy research.
The Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute (GESI) was launched in November 2005 with a $5.25 million expendable gift from the Graham Foundation, a philanthropic organization established by Donald Graham and his wife Ingrid. The Office of the Provost provided an additional $5.25 million to augment U-M’s ongoing work in the field.
U-M is home to top-ranked schools in virtually all of the critical disciplines important to the development of sustainability approaches. GESI will leverage the University’s position as a global academic leader in this critical area of research and teaching by encouraging additional synergies and supporting new, high-impact programs. Its current activities involve more than 300 U-M faculty members, spread across seven schools, with extensive efforts in the College of Engineering, the School of Natural Resources and the Environment, the School of Public Health, the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Also involved are the A. Alfred Taubman School of Architecture and Urban Planning and the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. Collaborations occur in more than 25 centers and initiatives. Together these activities account for about $30 million annually in sponsored research on sustainability.
As demolition crews clear the grounds for the new Stephen M. Ross School of Business facility, gathering recycled materials from the old facility is a big part of the endeavor.
There are three components of this recycling effort. The first is to recycle material from the demolition itself, and as of June 1, 2006, 84 percent of the demolition debris�more than 2,250 tons of material�had been recycled. The debris includes structural steel beams and columns, steel concrete reinforcing, steel framing, metal piping, concrete and brick.
U-M and its contractors also plan to use recycled materials in the construction of the new building. Five percent of the new building will be recycled material, mostly structural steel.
A third component of the recycling effort uses debris generated during the actual construction, and 50 percent of the debris during the building of the new Ross School will be recycled.
A goal of the project is to build a �green� building that adheres to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards. LEED points are awarded to projects based on how green they are: the more recycled materials used in the building and the more material that is recycled during construction, the better the LEED rating. Other green measures planned for the new building include green roofs that will reduce storm water runoff and reduce heat gain.