Staff Policy D-505.14
Institutional Effectiveness Criterion: Operations

Environmental Stewardship

Northwestern Michigan College aspires to achieve the highest possible standards of sustainability on its campuses, in its academic practices, in its facilities and their operations, and by its outreach to the broader community.

To this end, Northwestern Michigan College will:

a.    Undertake the activities and operations of the College in a manner that strikes a balance between sustainable practices, academic excellence and fiscal responsibility;

b.    Foster inquiry into sustainability through teaching and the College experience;

c.    Share knowledge to stimulate innovation, raise awareness and ensure effective participation of the College community in the implementation of sustainable practices;

d.    Encourage economic sustainable efficiencies in the College’s facility operations;

e.    Minimize the use and consumption of energy and material resources;

f.    Consider construction, facility renovation and purchasing activities carried out by the College in terms of their life cycle, economic, environmental and social footprints;

g.    Establish sustainability indicators for each initiative to enable accountability, to communicate specific goals, and to monitor and report on progress.

The Vice President of Finance and Administration, in conjunction with the appropriate faculty and staff, is responsible for the development and publication of any procedures or guidelines that may be necessary to administer this policy effectively.

If any provision(s) of this policy or set of bylaws conflicts with laws applicable to Northwestern Michigan College, including the Community College Act of 1966, the Freedom of Information Act, or the Open Meetings Act, as each may be amended from time to time, such laws shall control and supersede such provision(s).