The MSU community will have a chance to prove how green it really is through a new program designed to recognize environmentally friendly areas of campus.
The Green Certification Program, which began this week, gives students, departments and programs the opportunity to show their efforts in reducing MSU’s environmental impact.
Lauren Olson, the project coordinator for the MSU Office of Campus Sustainability, said although the efforts of individuals on campus might not be obvious, they are important.
“There’s a lot of great things people are doing,” Olson said. “(The objective is) to really figure out what people are doing and recognize them for that.”
The departments, programs and individuals must show steps they are taking to reduce MSU’s environmental impact through energy efficiency and conservation, waste reduction and recycling, water conservation and purchasing, Olson said.
Olson already has received 20 applications from different offices and departments on campus, including the Cyclotron.
“It was a strong suggestion from the director saying that we’re already doing 99 percent of this, so let’s take credit for it,” said Terry Monahan, the environment, safety and health manager for the Cyclotron.
Obtaining green certification from the university would add to the reputation of the facility, he said.
“It seemed like a no-brainer,” Monahan said. “We want to be looked at as being very responsible (and) very responsive to the community.”
Students who live on campus can apply for the certification, Olson said.
“All residents within the room or apartment would have to fill out the certification, together to signify they were taking steps … to reduce their environmental footprint,” she said.
Although students who live off campus cannot receive green certification they still can be environmentally friendly, English and psychology junior Alex Schaub said.
Schaub recycles and said the certification program could influence students even as they move to off-campus living.
“If they do it then they can carry it on when they move off campus, even if they can’t be green certified out of their apartment, but they can still do it on their own,” he said.
Olson said she hopes students will want to be green certified.
“Maybe students might be interested in doing this because they’re already doing these activities and trying very hard to be Spartan green,” she said. “This will be a great way to recognize their efforts.”
Departments and individuals can complete the certification until March 5, 2010, and all certification notifications will completed by April 1, 2010.
The green certification form can be found at sustainability.msu.edu.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
