Sustainability management in campus housing: A case study at the University of Michigan Available to Purchase

Summarizes a study which provides a framework upon which to base management for sustainability in the University of Michigan’s Housing Division. Discusses three reasons why organizations should be interested in pursuing sustainability management: morality and intergenerational equity; survival; and organizational benefits and risks. Proposes a sustainability mission statement for Housing and assesses five operational areas and six decision‐making areas in terms of environmental impact (specific audit data are presented) and prospects for sustainability management. Presents summaries of all findings, as well as more detailed descriptions of dining and staffing assessments. Concludes that management for sustainability must be holistic, systemic and integrative. Major recommendations include appointing a sustainability coordinator and/or task group; conducting sustainability audits; training staff on sustainability; using full‐cost accounting and life‐cycle assessment as decision‐making tools; creating an environmental procurement program; forming a sustainable dining team; involving outside entities in sustainability efforts; and developing partnerships for material reuse.