Stewardship and Sustainability 2023 Progress
Primary Metrics
MSU has established a goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions to 292,934 metric tons of CO2, a 50% reduction from the 2010 baseline of 585,867. The university is making steady progress, with a 36% reduction achieved to date from the 2010 baseline.
The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings honor the commitment universities around the world make in the communities in which they operate, specifically looking at themes of poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. MSU is recognized for its global partnerships and efforts to help restore and conserve ecosystems.
MSU was ranked above No. 100 in 2021, the first year the university participated in this ranking.
Through the generosity of alums and friends, MSU raises money via annual new gifts and commitments.
Key Initiatives
Financial management transformation
MSU is transforming its financial planning process with the inaugural all-funds budget for FY23, building on a thorough review of its financial organization and operations. A request for proposals has been released for development and implementation of a common platform to facilitate budget development reform. A committee is being established that includes a wide variety of individuals from varying parts of campus to ensure selection of a tool that supports stakeholders’ needs.
Road map for future campus planning
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MSU is planning for the future. Phase three of the comprehensive campus planning process is underway. Virtual reality innovations allow the MSU community to see and experience the proposed future of campus prior to a final recommended plan moving forward to MSU’s Board of Trustees later this year. The final plan approved by the board will serve as a road map guiding MSU’s future campus and statewide facilities composition for the next generation.
Project MOON-Light
MSU is addressing equitable access to high-speed internet in Michigan. With support of a $10.5 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Broadband Infrastructure Program, MSU and Merit Network launched the Michigan Open Optical Network - Leveraging Innovation to Get High-Speed Technology, or MOON-Light. The program will help address critical infrastructure gaps by enabling technologically advanced, middle-mile fiberoptic infrastructure across the state. This will allow interconnecting local internet service providers to bring affordable, robust, high-speed broadband internet to homes and businesses in underserved and unserved areas. MOON-Light is one of the first next-generation infrastructure projects of its kind in the country.
Reducing carbon emissions
MSU is reducing its carbon footprint. A new natural gas-fired steam boiler at MSU is supplying up to 200,000 pounds per hour of steam output to campus for building heating and cooling. While physically smaller, the new boiler is more efficient and flexible than the older boilers, giving the university the ability to reduce emissions and expenses without compromising reliability. With this and other projects, the university received $1.5 million in energy efficiency rebates from Consumers Energy to support current and future projects. In addition, with support from a public-private partnership with the state of Michigan and Consumers Energy’s PowerMIFleet program, the university will grow its electric vehicle fleet by at least 369 vehicles during the next decade.
Technology modernization
MSU is providing the resources needed to succeed in today’s digital landscape, improving user experience and lowering operational costs. The Identity and Access Management Modernization Program aims to deliver an infrastructure that can support the nearly 720,000 unique MSU system users, promote inclusivity and provide timely, accurate access to resources. MSU is also updating its network to increase capacity, reliability and security. The university has recently upgraded 19,000 pieces of network-related equipment with new pieces that have an average lifespan of six years.