Skip to main content

About

Planet Blue is what we call U-M's commitment to sustainability. It’s everyone’s responsibility — from the individual to the institution.

Sustainability is a mindset and framework for ensuring that current and future generations have equitable access to the resources for a full and vibrant life without the exploitation of people, society or the environment.

In research, advocacy, operations, and other related efforts, the University of Michigan strives to protect our planet’s life-support systems so that future generations can thrive.

U-M is committed to achieving universitywide carbon neutrality by 2040 and fostering a culture of sustainability.

Sustainability efforts are inherently interdisciplinary, drawing from the natural, social, and health sciences; the humanities; from professions such as engineering, public health, and social work; from the social and business sectors; from local communities, and all levels of government.

The highly complex environmental problems we face today can only be tackled through these highly-integrated approaches in order to make a lasting positive impact in our communities and worldwide.

What is Planet Blue?

Planet Blue is not a formal U-M department or unit, but a broad network of schools, colleges, units and programs working together to advance climate action and environmentalism. The Planet Blue brand enables the university community to come together around a range of sustainability efforts and initiatives. It also allows various U-M sustainability efforts—across academia, campus involvement, administration, and operations—to speak with a common, cohesive voice.

A Gold STARS Institution

The University of Michigan’s sustainability performance is recognized with a Gold rating by the international Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System.

Read the report

U-M is one of 137 institutions earning a Gold STARS rating, and among more than 900 colleges and universities around the globe using the STARS reporting tool.

Developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, STARS uses a self-reporting framework to benchmark sustainability efforts in the areas of academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration and innovation.

  • School for Environment and Sustainability

    The School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) is the primary ​academic home for faculty and students whose work focuses on these topics. As an interdisciplinary school, SEAS spans the university and brings together students and faculty from all of our schools to contribute their ideas and talents to this important work. All of our other schools and colleges also do important work related to the environment and sustainability.

  • Graham Sustainability Institute

    The Graham Sustainability Institute is a boundary-spanning organization that helps to connect external stakeholders to the considerable intellectual capacity of faculty, students, and staff throughout the university, with a focus on catalyzing and supporting sustainability-oriented collaborations that lead to real-world impact.

  • Office of Campus Sustainability

    The Office of Campus Sustainability (OCS) coordinates sustainable campus operations and collaborates with academic and auxiliary units and student groups in pursuit of U-M’s sustainability goals. OCS is responsible for tracking and reporting progress and communicating with campus and community stakeholders.

  • Student Life

    Student Life is the home for many different units that support students needs outside the classroom. From Housing, Dining, and Rec Sports to University Health Services, Wolverine Wellness and the Dean of Students, Student Life is committed to providing sustainable operations and student focused sustainability leadership development and experiential learning.

  • Michigan Medicine

    Michigan Medicine is committed to conducting business in an efficient, environmentally-friendly and cost-effective manner. Through education and cooperation with U-M partners and national and local regulatory agencies, Michigan Medicine serves as a nationally recognized leader for implementing and continuing to improve upon its environmentally friendly practices.

  • Planet Blue Ambassador

    The Planet Blue Ambassador (PBA) program is the entry point to sustainability at the University of Michigan. Its goal is to empower U-M community members with the information and resources they need to live, work, and learn sustainably at U-M.