In 2007, the university developed its first-ever sustainability plan outlining a variation of green actions to promote a green campus. In coordination with this plan, the Environmental Initiatives Committee was created to oversee the completion of green initiatives and programs on campus. Four years later in 2011, the Office of Campus Sustainability was established to help move sustainable initiatives forward.  

Timeline

2016

• Second LEED Gold certified building (Integrated Biological Sciences Building)
• Collaboration among seven student groups to promote waste reduction and recycling

2015

• Warrior Exchange developed to give the campus a web-based classified section to facilitate reuse of campus property
• First Baroudeur Cycling Event to raise money for student scholarships
• A scrap metal recycling program captures ferrous and non-ferrous metals from the campus
  waste stream
• First LEED Gold certified building (Advanced Technology Education Center, ATEC) awarded
• Third LEED Silver certified building (A. Paul Schaap Chemistry Building) awarded

2014

• Lighting Retrofit – LED lighting installation replaces older, less efficient fixtures around campus
• Second LEED Silver certified building (Mazurek Education Commons) awarded

2013

• Hydration Stations installed around campus to facilitate wide-spread usage of refillable water bottles
• Summer boiler shut down program saves the university costs related to less energy consumption
• Sustainability@Wayne seminar series features researchers in sustainability-related fields
• Toner Cartridge Recycling allows departments to recycle used printer cartridges for remanufacturing
• Cell phone recycling program keeps mobile devices out of the waste

2012

• First LEED Silver certified building (Marvin I. Danto Engineering Design Center) awarded
• The Green Ride (sustainability bike tour held annually) made its first trip exploring city sites
• US Green Building Council Students, student organization established on campus
• Solar Compactors placed around campus for waste and recycling

2011

• Office of Campus Sustainability established to move the University's green initiatives forward
• Water@Wayne seminar series features discussions by researchers studying water issues
• Green cleaning policy sets guidelines for environmentally-friendly cleaning products and equipment
• First green roof built on the A. Paul Schaap Chemistry Building

2010

• A solar array and wind turbine installation on the roof of Engineering Technology Building
• Electric service vehicles are used by Facilities Planning and Management in campus operations
• First electronic waste (E-waste) collection (held annually)
• Urban Watershed Environmental Research Group (UWERG, a multi-disciplinary water research
  group)

2009

• University payroll established paperless operations saving costs and aiding the environment
• Campus shuttle service takes riders between the Main Campus and Medical Campus
• A Sustainability Certificate is offered by the College of Engineering

2008

• New, campus-wide recycling began to capture paper, cardboard, plastics, and metal containers
• The Wayne State Farmers Market opened to offer the university community locally-grown produce, fresh baked goods, and natural food products in a lively, social environment
• Campus gardens installed allowing the university community to grow fruits and vegetables

2007

• First WSU Sustainability Plan outlining environmental actions leading to a green campus
• Environmental Initiatives Committee assembled to have oversight of green projects and activities on campus