The Campus

Dana Building

The University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) has been housed in the Samuel Trask Dana Building, on the Diag in the heart of central campus, since 1961. Inside the Dana Building, environmental principles are not only taught but also upheld and demonstrated to the community. The building is a state-of-the-art example of green renovation, featuring materials that were recycled or manufactured from renewable resources. It was the first academic building in Michigan to earn LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. 

Campus Sustainability

U-M has promoted a culture of sustainability for over 130 years. U-M began offering courses in forestry in 1881—the first university in the United States to do so.

The U-M motto, "Planet Blue begins with you!," extends to all aspects of the university, from operations to culture. How we live impacts our planet in many ways. Sustainability scholars, researchers, and advocates at U-M strive to maintain our planet’s life-support systems and to ensure that future generations can thrive here. Learn more about Planet Blue.

The University of Michigan Campus Farm at Matthaei Botanical Gardens is a living, learning laboratory for students and interns, providing educational, research, and employment opportunities related to the production of sustainable food and the study of food systems.

Going Carbon Neutral

In May 2021, following the release of the final report of the President’s Commission on Carbon Neutrality, U-M committed to achieving carbon neutrality universitywide, encompassing the Flint, Dearborn, and Ann Arbor campuses, as well as Athletics and Michigan Medicine. Commitments include eliminating direct campus emissions by 2040, achieving carbon neutrality for purchased power by 2025, and establishing goals by 2025 for a wide array of indirect, Scope 3 emissions sources. Actions build on the work of the carbon neutrality commission, which was convened in February 2019, and cover emissions reduction strategies as well as organizational steps to ensure a culture of sustainability is in place across the university.

Other Systems and Services

The University Library System offers access to research databases, books, study spaces, special exhibits, and a wealth of other knowledge resources.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a free, confidential counseling service for all currently enrolled U-M students.