U-M SNRE In the News

Dead cattle in Kenya are our problem too

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:10:14 -0500

In a speech in China, SNRE Dean Rosina M. Bierbaum discussed the challenges facing the world in combating climate change, particularly nations in East Asia and the Pacific region. Coverage included an article in The Shanghai Daily. Her speech was part of a regional presentation by the World Bank of its World Development Report 2010, which focused on climate change.

University of Michigan study finds black Americans more likely to live near polluting industrial sites

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:16:45 -0500

Black Americans are much more likely to live within a mile of a polluting industrial facility than white Americans, a University of Michigan study found. The study found this was especially true in midwestern states where 58 percent of blacks in midwestern metropolitan areas lived within a mile of an industrial site, compared to 35 percent of whites. The study’s findings had been adjusted for socioeconomic and other demographic characteristics, said the paper's lead author Paul Mohai, a U-M professor in the School of Natural Resources and Environment.

DeCicco addresses challenges ahead in addressing auto emissions

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:30:02 -0500

In an interview with BNET, senior lecturer John DeCicco discusses the environmental impacts of fuels. The interview took place Nov. 10 at the BMW University event in New Jersey. DeCicco, who pioneered “green scores” for automobiles while at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, proposes in a recent paper a new way of measuring the environmental benefits of biofuels, according to bnet.com. He was interviewed by Jim Motavalli, author of Forward Drive: The Race to Build Clean Cars for the Future, among other books.

Dean Bierbaum discusses World Bank Development Report in China

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:30:01 -0500

In a speech in China, SNRE Dean Rosina M. Bierbaum discussed the challenges facing the world in combating climate change, particularly nations in East Asia and the Pacific region. Her speech was part of a regional presentation by the World Bank of its World Development Report 2010, which focused on climate change.

Professor Nassauer discusses green spaces and rust-belt cities

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:21:19 -0500

In an interview with Michigan Radio, Joan Iverson Nassauer discusses the role that Land Banks play in reviving communities and restoring natural landscapes. Rust-belt cities like Flint and Detroit can still turn all those vacant lots into natural assets, even if it's just a pleasant open green space that gets mowed on a regular basis, according to the report.

"In a kind of ironic way," Professor Nassauer told Michigan Radio, "these cities that are facing abandoned property, they have the opportunity right now to pause and do it better."

Sustainable movement? Roundtable sees benefits of green, debate economic impact

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:04:35 -0500

In October, Crain's Detroit Business invited a group of local experts to a roundtable discussion on business and the environment. One of the participants was Thomas Gladwin, who has dual appointments with the School of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ross School of Business. He is associate director of the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise and the Max McGraw professor sustainable enterprise.

Michigan Sea Grant featured in series on Clean Marina Program

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:47:53 -0500

Michigan Sea Grant

The Detroit Examiner began a three-part series on the Michigan Clean Marina Program, a partnership of Michigan Sea Grant, the Michigan Boating Industries Association, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth. Michigan has 750 marinas and nearly 1million registered boats. The program was developed to protect water resources and wildlife habitat by promoting environmentally sound marina and boating best practices.

DeCicco raises questions about electric vehicles, CAFE standards

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:35:25 -0500

Some analysts believe using electric cars—which don’t use petroleum-based fuel—as a tool to meet or shift standards for fuel efficiency standards is inherently misleading. "There's a lot of confusion out there on the issue because CAFE is defined based on petroleum use, so non-petroleum fuel options like EVs get credit disproportionate to their actual emissions reduction impact," John DeCicco, senior lecturer at SNRE, told HybridCars.com. “This is similar to the issue leading to the eye-popping MPG numbers for the Chevy Volt.

Zell Lurie, Erb institutes co-host Cleantech Conference

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:59:49 -0500

Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise:

Professor Hoffman talks climate, business strategy on WJR

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:01:41 -0500

Andy Hoffman, the Holcim (US) Professor of Sustainable Enterprise at the University of Michigan, appeared on the WJR radio program "Greening of the Great Lakes." Professor Hoffman discussed climate change and related environmental issues and their relationship to business strategy.

He and show host Kirk Heinze also discussed Hoffman's 2008 book, "Climate Change, What's Your Business Strategy?", co-authored with John G. Woody. The book's topic is the focus of a May 2010 Executive Education course through the Ross School of Business.

SNRE, Ross graduates publish book on hybrid organizations

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:15:04 -0500

Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise

SNRE, Erb cited for role in rankings touting Ross Business School

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:40:08 -0400

School of Natural Resources and Environment

The U-M Ross School of Business is the best business school in the United States for integrating environmental, social and ethical issues into its MBA program, according to the Aspen Institute's 2009-10 Beyond Grey Pinstripes report. One key reason is its relationship with the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise,a partnership between Ross and the School of Natural Resources and Environment.

SNRE (Erb) students honored with entrepreneurial grants

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:04:26 -0400

Student Names: Sam Lines and Niels Zellers (M.B.A./M.S. '11); Jennifer McLaughlin and Imogen Taylor (M.B.A./M.S. ’10).

Four students at the School of Natural Resources and Environment were among dozens of entrepreneurs recognized with Dare to Dream program awards this week by the Zell Lurie Institute. The students are all dually enrolled with the Ross School of Business and are members of different classes at the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise.

Awarded $1,500 Assessment grants were the following studnet-founded companies:

Northeast Michigan Integrated Assessment examines sustainable tourism and economic opportunity

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:17:34 -0400

Michigan Sea Grant

The Northeast Michigan Integrated Assessment is a collaborative process supported by the Michigan Sea Grant and is designed to address opportunities for sustainable tourism and development in the region-- with special concern for the protection of coastal resources. SNRE is a collaborator on the initiative, detailed in this article from Northeast Michigan Chatter.

DeCicco discusses regulation of biofuel emissions under cap-and-trade system

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:16:07 -0400

SNRE lecturer John DeCicco's approach to regulating emissions from the production of biofuels and their feedstocks under a cap-and-trade system is discussed in a recent article on the Green Car Congress Web site. "Integrated into a cap-and-trade framework, this market-based approach would provide biofuel and feedstock production with a carbon price incentive tied to the cap, creating a more complete carbon management framework for the transportation fuels sector," says DeCicco.

Zak recognized by the Soil Science Society of America

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:08:35 -0400

Professor Donald Zak will deliver the Francis E. Clark Distinguished Lectureship on Frontiers in Soil Biology at the annual meeting of the Soil Science Society of America this November, where he will be presented with the Soil Science Distinguished Service Award. The lectureship is the highest award given by the society for pioneering work in soil biology and biochemistry.

Forest ownership research by SNRE's Agrawal cited in New Scientist

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:16:50 -0400

A recently released study conducted by Arun Agrawal, SNRE professor and associate dean for research, shows that tropical forests owned by local communities store more carbon than those managed by governments. This article in New Scientist discusses the findings of Agrawal and colleagues, which suggest that local ownership may stimulate protection of forests and better management of common areas and resources.

Dana Building featured on the University's College Sustainability Report Card

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:51:21 -0400

Dana Building

The University of Michigan was given a grade of B+ on the recently released College Sustainability Report Card, an independent evaluation of campus and endowment sustainability activities. The Dana Building's LEED Gold certification was noted as an example of the University's green building efforts, along with energy- and water-saving technologies such as composting toilets and low-flow faucets.

Scavia named special counsel to the president for sustainability

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:44:21 -0400

In her annual State of the University address, U-M president Mary Sue Coleman announced the appointment of Donald Scavia to the position of special counsel to the president for sustainability. Scavia, professor at SNRE and director of the Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute, will advise Coleman and others on sustainability issues and coordinate related programs on campus. Coleman also announced the creation of the Office of Campus Sustainability in her address.

Erb student discusses Michigan's 'green makeover'

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:06:15 -0400

Student Name: Samuel Lines (Erb '11)

Erb student Samuel Lines (Class of 2011) discusses the potential for green industries to transform Michigan's economy in this blog post for GreenBiz.com and Reuters. Lines highlights the Erb internship program, which "places MBA/MS students like me with local VC firms, business incubators, small business associations and startups that need expertise in business and in the environment."

Center for Sustainable Systems cited in New York Times article

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:58:16 -0400

Center for Sustainable Systems

A recent article in The New York Times details the efforts of Quebec company Enerkem to convert trash into a synthetic gas that can be used in creating biofuels. "According to the University of Michigan’s Center for Sustainable Systems," the article states, "the United States produces almost 250 million tons of municipal solid waste each year, with just under 60 percent destined for landfill." The process used by Enerkem will produce ethanol from waste at several landfills in Canada.

Erb student evaluates Newsweek's 'Green Rankings'

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:44:26 -0400

Student Name: Julian Dautremont-Smith (Erb '12)

In an article for TriplePundit, Erb student Julian Dautremont-Smith evaluates Newsweek's recently released "Green Rankings" of the nation's 500 largest companies. Dautremont-Smith suggests that in order to better measure the 'green' criteria, the rankings should emphasize industry-level data, directly encourage the highest sustainability priorities, allow companies to opt in, and switch from relative to absolute scoring.

SNRE research team to analyze threats to Great Lakes region

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:19:04 -0400

A University of Michigan-led initiative to map threats to the Great Lakes region is featured in this Toledo Blade column about the U.S. response to climate change. According to lead researcher David Allan, SNRE professor and associate dean for academic affairs, part of the project will aim to analyze the changes that have already taken place due to climate change.

Diana interviewed on sustainable aquaculture

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:12:13 -0400

In a interview for EarthSky, SNRE professor and Michigan Sea Grant director Jim Diana discusses sustainable aquaculture, highlighting his work showing that indoor shrimp farming techniques could avoid filtering waste into local waters and save energy with the strategic location of farms. "If we work in terms of thinking about the future and trying to make positive returns for those people who are doing the right things... we will get big changes in how aquaculture produces species," Diana says.

SNRE students lead zero-waste tailgate

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:50:32 -0400

Student Names: Greg Buzzell (Erb '11), Julia Koslow (Erb '10), Elizabeth Senecal (M.S. '11)

Erb Institute students Greg Buzzell and Julia Koslow and SNRE Master's student Elizabeth Senecal were part of a team of volunteers leading the Student Sustainability Initiative's "zero-waste" tailgate, part of the U-M Alumni Association's homecoming activities. According to Buzzell, though some waste was produced, the event yielded about 500 pounds of compostable material that would have otherwise been sent to a landfill.

Allan and McIntyre to lead Great Lakes mapping effort

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:36:49 -0400

David Allan, SNRE professor and associate dean for academic affairs, and Peter McIntyre, SNRE research investigator, are part of a newly formed research team that will assess current threats to the Great Lakes region. Focused on the creation of synthetic maps displaying threats and their impacts on the region, the team will work with scientists, conservationists, and management companies to gather results that can be translated into policy and management outcomes.

Erb alumni publish book on hybrid organizations

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:07:48 -0400

Student Names: Brewster Boyd ('09), Nina Henning ('09), Emily Reyna ('09), Daniel E. Wang ('08), Matthew D. Welch ('09)

The newly published book "Hybrid Organizations: New Business Models for Environmental Leadership" examines a business model that blends for-profit and non-profit enterprise while integrating sustainability principles. The book, written by five Erb graduates, developed from Master's project work. "'Hybrid Organizations' is a much-needed exploration of the first-movers in this new and innovative market space," said SNRE and Ross School of Business professor Andrew Hoffman, the group's Master's project advisor.

Gladwin's Erb seminar educates students about true sustainability

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:16:02 -0400

Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise

SNRE and Ross School of Business professor Thomas Gladwin leads Erb students in a seminar on changing business principles to reflect true sustainability, distinct from the gradual and minimal change often associated with businesses' perceptions of 'going green.' "I can see it sweeping across academia and also business schools as a new framework for understanding what is our ultimate purpose," says Gladwin of the approach, which mixes economics, ecology,and philosophy.

Grese discusses runoff management at the Botanical Gardens

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:12:27 -0400

Concerns about nearby wetlands have prompted officials at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens to contain water and oil runoff by repaving driveways. According to Bob Grese, SNRE professor and director of the Botanical Gardens, the gravel that initially replaced asphalt exacerbated problems instead of absorbing runoff as intended. By repaving with asphalt and managing additional rain gardens and vegetation, Grese says officials will "try to handle some of the water before it runs into the stream."

Rabe discusses 'volatility' in predicting cap-and-trade costs

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:13:14 -0400

Though many speculate that energy costs and taxes could rise as a result of carbon cap-and-trade legislation, SNRE and Gerald Ford School of Public Policy professor Barry Rabe tells the St. Petersburg Times that predicting the impact on energy costs is more complex than assumed. "What we've seen is that there's a lot of volatility," he said. "It's hard to make those projections and say how these things are going to work as a result. That just underscores the difficulty of attaching numbers to these things that people can live with."

Scavia testifies to Congress on hypoxia

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:29:15 -0400

Donald Scavia, SNRE professor and director of the Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute, testified Thursday before the House Committee on Science and Technology's Energy and Environment Subcommittee. Scavia's testimony covered the threats associated with harmful algae blooms and dead (hypoxic) zones in the Chesapeake Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Erie.

Erb students create socially conscious venture-capital fund

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:14:49 -0400

Student Names: Luis Calderon (Erb '11), Eric Rosenthal (Erb '11)

Erb students Luis Calderon and Eric Rosenthal, both members of the Class of 2011, are among four graduate students who recently formed a venture-capital fund to support socially and environmentally aware enterprises. “This is a great opportunity to learn how to raise companies and contribute to a developing asset class," says Calderon about the Social Venture Fund in an article for Crain's Detroit Business.

Dead zone growth is 'ecological time bomb'

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:54:31 -0400

Don Scavia, SNRE professor and director of the Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute, is quoted in a Mother Nature News article about potential growth of the Gulf of Mexico 'dead zone' due to increases in U.S. biofuel production. The dead zone, or hypoxic (oxygen-starved) region, is largely caused by nutrient runoff from fertilizer use. "The growth of these dead zones is an ecological time bomb," Scavia says.

World Bank urges climate 'action now'

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:58:56 -0400

SNRE Dean Rosina M. Bierbaum is co-director of the World Development Report 2010, released today by the World Bank. Focusing on climate change, the report urges vastly increased spending and protection of developing countries in order to cope with the risks of climate change. "Grappling with climate shocks that are already hampering development will not be easy. But promising new energy technologies can vastly reduce future greenhouse gas emissions and prevent catastrophic climate change," Bierbaum says.

'Green Energy Czar' Bill Weihl of Google to visit SNRE, discuss energy-saving efforts

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:24:10 -0400

SNRE

Software development for the electric car industry is an emerging issue for companies such as Google and for the Ann Arbor region. Bill Weihl, Google’s “green energy czar,” will present the U-M Energy Fest keynote address today as part of the SNRE Dean's Speaker Series. He discusses the implications of electric cars for grid management and key factors that must be controlled in this AnnArbor.com article about Weihl and his visit to the University.

Center for Sustainable Systems educates students at Energy Fest

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:36:43 -0400

Center for Sustainable Systems

The Center for Sustainable Systems presented information boards and energy quizzes to students attending the 2009 Energy Fest, providing an incentive of free compact fluorescent light bulbs to those stopping to learn about energy supply and consumption. “This is the generation that has their whole lives ahead of them and they are more well trained in environmental information," said program coordinator Helaine Hunscher of the students' response to the booth.

Who's monitoring pollution?

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:59:07 -0400

In a story for The Environment Report, SNRE professor and Erb Institute director Thomas Lyon discusses the obstacles to regulating pollution. Small businesses and farms in particular are often poorly monitored, especially now that many state agencies are lacking in resources. “Big smokestack industries we have a fairly good eye on, but there are a lot of areas that we still don’t have a good handle on,” says Lyon.

Erb Institute challenges largest-ever incoming class to think differently about sustainability and business

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:46:22 -0400

Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise

The Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise has welcomed its largest-ever group of new and returning students. Incoming students take the Erb Institute Seminar, taught by SNRE and Ross School of Business professor Thomas Gladwin, which encourages new approaches to sustainable business. Other highlighted courses are taught by SNRE and Ross School professors Thomas Lyon and Andrew Hoffman. "Our students have the opportunity to explore new ways of doing business, designing systems and integrating disciplines so that they emerge as leaders, advocates and change agents for sustainability," says Gladwin in the release.

SNRE doctoral student wins prestigious Foster Scholarship

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:40:06 -0400

Student Name: Catherine Benson

SNRE doctoral student Catherine Benson is among seven students from around the nation to receive the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship, awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The scholarship provides substantial support to students studying marine biology, coastal resource management, or maritime archeology and allows them to work with scientists from NOAA.

$1 billion proposed in 2010 for Great Lakes restoration

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:02:48 -0400

Michigan Sea Grant

Advocates for protection of the Great Lakes are awaiting a Senate vote that would provide at least $400 million in additional restoration funding, set to focus on deterring invasives, creating jobs, and dealing with pollution. Michigan Sea Grant project cooordinator Lynn Vaccaro predicts that nearly a third of the funding could aid state programs, according to an article in The Detroit News.

Scavia discusses Great Lakes restoration funds

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:15:07 -0400

According to The Detroit News, proposed funding for Great Lakes restoration will target five areas of concern: fighting invasives, restoring habitats, addressing toxic areas of concern, managing fertilizers and runoff, and monitoring results. Donald Scavia, SNRE professor and director of the Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute, discusses the need to address the excess of nutrients caused by fertilizer runoff in the article.

Brown discusses China quarantine

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:13:21 -0400

SNRE professor Dan Brown was quarantined during a recent trip to China after a nearby airline passenger was diagnosed with H1N1 flu. In this article for AnnArbor.com, Brown discusses the experience he and his family faced during the weeklong isolation.

Michigan to benefit most from Great Lakes funding, Scavia says

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:28:06 -0400

According to SNRE professor and Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute director Donald Scavia, Michigan is set to benefit most from a proposed $475 million increase in funding for Great Lakes cleanup and restoration-- since half of the Lakes' shoreline lies in the state. The funding awaits a vote from the U.S. Senate.

Lyon comments on Wal-Mart's "green product index" proposal

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:19:04 -0400

Wal-Mart's proposed "green product index" will impact the stores' suppliers, says SNRE professor and Erb Institute director Thomas Lyon. The index is an eco-labeling initiative currently in development and would be based on materials tracking data provided by suppliers. "The game really moves more and more to the large-scale suppliers that can afford the fixed cost of putting in a good product-tracking system," Lyon says in a Manufacturing Business Technology article.

Dead zones threaten shrimp industry in the Gulf of Mexico

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:23:43 -0400

Donald Scavia, SNRE professor and director of the Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute, is featured in a story for The Environment Report about dead zones and their threat to the Gulf of Mexico shrimp industry. These oxygen-deprived waters, caused by nutrient runoff from increased fertilizer use, are threatening aquatic life in the region. According to Scavia, though the programs to reduce runoff are in place, increased funding must support conservation programs to address the problem.

Erb Institute, students featured as "ethical entrepreneurs"

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:55:56 -0400

Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise

Student Names: Jeff LeBrun (Erb '09), John Rice (Erb '09)

Talent emerging from the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise is featured as an example of growing "ethical entrepreneurship" in this Metromode article. Recent Erb graduates Jeff LeBrun and John Rice are highlighted as members of Algal Scientific, a startup that will use algae to treat wastewater and create biofuel. "The need is accelerating" for such entrepreneurship, says Richard Bunch, managing director of the Erb Institute, in the article.

Bryant cited as driving the success of environmental justice studies

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:06:06 -0400

Alumnus Name: Michael Dorsey (Ph.D. '05)

The Commission to Engage African-Americans on Climate Change, launched by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies in Washington, D.C., works to educate and engage African-Americans while shaping policy on climate change. SNRE alumnus Michael Dorsey (Ph.D. '05), an assistant professor at Dartmouth University as well as a visiting scholar with the commission, notes that the success of environmental justice scholars was "largely driven by scholars of color, such as Bob Bullard at Clark Atlanta and [SNRE professor] Bunyan Bryant at the University of Michigan, and policymakers of color.”

Sea Grant supports educators' study of Lake Huron

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:55:56 -0400

Michigan Sea Grant

The Michigan Sea Grant, along with the National Science Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is supporting the Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence's Lake Huron Shipboard and Shoreline Science Workshop-- an opportunity for area educators to conduct research with scientists on Lake Huron. According to Sea Grant Extension educators quoted in the article, the program helps to foster relationships between participants and researchers and often translates into classroom lessons emphasizing the science of the Great Lakes.

Dead zone in Gulf is smaller than forecast, but more concentrated in parts

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:51:17 -0400

Though this year's Gulf of Mexico 'dead zone' -- an oxygen-starved, or hypoxic, area with adverse effects on aquatic life-- is smaller than originally forecasted, researchers recently reported that the volume of hypoxic water may be higher than usual. SNRE professor Donald Scavia notes that the lack of "normal physical conditions" this year was a contributing factor to the discrepancy between the model's predictions and the actual size of the dead zone. Despite a smaller size, this year's hypoxic layer penetrates deeper into the Gulf in certain areas, according to the scientists.

Nassauer advises local residents on land banks

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:10:55 -0400

SNRE professor Joan Iverson Nassauer recently spoke to residents of Ann Arbor's Bryant Park neighborhood about the potential for land banks to ameliorate some of the problems faced by the area, hurt by the mortgage crisis and suffering from inadequate drainage. Recent research by Professor Nassauer examined vacant land in Genesee County and emphasized ecological considerations in land development.

Great Lakes levels rebound

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:20:44 -0400

Great Lakes water levels are rebounding rom the sudden decline that began in the 1990s, reflecting the natural cycles of lake levels as well as an abundance of wetter, colder weather-- though climate change still threatens to alter long-term trends. "Climate projections say the lakes will go up and down around a decreasing average. The lows will be lower than in the past and the highs will be lower than in the past," says Donald Scavia, SNRE professor and director of the Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute, in the article.

Plans for GE facility point to state's future: Technology, research must be focus

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:35:04 -0400

SNRE professor and Erb Institute director Thomas Lyon is cited in this Ann Arbor news article about the implications of General Electric's decision to open the Advanced Manufacturing and Software Technology Center in the area. The new center has the potential to take advantage of existing manufacturing and engineering talent and prompt a new approach to innovation in the region, according to the article.

U-M researchers study 'fundamental, amazing change' in Great Lakes

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:38:39 -0400

New research by SNRE research scientist David Jude and colleagues examines the impact of the spread of invasive mussels in the Great Lakes on the livelihood of the algae-feeder diporeia-- as well as the consequences for the food chain and Michigan's fishing industries. "Fundamental, amazing change is happening in the Great Lakes right now, and it's being propagated throughout the food web, from the bottom up," said Jude in the article.

Michigan Sea Grant supports new Great Lakes research

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:51:01 -0400

Michigan Sea Grant

The Michigan Sea Grant, a collaboration between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, recently awarded funding to three projects focused on analyzing problems related to wind energy development in coastal areas and improving the management of the Clinton River watershed. "We are excited to support these projects that will assist state agencies, communities and others in making challenging decisions. These efforts will have a positive economic impact on Michigan's coastal areas," said Jim Diana, SNRE professor and director of the Michigan Sea Grant, in the release.

Erb PhD student's case study in Ford's Annual Sustainability Report

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:47:05 -0400

Student Name: Melissa Forbes

An academic case study conducted by Erb Institute doctoral student Melissa Forbes is featured in the 2008-2009 Annual Sustainability Report released by Ford Motor Company. The case study examined shareholder activism and its impact on the company, focusing on Ford's shareholder engagement with the Sisters of St. Dominic. The order of Dominican nuns in New Jersey filed climate change resolutions with Ford, and according to Forbes a relationship of mutual trust led Ford to publish its goal to reduce products' carbon dioxide emissions.

Pond project will increase stormwater drainage capacity

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:23:22 -0400

Bob Grese, SNRE professor and the director of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, discussed upcoming work at the Botanical Gardens in an Ann Arbor News article. Two manmade ponds at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens that hold stormwater runoff from a 1,200-acre area of land will be dredged to remove sediment that has accumulated. The project will increase stormwater storage capacity and allow one of the ponds to hold less sediment.

SNRE alumna hired to Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s Democratic staff

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:09:29 -0400

Alumnus name: Sara Tucker ('05)

Sara Tucker, a 2005 graduate of SNRE's Master's program, was recently hired to the Democratic staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. She "brings extra expertise on public lands issues to the Committee," according to the press release.

SNRE Master's projects represent student talent and innovation

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:49:34 -0400

SNRE

SNRE Master's projects are one example of student work at U-M that allow the application of student talent and innovation to the work of local, national, and global companies and initiatives. Daryl Weinert, Executive Director of the U-M Business Engagement Center, writes that SNRE's Master's projects place students "with real-world clients working on real-world problems."

Grilling's carbon footprint

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:35:33 -0400

A recent story from The Environment Report discusses the carbon footprint of a favorite summer activity-- grilling. In the piece, SNRE professor Bill Currie acknowledges that "we make dozens or hundreds of these kinds of choices every day, and if we know that one alternative is better than another, these little things do matter because they add up."

Lyon comments on new high-tech GE facility

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:15:08 -0400

The recent decision by General Electric to conduct advanced research at a new facility in Michigan has spurred talk of potential for the state's alternative energy and related industries to expand as more companies follow GE's example. "This is the first really big, very serious player that has stepped in," said SNRE professor and Erb Institute director Thomas Lyon in the article.

Erb Institute celebrates achievements at close of its 15th year

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:55:56 -0400

Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise

In this release, the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise ends its 15th year with a reflection on the accomplishments of the past twelve months-- including enrollment gains, student work in clean energy development, and achievements of SNRE and Ross School of Business professors Thomas Lyon and Andrew Hoffman.

Can farm groups kill the climate bill?

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:33:06 -0400

Opposition by farm groups to the climate bill passed in the House of Representatives, which would mandate a U.S. cap on greenhouse gases, may impede the progress of the bill in the Senate-- where senators must represent the diverse needs of their state and have the power to filibuster on behalf of their constituents' interests. "Agriculture can in effect hold this bill hostage. This suggests we're only at the beginning of the negotiating process," said SNRE and Ford School of Public Policy professor Barry Rabe in the article.

Great Lakes research recognized by award

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:12:18 -0400

The Journal of Great Lakes Research has awarded the 2009 Chandler-Misener Award to Thomas Johengen, associate research scientist at SNRE and associate director of the Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems Research. This recognition of the year's best peer-reviewed paper has now been awarded to an SNRE researcher for two straight years.

Vacant land report cited in Oakland Press article

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:30:19 -0400

Student Names: Danielle Kahn, Rebekah VanWieren, Zhifang Wang

A recent article about the use of land banks in Michigan counties cited "Vacant Land as a Natural Asset," a report of research conducted by SNRE professor Joan Iverson Nassauer and students Danielle Kahn, Rebekah VanWieren and Zhifang Wang. “The community design and property management concepts that we developed for Flint and Genesee County apply to many communities in Michigan and across the country where the economy or weather events have led to massive property vacancies and dilapidated infrastructure,” said Nassauer in the article.

Erb student blogs about Climate Corps experience

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:02:31 -0400

Student Name: Ryan Whisnant (Erb '10)

Ryan Whisnant (Erb '10) is a member of the 2009 Climate Corps, working as a sustainability advisor for SunGard through the internship program sponsored by the Environmental Defense Fund and Net Impact. In "Demystifying Energy Bills to Save Companies Money," cross-posted on the EDF Innovation Exchange Blog, Whisnant reflects on his experience so far and explains how companies can better understand cost savings gained through energy efficiency.

Michigan, China, Mongolia to study grassland life

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:26:12 -0400

SNRE professor and associate dean Dan Brown is principal investigator of a study of human adaptation to climate change on the Mongolian Plateau that has received a $900,000 grant from NASA. Collaborating researchers include SNRE professor Arun Agrawal and associate research scientist Kathleen Bergen, as well as researchers from Eastern Michigan University and the Mongolian and Chinese academies of science.

America's emerging energy renaissance

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:25:34 -0400

Student Name: Aaron James (Erb '10)

In this article written for Power & Energy Solutions Magazine, SNRE and Ross School of Business professor Andrew Hoffman and Erb student Aaron James discuss the imminent energy renaissance in America as the market shift in energy develops. "The business executive must consider sustainability as intrinsic to business fundamentals," Hoffman and James state.

SNRE's Scavia, colleagues predict large 2009 Gulf of Mexico 'dead zone'

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:21:03 -0400

In their new forecast, SNRE professor Donald Scavia and colleagues report that the Gulf of Mexico's "dead zone" for this year could be among the largest dead zones, or oxygen-starved (hypoxic) regions, on record-- covering between 7,450 and 8,456 square miles. Forecasts for the Chesapeake Bay region predict a shrinking dead zone; however, the anticipated change is due to regional dry spells and not decreased nitrogen in farmland runoff, one of the leading causes of hypoxia.

Grese cited in article about ash borer's New York presence

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:52:51 -0400

Bob Grese, SNRE professor and director of the U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, discusses the devastation of ash trees caused in recent years by the emerald ash borer in this article about the beetle's surfacing in the state of New York.

Erb students guide Frankel Fund to renewable energy investment

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:48:49 -0400

Student Names: Theo Ludwick (Erb '10), Mike Hartley (Erb '09), Nina Henning (Erb '09), Laura Bruce (Erb '10), Siobhan Doherty (Erb '10), Brian Katzman (Erb '10)

Six students from the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise are part of the Clean Tech Team for the Frankel Commercialization Fund, a student-led venture capital fund at the Ross School of Business. The students are responsible for the recently announced investment in Accio Energy, a local company that produces aerovoltaic wind energy technology.

Experts call for standardized 'green' label

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:49:00 -0400

A panel of experts at The National Summit in Detroit this week called for the creation of a green standard for products to help consumers make sustainable decisions. Thomas Lyon, SNRE professor and director of the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise, commented on the lack of a single green standard and suggested that businesses seeking to expand their presence in green markets may want to explore partnerships with nongovernmental organizations.

Lyon contributes to sustainability panels at The National Summit

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:27:05 -0400

Thomas Lyon, SNRE professor and director of the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise, recently spoke to leaders from business, government and academia at The National Summit in Detroit. Lyon's reactions to corporate carbon offset programs and potential development of a national green standard for consumer products are discussed in this Detroit Free Press article.

Lyon to address leaders at The National Summit

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:36:33 -0400

Thomas Lyon, SNRE professor and the director of the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise, will address The National Summit in Detroit early next week. The National Summit will allow leaders from government, business, academia and labor to collaborate and discuss America's economic potential in several critical areas, including energy and environment, according to the release.

Erb Institute launches innovative internship program

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:58:17 -0400

SNRE; Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise

Student Names: Paul Gruber (Erb '10), Bryan Hogle (Erb '11), Imogen Taylor (Erb '10), Nicolas Wetzler (Erb '11), Samuel Lines (Erb '11), Bharath Iyengar (Erb '11)

Students Paul Gruber, Bryan Hogle, Imogen Taylor, Nicholas Wetzler, Samuel Lines, and Bharath Iyengar are among those participating in the Erb Institute summer internship program discussed in a recent press release. The program matches these dual degree students with companies and organizations seeking to investigate issues of sustainability and implement corresponding practices, services, and technologies.

Environmental program helps companies save energy

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:54:16 -0400

Student Names: Sarah Shapiro (Erb '10), Emily Reyna (Erb '09)

Erb student Sarah Shapiro (Erb '10) is interning for Cisco Systems as a member of the 2009 Climate Corps, an internship program sponsored by the Environmental Defense Fund and Net Impact that pairs MBA students with companies looking to implement sustainable practices and increase energy efficiency. Emily Reyna (Erb '09) is also featured in the article as a Climate Corps alumna and last year's Cisco Systems intern.

Lyon cited in corporate social responsibility article

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:48:41 -0400

Thomas Lyon, SNRE professor and director of the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise, is cited in a recent article in Financial Executive entitled "Is Corporate Green Getting a Yellow Light?" In the piece, Lyon discusses companies' levels of commitment to sustainable practices and the public expectations associated with corporate promises of sustainability.

Scavia among experts to urge revision of Great Lakes agreement

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:54:59 -0400

Donald Scavia, SNRE professor and director of the Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute, is one of 38 experts on the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River region urging lawmakers to update the 1972 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. As the United States and the Canada celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Boundary Waters Treaty this week, the experts argued that revisions to the Water Quality Agreement are crucial to maintaining the health of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence ecosystem.

Sustained effort: SNRE students apply sustainable principles to monastery

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:44:15 -0400

Student Names: Alex Linkow, Jessica Neafsey

SNRE students Alex Linkow and Jessica Neafsey are cited in this article about their work at Holy Cross Abbey in Clarke County, Virginia. The SNRE Master's project will provide guidance as the monastery seeks to become more sustainable and requires "a holistic view of sustainability," according to Linkow.

A river wild or tamed?

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:50:06 -0400

SNRE

A past SNRE Master's project that surveyed Ann Arbor residents about issues related to Argo Dam is cited in a recent article about the removal debate among local leaders, environmental advocates, and recreation groups. The project, completed in 2004, found that 62% of respondents supported Argo Dam's removal.

Climate change law will boost state economy

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:40:49 -0400

SNRE professor and Erb Institute director Thomas Lyon discusses the potential for climate change legislation to boost Michigan by creating jobs, protecting agriculture and tourism from devastating effects of climate change, and diversifying the economy in a guest blog post for the Detroit Free Press.

Scientists work to educate public about deadly lake condition

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:35:10 -0400

Michigan Sea Grant

Researchers from the Michigan Sea Grant, along with the National Weather Service and the United States Lifesaving Association, are working together to study and predict the appearance of rip currents in the Great Lakes-- as well as educate the public about their dangers.

Erb graduate LeBrun addresses Michigan lawmakers

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:11:10 -0400

Student Name: Jeff LeBrun

Erb Institute graduate Jeff LeBrun (Class of 2009) recently was one of three college graduates from the state of Michigan to speak to lawmakers on behalf of Michigan's University Research Corridor. LeBrun spoke about the intersection of business and sustainability, as well as his entrepreneurial experiences.