Sustainability
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Caroline Webber and Assoc Prof. Arezoo Rojhan
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Below is an abstract: This pilot study focuses on how well available fresh produce in retail food stores in SW Michigan matches the needs and preferences of low-income and ethnically-diverse families. Research questions are:
- What is the variety and quality of produce available in retail food stores in non-metropolitan areas of SW Michigan?
- What produce do WIC-certified families, including migrant workers prefer, where do they acquire them, and what influences their purchase decisions?
- What would local retail food stores need in order to supply these families with acceptable, affordable produce that meet their needs and preferences?
We expect there will be a tie-in with Michigan-produced fruits and vegetables and regionally-owned retail food establishments. This in turn has implications for transportation savings, both at the retail and wholesale level, and for for local food security.
Energy and Water Management
Energy Management
Occupancy Sensors for Lighting and HVAC
Lighting: One of the fastest and easiest ways to lower energy costs and the associated environmental impact is to reduce electricity use in the first place. Energy-efficient upgrades can provide the university with long-term savings and make campus operations more sustainable. One such upgrade that you may have noticed here on campus are occupancy motion sensors for lights in many campus buildings
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Variable Frequency Drives for HVAC system
Occupancy sensors can be used in tandem with the Building Automation System [BAS] to create smart rooms. In this scenario, a room becomes aware that it is occupied and adjusts the interior environment accordingly.