ABSTRACT
In 2008, individuals in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, were asked about sustainability. Of the 50 polled, none knew the definition of sustainability, yet most considered it “too expensive.” 1 Presently, sustainability is a product to be marketed by everyone, from car companies to coffee shops. Universities are no exception. A Princeton Review survey found that 64% of prospective students would consider information about how green an institution is either “strongly,” “very much,” or “somewhat” in making a college choice (“2010 College Hopes and Worries”). Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is one option for those students. It is known as a leader in sustainability, with colleges and universities looking to my department, the Sustainable Community Development Initiative, for collaborative guidance on their journey. This chapter explores the integration of sustainability initiatives at colleges and universities, including the roadblocks incurred and the possible routes to success, using GVSU, not as the ultimate authority, but as an example of one institution that is traveling the path.
