NMU and the EcoReps student organization are sponsoring a “Big Green Idea” challenge designed to make Northern a more sustainable campus. Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to submit proposals. The winning individual or small team will be awarded $500 and Eco Reps will contribute $5,000 toward implementing the project.
Transportation, energy efficiency, upcycling and waste management are some areas to consider. Ideas can range from student awareness and behavior-changing campaigns to infrastructure upgrades or installation, such as a demonstration solar garden, composting innovation or tree planting.
Proposals will be judged on the following criteria: their ability to be implemented; their total benefit to campus; depth of research and detail on the proposal's budget; and sustainability influence and reach of impact.
Submissions must include an estimated project budget that addresses not only the actual cost to implement the Big Green Idea, but research about the potential cost savings, environmental impacts and any other financial information necessary to consider the long-term impact of the proposed idea on NMU's campus.
The top five submissions will be selected to include a 30-second video illustrating the idea and its potential impact on NMU's sustainability.
The deadline to submit proposals and supporting materials is 5 p.m. Sunday, March 1.
For more information, contact EcoReps@nmu.edu.