Our Sustainable Campus

One of the Michigan Ross core beliefs is that businesses should be good citizens in the community and the world. One way we put that belief into action is through sustainable and “green” practices around the school.

The Ross Building

Ross is among the world leaders in research and academic programming devoted to sustainable enterprise, and the Ross building, which opened in 2009, is an example of that commitment. Using many architecturally innovative and environmentally responsible features, the building earned LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its sustainable design.

75%

Demolition/construction waste diverted from landfills

25%

More energy saved beyond ASHRAE 90.1-1999 standards

42%

Less water used than required under the Energy Policy Act of 1992

Lighting & Daylighting

High-efficiency lighting and daylight-dimming systems save 25% more energy beyond ASHRAE standards
Large skylights and displacement ventilation in the Davidson Winter Garden reduce artificial light and energy use
Occupancy sensors automatically lower heat in vacant rooms

Water Efficiency

Low-flow plumbing fixtures reduce water usage by 42% compared to the Energy Policy Act of 1992
Native and drought-adapted species with drip irrigation minimize landscaping water demand

Green Roofs & Stormwater

Two green roofs planted with sedum filter rainfall, insulate the building, improve air quality, and support stormwater management

Building Materials

75% of demolition and construction debris was recycled
Recycled concrete, drywall, and steel were used in construction where possible
Low chemical-emitting materials were chosen for carpeting and paint
Quiet, durable cork flooring, a rapidly renewable resource, is used in public spaces

Jeff T. Blau Hall and Kresge Hall

The project to build Jeff T. Blau Hall and completely renovate the adjoining Kresge Hall was conceived as a way to maximize the efficiency of an underused site. A dated, undersized building was demolished to make way for the project, which includes 104,000 square feet of new construction and 75,000 square feet of renovations. The completed project, which opened in August 2016, includes classrooms, collaboration and group study space, and administrative offices.

75%

Demolition/construction waste diverted from landfills

30%

Estimated energy savings over a code-compliant building

41%

Less water than required under the Energy Policy Act of 1992

Lighting & Daylighting

Effective use of task lighting and high-efficiency light fixtures reduce electrical use
"Frit" (ceramic particle) glass walls and interior shades make full use of daylight while controlling glare and limiting summer heat
Occupancy sensors turn off lights and limit heating/cooling in unoccupied spaces

Heating & Cooling

Innovative heating/cooling strategies such as chilled beams in Kresge Hall
Heat recovery wheel system reduces heating and cooling energy for ventilation

Building Materials

Low-VOC flooring, adhesives, and sealants
Use of recycled, renewable, and/or regional building materials when possible

Green Roofs & Stormwater

New stormwater retention basins underneath Monroe Mall and the interior courtyard
Renewal of the Kresge Building's green roof, a flat roof planted with vegetation that absorbs rainwater, creates natural insulation, and provides wildlife habitat

Centrally controlled irrigation management system monitors weather and flow rates.

Real-time monitoring of flow rates detects breaks in system piping or valve malfunctions.

Lighting power use is reduced through the use of task lighting, efficient light fixtures, occupancy sensors, and the integration of natural daylighting.

Chilled beam system provides improved temperature uniformity and low energy consumption.

Blau Hall is located in a densely populated urban setting within walking distance of basic amenities such as retail stores, restaurants, and banks.

New stormwater retention basins installed underneath Monroe Mall and the interior courtyard reduce site runoff by 86 percent.

The Ross Bur Oak Move

When the Blau Hall project broke ground in 2014, concerns arose about a 200-year-old, 65-foot bur oak that stood within the building's footprint. Rather than remove it, the Ross community found a way to relocate the tree to a new home on the Ross front lawn, about 100 yards to the west, with more room to grow and better sun exposure.

The five-month moving process involved excavating the root ball, wrapping it carefully, and using inflated air bladders and wheeled self-propelled carts to transport the tree slowly along Monroe Mall. It arrived at its new location on November 4, 2014. The City of Ann Arbor's Historic Preservation Program honored the project with a Special Merit Award in 2016. Today, the tree continues to thrive in its new home.

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