About Us
Our Office
The purpose of the Office of Sustainability Practices is to provide the necessary skills, analytical tools, and resources to address global, national, regional, and local sustainability issues. We offer courses, programs, internships, and project activities that promote awareness about sustainable development and how sustainability best practices can be applied to gain progress against these ongoing issues.
The Sustainable Community Development Initiative was established in 2005 as part of the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies. In 2015, it became the Office of Sustainability Practices. Our main office is located at 260 Lake Michigan Hall on the Allendale Campus. If you are seeking more information or have any inquires into our projects, events, or activities, please send us an email at [email protected].
Our Purpose
To provide the necessary skills, processes, tools, and resources to address global, national, regional, and local sustainability issues through curriculum, activities, internships, and service learning projects that promote awareness and improve performance through the application of sustainable development best practices.
Our Mission
To provide Grand Valley administration, faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders with the required skills and capabilities to become better stewards and responsible global citizens in the workforce, communities, and family life.
Our Vision
Sustainability is accepted and valued as having an integral role in fulfilling the mission of the university. This systems integration of sustainability builds the capacity to positively impact sustainability issues across complex and interrelated economic, environmental, and social frameworks.
The Crew
Yumiko Jakobcic
Director, Office of Sustainability Practices
Email
Phone: (616) 331-8729
Office: 264 LMH
Isak Davis (they/them)
Farm Manager & Educator
[email protected]
Phone: (616) 331-7366
Office: 261 LMH
Troy VanKoevering
Office Coordinator
Email
Phone: (616) 331-7366
Office: 260 LMH
Isabelle Ciarrochi
Graduate Assistant
Email
Phone: (616) 331-7366
Office: 260 LMH