The Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program (ENS) is pleased to present a multitude of ongoing student projects exploring a vast range of topics across nine different classes at GVSU. Students develop a holistic, place-based understanding of environmental challenges to generate solutions to real-world problems in food systems, energy and climate change, water resources, or culture and the built environment. Many projects involve collaborating with partners, either on campus or in the community.

A number of ENS classes participated this year, but you can check out some of the water-specific projects below or look at all the projects here.

Winter 2021

Restoring the Rapids - ENS 401

Ecovillage Dorms - ENS 401

SCM Solutions - ENS 401

Principles of Sustainability - ENS 300

• For the GVSU Focus, Basil Ykema recommends better stormwater management and landscaping practices as well as lawn alternatives to reduce water pollution on the GVSU campus. 
• For the Grand Rapids Focus, Joshua Johnson evaluates water use at Brewery Vivant, Elizabeth Koetje recognizes the water-saving practices at the Grand Rapids Art Museum; and Megan Halm, identifies the principles and practices of the City of Wyoming Clean Water Plant.   
• For the Michigan Focus, Isabel Stein identifies beneficial practices at Consumers Energy, such as “collecting and reusing water runoff” at the various power plants and “planting trees to help reforest watersheds.”

Fall 2020

Ocean Sustainability - ENS 201

Algae Blooms - ENS 201

Campus Rain Works Challenges - ENS 401