We, members of the Housing community at the University of Michigan, recognize that we can affect environmental degradation and/or restoration. We recognize that future generations have a right to at least the same advantages enjoyed by current generations. As stewards of the Earth, we believe we have the responsibility to move toward a sustainable society. By sustainability we mean living, working, and behaving in ways that restore the integrity and biodiversity of the local, regional, and planetary ecosystems and social systems upon which life depends. We therefore strive to:

• Encourage sustainable and restorative practices through education and engagement with our stakeholders, including staff, residents, suppliers, contractors, and the University community.
  
• Assess and reduce the long-term environmental impacts of our decisions.
  
• Reduce our use of water, energy, and materials by incorporation of technologies and practices consistent with a sustainable and restorative organization.
  
• Reduce pollution and use of toxins with the long-term goal of zero discharge and use.
  
• Openly communicate and monitor our progress toward sustainability.
  
• Provide staff with the necessary training and resources to meet our goals.
  

While our traditional approach to the use of resources has provided us with unprecedented levels of material goods, it is destroying the world's environmental support systems. The non-sustainability of the way we now do business and live is increasingly apparent. Our generation has been challenged to "Think Globally and Act Locally."