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Sustainability Focus Areas

Sustainability Focus Areas

Graham focuses on three critical areas of sustainability: climate, water, and communities. These topics are intentionally broad and flexible, allowing us to catalyze and facilitate a wide range of important work. As we evaluate opportunities for growth, new focus areas may be added, provided they align with our vision, mission, values, and strategic priorities.

Climate

Climate

We advance the discovery and application of science-based strategies to combat climate change and its impacts by catalyzing new research, building strong partnerships, and leading critical initiatives. See objectives in our strategic plan »

Learn About Michigan Public Act 233

Browse these resources to learn more about Michigan's new renewable energy siting law.

Meet Graham Sustainability Scholars

Take a look at the Graham Sustainability Scholars online yearbook (current and past Graham Scholars). Graham Scholars include undergraduate juniors and seniors from across campus. Interdisciplinary teams work collaboratively on sustainability projects (climate, energy justice, water quality. and more). Scholars teams work with local project partners. 

Join a Clean Energy Conversation

The Clean Energy Conversation series is designed to catalyze collaborations by identifying areas ripe for proposals and applied research.

Water

Water

We contribute to restoring, enhancing, and sustaining water and water-dependent resources through policy and management-relevant processes that engage and benefit diverse stakeholders, particularly historically underrepresented and overlooked communities. See objectives in our strategic plan »

Watch Lake Erie Webinars

Gain expert insights on the most pressing issues facing Lake Erie and what’s being done to address them.

Be Counted Among U-M’s Sustainability Experts

Join U-M's Sustainability Experts Database, maintained by Graham, to help make our collective sustainability expertise transparent and accessible. 

Present at the 2026 Conference

Have ideas for sessions, speakers, or field trips? Help shape a conference that advances Lake Erie stewardship.

Communities

Communities

We endeavor to support and strengthen local communities, promoting resilience and sustainability through inclusive approaches that center on understanding and serving their needs. We also foster and fortify professional communities of practice that work collaboratively toward shared sustainability goals. See objectives in our strategic plan »

Learn About Michigan Public Act 233

Browse these resources to learn more about Michigan's new renewable energy siting law.

Get Zoning Advice for Your Community

The Michigan Zoning Database is a free resource for elected officials, government employees, planners, developers, and residents.

Master BESS Planning & Zoning

Get the essential guide to planning and zoning for battery energy storage systems in Michigan. Learn zoning options, sample language, and how to navigate new energy laws. Download Planning & Zoning for Battery Energy Storage Systems today!