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Sustainability Focus Areas

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 »

Project Photo

Photo credit: A Healthier Michigan
Centering Racial Justice in Urban Flood Adaptation
Catalyst Grants

Photo by Jacek Dylag on Unsplash

Photo by Jacek Dylag on Unsplash
Michigan Water Quality and Affordability
Dow Sustainability Fellows Program

Decorative: Emergency room entrance

Estimating and monetizing the health benefits of improving household energy efficiency in Michigan
Carbon Neutrality Acceleration Program

See all projects in our project finder »

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!

Get the guide!

Explore Siting Policy Recommendations

Access a set of memos submitted by the Center for EmPowering Communities to the Michigan Public Service Commission, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and more.

Read the memos

Learn About Michigan Public Act 233

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

Browse resources

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 »

Take a Deep Dive into Lead in Drinking Water

Learn to guard against the dangers of lead in water. Explore detailed resources curated for parents, caregivers, elected officials, and consumers. 

Learn How

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. 

Learn more

Learn How the Water Center is Helping Estuaries

NOAA's National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Science Collaborative, coordinated by the Water Center, helps solve coastal management issues.

Visit the NERRS Science Collaborative

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 »

Apply Now! Graham Sustainability Scholars Program

The Graham Sustainability Scholars Program will equip you with the essential skills and experiences you need to become a sustainability leader now and in the future.

Learn more and apply

Explore Siting Policy Recommendations

Access a set of memos submitted by the Center for EmPowering Communities to the Michigan Public Service Commission, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and more.

Read the memos

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!

Get the guide!