Applications now being accepted for MSU Sustainable Built Environment Initiative

Heidi Macwan -

The Sustainable Built Environment Initiative at Michigan State University is a means of assisting communities to address physical planning, design and land use issues.

A public gathering place in Cadillac, MI, as envisioned by the SBEI process as part of the project.

The Sustainable Built Environment Initiative (SBEI) at Michigan State University is a means of assisting communities to address physical planning, design and land use issues. It offers a graphic visioning process that provides citizens with a set of images and recommendations to guide improvements in their community with a sustainability theme. MSU Extension (MSUE) and the School of Planning, Design and Construction (SPDC) have jointly developed SBEI to address sustainability challenges and improve the quality of life in Michigan’s communities.

The SBEI seeks projects that integrate planning and design elements within a sustainability framework, including regeneration (vacant land reuse, brownfields, placemaking), renewable energy (green development and building technology) and resiliency (economic shock, climate adaptation, natural disasters) using the imaging/visioning umbrella of physical sustainable design.

Café meeting place, Sault Ste. Marie, MI, by SBEIExamples could include downtown streetscapes, parks, bikeways and trails, open space systems, industrial/commercial reuse, beautification, land use, signs, agricultural/conservation land preservation, ecosystem management and neighborhood/residential development. One such example is a café meeting place envisioned by the SBEI process for the Sault Ste. Marie project (shown left).

The scale of the project can vary from a single parcel to a subarea plan. Political jurisdictions in Michigan can make application for SBEI assistance. This may include townships and charter townships, as well as villages, cities and counties. Nonprofit organizations are also eligible.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with priority given to those submitted by March 30. To apply, download and complete the Application Form and follow the instructions within. To learn more, visit Sustainable Built Environment Initiative or download a promotional flyer. For questions, please contact Wayne Beyea, SBEI Director, at beyea@msu.edu.

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