The Marshall University Sustainability Department promotes the most efficient use of the university’s resources and informs and educates faculty, staff, students and the community about the benefits of sustainability.  The Sustainability Department grew out of a “green” focused student movement in 2008 when students petitioned the University President for a sustainability department. The Board of Governors approved the proposal and the Sustainability Department opened its doors in 2009. The department identifies energy and water efficiency, waste reduction and recycling, sustainability gardens, green technologies, a thriving local economy, an active healthy community, and sustainable innovation among its focus.