The Greening of Dana renovation project was made possible through generous support from the State of Michigan, The Ford Motor Company, The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, The Wege Foundation, Ballard Power Systems, United Solar Ovonic Corporation (Uni-Solar), the University of Michigan Plant Extension Department, University of Michigan administrators, architects, and construction management engineers, and several hundred SNRE students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends.

With their generous support, we were able to make this vision a reality.

University of Michigan Plant Extension
The University of Michigan Plant Extension department provided support during the design and implementation phases of the project. University administrators, architects and construction management engineers were critical to the overall success of the project, and especially to the success of the environmental agenda.

Ford Motor Company
The Ford Motor Company was extremely generous in its support of our environmental agenda. Ford Motor Company commended the School of Natural Resources and Environment on its programs and academic innovations in combining business and the environment, in interdisciplinary teaching of environmental issues, and in solution-oriented scholarship. "We believe the School's mission - teaching and research to protect the environment and provide for the full range of human needs on a sustainable basis - is essential and deserves our support. Ford is pleased to make the lead gift of $1.5 million to the Greening of Dana project." said Ford Chairman, William C. Ford, Jr.

SNRE thanks Ford for its generosity and its recognition of the School's work. In acknowledgement of Ford's support, the newly-created commons in the Dana Building was named for the company.

The Wege Foundation
"The Dana Building renovation project is a splendid example of the changes needed to live in a sustainable manner. The principle of life-cycle analysis guiding the decisions is critical and combines ecology and economics. We are proud to recognize this innovative approach in renovating the 100-year old Dana Building, and we hope the lessons learned will be applied elsewhere at the UM and beyond," said Peter M. Wege, Chairman of the Wege Foundation in Grand Rapids, Michigan. "Our gift of $100,000, used for a portion of the construction and furnishings of the Dana Building, will improve the School's capabilities in teaching and research," said Ellen Satterlee, Executive Director of the Wege Foundation. "Preparing students to be knowledgeable and sophisticated in science, policy and conservation will make them effective stewards indeed."

The Dow Chemical Company Foundation
With substainable business strategies and savvy needed in the emerging "green world", the University's top-ranked Schools of Business and Natural Resources & Environment are working together towards fostering ecologically sustainable commerce. A $2.5 million gift by the Dow Chemical Company Foundation helps secure Michigan's global leadership position in the teaching and research of ecological management. This home of the School of Natural Resources and Environment showcases sustainable design, reduced energy use and health risks, and serves as a laboratory and educational center for ecological themes.

Individuals

Several hundred alumni and friends contributed to this innovative project. With their generous support, we were able to achieve this vision.