Voices for Carbon Neutrality
Accelerating the University of Michigan towards carbon neutrality
Voices for Carbon Neutrality (VCN) is a group of University of Michigan faculty, staff, and alumni leaders actively advocating for carbon neutrality at U-M. The mission of VCN is to serve as a catalyst and accelerant to drive U-M toward carbon neutrality.
Computational Centers: A Key Focus for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
VCN submitted a letter to President Grasso and provided insights during the September Regents meeting, addressing concerns related to the proposed data center’s energy, water usage, and environmental justice impacts. Engagement with the President’s office and UM’s administration is ongoing.
Click here to read the letter to the President (August 2025) and click here to read VCN Member Regent comments (September 2025).
Click here to learn more about data centers in Michigan.
VCN Member Dr. Richard Rood hosted an Insightful Talk Titled “Managing the Consequences of Climate Change”
Presented by the Erb Institute, “Managing the Consequences from Climate Change” took place February 4, 2026. To see more from Dr. Rood, his column, “Climate Blue” can be found here.
UofM Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program Announces New Report on Advanced Nuclear Energy Futures
This study explores the social, environmental, and equity impacts of advanced nuclear technologies, focusing on small modular reactors (SMRs), through an innovative case study approach. A webinar with the authors to learn about their findings and policy recommendations for SMR governance and uranium supply chain management aired Dec 11, 2025, 12:00 PM. Watch the webinar here.
VCN Recognized at U of M’s Inaugural Climate Week
Pictured left to right: Shalanda Baker, Shana Weber, and Tony Denton.
VCN, along with PCCN and SCNN, was honored during the University of Michigan's inaugural Climate Week kickoff. All three groups were acknowledged for their contributions to advancing the university's goal of carbon neutrality. VCN would like to extend its gratitude to Vice Provost for Sustainability and Climate Action Shalanda Baker, Associate Vice President for Campus Sustainability Shana Weber, and Senior Vice President and Chief Environmental, Social, and Governance Officer Tony Denton for their leadership in this important initiative.
