Tuesday, May 24, 2005

UDM's new degree sprouts green-development push

Master's program focuses on creating ecologically friendly urban neighborhoods.

By R.J. King / The Detroit News

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DETROIT -- The University of Detroit Mercy announced Monday it will offer a graduate degree in community development that will focus on starting or rebuilding urban neighborhoods.

The master of community development degree will start this fall at UDM's main campus on Livernois, north of the Lodge Freeway.

"We believe the master of community development degree is the first of its kind in the nation," said Steve Vogel, dean of UDM's School of Architecture. "It will combine such disciplines as engineering, business, psychology and economics to boost public health and embrace the green ecological movement in real estate."

Sustainable development is becoming a hot topic at area universities as more businesses and organizations utilize environmental stewardship to clean polluted industrial sites, boost energy efficiency in buildings and reduce health problems

UDM's two-year degree program, funded in part by a $50,000 grant from the 3M Foundation, will be targeted toward businesses, developers, community groups and government agencies.

Students in the program also may receive real-life experience in sustainable development as the school considers plans to build a $100 million law school, library and up to 200 residences at its downtown campus.

"Businesses and social groups are finding that healthy places to live and work are a major component in boosting productivity, improving morale and reducing stress and health problems," Vogel said. "All you need to do is take a look at the Ford Rouge Center to see where the development industry is headed."

In 1999, Ford Motor Co. started a $2 billion, 20-year effort to convert its aging Rouge industrial complex into a flexible vehicle manufacturing facility that uses the latest advances in environmental science to provide a habitat for bass, frogs, insects and plants. One highlight is a 10-acre living roof atop a new truck factory that uses plants to soak up rainwater, absorb carbon dioxide and provide added insulation to reduce heating and cooling costs.

Area universities say the use of green architectural practices is becoming more prevalent.

Lawrence Technological University in Southfield is using renewable resources for its upcoming A. Alfred Taubman Student Services Center.

The facility, scheduled to be completed later this year, will use a series of swales and vegetation to remove pollutants in snow and rain.