University of Minnesota, Duluth
IN-40: Sustainability Projects Fund

The UMD Green Revolving Fund was established in 2011 to invest in sustainable projects at UMD. Projects are intended to contribute to efforts to save energy and become a more sustainable campus, along with providing long-term financial savings to the University of Minnesota Duluth. Savings and rebates are paid back into the fund, building equity, and helping to fund future projects.

The fund has provided over $525,000 dollars in support of 20+ energy saving projects across campus.

Any UMD student, staff or faculty member may apply for Green Revolving Funds. Student applications require a faculty or departmental advisor, to help in managing fund appropriations.

Awards are based on how the projects meet the Green Fund criteria and the current needs of the University. An application should address one or more of the criteria: fits within the mission and goals of the University of Minnesota and the UMD Strategic Plan; project payback is less than 10 years; reduces ghg emissions; reduces energy use; reduces water use; reduces pollutants; improves operations; provides a positive impact on the campus/local community; supports student learning; supports student engagement/awareness of sustainability-related issues.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by the Facilities Management Team (including FM Director, 3 managers, Sustainability Director, and FM Customer Service Representative) and upon approval are moved into the project queue. Upon completion of the project, energy rebates from out local utility that are attributed to the project are deposited back into the Green Revolving Fund in order to support future projects.