University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Sustainability related research happens in many different colleges and departments at the University of Minnesota, which is a comprehensive land-grant institution with professional schools and major centers of excellence. To find an expert on sustainability … read more

Sustainability related research happens in many different colleges and departments at the University of Minnesota, which is a comprehensive land-grant institution with professional schools and major centers of excellence. To find an expert on sustainability in a particular area, do a keyword search at: http://experts.umn.edu/

The multidisciplinary Institute on the Environment (IonE) supports a range of research initiatives and projects aimed at shaping solutions to challenges at the intersection of society and the environment. IonE's diverse portfolio includes strategic initiatives, special projects, resident fellowships and mini grants that focus on grand challenges related to energy, climate change, food and land use, freshwater, and whole systems. While IonE's roots are in academia, partners from business, industry, non-governmental organizations, government and other sectors are integral to all aspects of the work.

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The University has been working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from operations for over a decade. In 2004, the University joined the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), a voluntary, market-based tool for capping and reducing emissions. … read more

The University has been working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from operations for over a decade. In 2004, the University joined the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), a voluntary, market-based tool for capping and reducing emissions. Through participation in CCX, the University of Minnesota committed to a 4% reduction of these emissions by 2006 and a 6% reduction by 2010 with a baseline of the average of 1998-2001 emissions. We exceeded these targets, achieving a 34.5% reduction in emissions by 2009.

Building on participation in CCX, in 2008 the University of Minnesota became a signatory to the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment. The University's goal is to reduce carbon emissions 50% by 2020 from 2008 levels and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Our plan is available at z.umn.edu/cap and the University's Board of Regents tracks this effort on the Board's Progress Card.

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The built environment is a critical element of the University's sustainable operations program. How we construct and operate buildings significantly influences the amount and type of resources consumed by the institution's core mission of teaching, … read more

The built environment is a critical element of the University's sustainable operations program. How we construct and operate buildings significantly influences the amount and type of resources consumed by the institution's core mission of teaching, research, and engagement.

New construction and major renovation projects are managed by the University's office of Capital Planning and Project Management (CPPM). For all state funded buildings and for many non-state funded projects, CPPM utilizes the State of Minnesota Sustainable Building Program - Buildings, Benchmarks, and Beyond (http://www.b3mn.org/). The guidelines are compatible with national guidelines such as LEED™ while maintaining regional values, priorities and requirements. They also stipulate specific energy and carbon performance requirements based on building types and modeled after Architecture 2030.

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On-campus residential and retail dining services are provided through ARAMARK. The University community and on-site ARAMARK staff work positively together to advance a more sustainable food system. Over the course of the past two years … read more

On-campus residential and retail dining services are provided through ARAMARK. The University community and on-site ARAMARK staff work positively together to advance a more sustainable food system. Over the course of the past two years a series of conversations have been convened by ARAMARK and the University on the topic of sustainable food systems. These conversations led to increased dialog across the University and to the creation of a sustainable foods framework.

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Energy consumption and the means of energy production are critical to campus sustainability efforts. To that end, the University's department of Energy Management is guided by and optimizes the following three principles in the supply, … read more

Energy consumption and the means of energy production are critical to campus sustainability efforts. To that end, the University's department of Energy Management is guided by and optimizes the following three principles in the supply, distribution, and utilization of energy services:
- Reliable: energy services must be reliable to support the research, teaching, clinical services, and engagement activities of our campus.
- Cost Effective: energy services are provided in a cost effective way to appropriately steward the tax and tuition payer resources.
- Sustainable: Energy Management works to reduce the negative impacts to the environment and society of energy production and consumption.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus is the third largest traffic generator in Minnesota. University Parking and Transportation Services leads the University's efforts to develop transformation infrastructure and programs to support this tremendous level … read more

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus is the third largest traffic generator in Minnesota. University Parking and Transportation Services leads the University's efforts to develop transformation infrastructure and programs to support this tremendous level of activity and movement. Parking and Transportation Services is committed to establishing, maintaining and improving a comprehensive transportation system that reduces congestion, eases accessibility and enhances a friendly University community.

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The University's waste recovery services program has been nationally recognized for its outstanding efforts in recycling implementation. Over 3,800 tons of recyclable materials are processed annually; this is equivalent to 41% of the municipal solid … read more

The University's waste recovery services program has been nationally recognized for its outstanding efforts in recycling implementation. Over 3,800 tons of recyclable materials are processed annually; this is equivalent to 41% of the municipal solid waste stream. There are over 20,000 color-coded recycling containers to make recycling convenient across campus. These containers are for the collection of office paper, newspaper, cans & bottles, and trash. We are proud to introduce organic containers in several buildings around campus.

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The University's sustainability efforts are guided by the Board of Regents Policy: Sustainability and Energy Efficiency (http://regents.umn.edu/sites/regents.umn.edu/files/policies/Sustain_Energy_Efficienc…). The policy defines sustainability as a "continuous effort integrating environmental, social, and economic goals through design, … read more

The University's sustainability efforts are guided by the Board of Regents Policy: Sustainability and Energy Efficiency (http://regents.umn.edu/sites/regents.umn.edu/files/policies/Sustain_Energy_Efficienc…). The policy defines sustainability as a "continuous effort integrating environmental, social, and economic goals through design, planning, and operational organization to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." The University is committed to integrate sustainability into its teaching, research, and outreach, and the operations that support them.

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