University of Montana

The University of Montana has several outstanding educational programs addressing sustainability. The Climate Change Studies minor is one of the first of its kind in the nation offered to all students. The recently approved Sustainable … read more

The University of Montana has several outstanding educational programs addressing sustainability. The Climate Change Studies minor is one of the first of its kind in the nation offered to all students. The recently approved Sustainable Business Strategy certificate and the Green Buildings track in the carpentry program exemplify the depth of engagement with sustainability. Every year, the University of Montana offers the Green Thread faculty workshop aimed at infusing sustainability throughout the curriculum, regardless of discipline.

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One of UM's most notable sustainability-related researchers is Nobel Laureate Dr. Steve Running. Dr Running won the Nobel Peace Prize, along with Al Gore, for his work as lead author for the 4th Assessment of … read more

One of UM's most notable sustainability-related researchers is Nobel Laureate Dr. Steve Running. Dr Running won the Nobel Peace Prize, along with Al Gore, for his work as lead author for the 4th Assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

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The University of Montana's strongest reporting areas in STARS are related to co-curricular education and engagement. Our beautiful natural surroundings, strong sense of community, and nationally-recognized academic programs that support sustainability literacy contribute to a … read more

The University of Montana's strongest reporting areas in STARS are related to co-curricular education and engagement. Our beautiful natural surroundings, strong sense of community, and nationally-recognized academic programs that support sustainability literacy contribute to a vibrant and sustainability-filled educational experience for our students.

In short, UM ROCKS when it comes to sustainability education and engagement!

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UM is very involved in community service, public engagement, and partnerships. The recently developed Missoula Area Sustainability Collaborative is a partnership between UM, the City of Missoula, USDA Forest Service, and the public school system. … read more

UM is very involved in community service, public engagement, and partnerships. The recently developed Missoula Area Sustainability Collaborative is a partnership between UM, the City of Missoula, USDA Forest Service, and the public school system. This partnership is aimed at public engagement in greenhouse gas emissions reduction.

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UM has accomplished real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions according to our 2014/2015 GHG emissions inventory. Our first interim reduction goal was to reduce emissions 10% below our 2007 baseline levels. We met our goal … read more

UM has accomplished real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions according to our 2014/2015 GHG emissions inventory. Our first interim reduction goal was to reduce emissions 10% below our 2007 baseline levels. We met our goal mostly (8% reduction) with operational improvements and a small purchase of carbon offsets. Our trend toward slightly declining emissions is due primarily to energy efficiency and attention to energy consumption. To break from ever increasing emissions to a downward trend is essential and difficult to achieve without carbon offsets, and UM did it.

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UM is improving the sustainability performance of buildings by retaining a full-time Energy Manager, inplementing real-time energy metering, completing energy efficiency retrofits, and requiring all new buidlings be LEED certified.

UM is reducing its energy consumption through efficiency and conservation as well as investigating sources of renewable energy. UM has utilized efficient groundwater cooling for many years. With renewed focus on energy use, further reductions … read more

UM is reducing its energy consumption through efficiency and conservation as well as investigating sources of renewable energy. UM has utilized efficient groundwater cooling for many years. With renewed focus on energy use, further reductions are anticipated.

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UM's Dining Services has a nationally recognized, award-winning sustainable food system. Farm to College sources food locally and was initiated by students. This innovative program has been used as a model for universities across the … read more

UM's Dining Services has a nationally recognized, award-winning sustainable food system. Farm to College sources food locally and was initiated by students. This innovative program has been used as a model for universities across the country.

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The University of Montana maintains its grounds with sustainability in mind as much as possible. Crews have reduced the amount of fertilizer and water used and conserve resources whenever they can.

UM has a campus-wide Green Cleaning policy that encourages innovation by custodial staff.

The Associated Students of the University of Montana operate the outstanding Office of Transportation that provides free bus rides to students, rental bikes, community connections, and incentives.

UM is reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting its waste and has goals to increase the rate of diversion. Students fund the campus recycling program and work to improve recycling on campus and in the community. read more

UM is reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting its waste and has goals to increase the rate of diversion. Students fund the campus recycling program and work to improve recycling on campus and in the community.

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Sustainability is one of four core values in UM's strategic plan, pointing to a high level commitment. UM also has had a formally adopted Climate Action Plan since 2010.

Diversity, another core value expressed in the University's strategic plan, is an area where UM shines. Achieving almost all credits available in STARS shows the campus commitment to environmental and social justice.

The University of Montana has limited involvement in investment decisions that promote sustainability. That could soon change with efforts to advocate for the divestment in fossil fuels.

UM has incorporated sustainability in many of its human resouces programs. After learning about STARS, staff included sustainability in staff development and new employee orientation. Individual initiative such as this is what makes a big … read more

UM has incorporated sustainability in many of its human resouces programs. After learning about STARS, staff included sustainability in staff development and new employee orientation. Individual initiative such as this is what makes a big difference.

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