The University of Minnesota is committed to incorporating sustainability into all aspects of the institution. 

We are leading the way through our teaching, research, and outreach and the operations that support them.

Sustainability goals as outlined in the University of Minnesota's strategic roadmap, Elevate Extraordinary 2030:

  • Advance excellence in the discovery and application of sustainable solutions that improve environmental, human, plant and animal health.
  • Lead in developing solutions for a healthy planet, including freshwater stewardship, sustainable energy systems, biodiversity conservation and data-driven decision-making.
  • Integrate sustainability across interdisciplinary research, teaching and community-engaged work to address complex global and local challenges.
  • Embed sustainability into campus operations, infrastructure and long-term planning, including climate action and resilience efforts.

Sign up for email updates

 

 

Latest Sustainability News
Campus Conservation Challenge returns to residence halls Oct. 26

The 2026 Campus Conservation Challenge runs from Oct. 26 to Nov. 20, 2026, with University of Minnesota Twin Cities residence halls competing to reduce energy use. Students can help their halls save energy by turning off lights, unplugging devices and making other small changes to their daily routines. The winning residence hall will receive a prize!

Last year, Territorial Hall reduced its energy use by 16% compared to 2024. This year, students have another opportunity to make an impact and help build a campus culture of sustainability. Learn more about the CCC and how to participate.

Fall Coffee Chats ☕🎥

Welcome back to campus! Here’s what’s coming up in our Sustainability Coffee Chats series this fall:

  • ☕ Sept. 28, 9 to 10 a.m. — Learning Abroad, SDGs & Sustainability
  • ☕ Oct. 15, 9:30 to 11 a.m. — Planetary Health 📍 IN PERSON at RecWell
  • ☕ Nov. 18, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. — Native American Medicine Garden (Register)
  • ☕ Dec. 1, 12 to 1 p.m. — Ask Me Anything: Leading Through Sustainability & Climate Action with Shane Stennes, Chief Sustainability Officer (hosted by the Alumni Association) (Register)

Learn more about Sustainability Coffee Chats.

All News

Dashboard highlights title

* All reporting years are fiscal years (e.g. 2020 is July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020), except the 2008 inventory which is calendar year January 1 - December 31.

Full dashboard