The events of the past year have shown the risks of climate change to our planet, which will only continue unless sweeping change is made. Heat waves, floods, wildfires, and drought have plagued communities across Minnesota, the U.S., and the world. It’s more important than ever to take aggressive action to reduce emissions and make our communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change. The University is leading the way through our operations, research, teaching, and work with communities across the state and the world, and we have committed to actions big and small across campus in an effort to build a fully sustainable future.
The University is leading by example by cutting its greenhouse gas emissions, and we are happy to announce that as of 2020, the Twin Cities campus has reached a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2008. This achievement comes one year ahead of the date for this milestone established in the campus’ 2011 climate action plan. Achieving this goal early would not have been possible without the hard work of staff across the University. "Staff in a variety of departments across the University made reaching this milestone a possibility with their commitment and consistent work to make the University more sustainable," says Bill Paulus, Associate Vice President of Facilities Management. "From Planning, Space, and Real Estate's campus planning efforts to Capital Project Management's B3 implementation to Energy Management's energy conservation program and every individual doing their part, the commitment to the University's path to carbon neutrality is evident across the board."
We’re not stopping here! There’s still plenty of work to be done in order to reduce emissions to zero. To achieve this goal, later this year a Sustainability Committee on the Twin Cities campus will begin developing a new, updated Climate Action Plan for cutting the campus’ remaining emissions. Sign up to stay informed on this process.
In addition to making high-level system changes in our operations, everyone on campus has a role in reducing our emissions here at the U and at home. Here are our top tips to help reduce the University’s footprint!
- How do you commute to and from the University? Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota and a significant source for the University. Switch it up and try bicycling or riding public transportation to reduce our collective footprint from commuting.
- Where does your energy come from? Contact your electric utility company to find out about renewable energy options available to you that can help power your home in a more sustainable way.
- If you are able, choose sustainably sourced foods to support local food providers and reduce harm to the environment from fertilizers and chemicals. Eating a plant-forward diet can contribute to lower risk for disease and promote better health and longer lifespans. Resources:
- Be sure to vote and reach out to local public officials to share your thoughts and concerns about greenhouse gas emissions and the climate emergency.
Read about the Advancing Climate Solutions. Now. The Swain Climate Policy Series and find out how to get involved.
We’re hiring a Student Sustainability Communications Assistant! Open to undergrads passionate about sustainability, social media, writing, and graphic design. Help advance campus sustainability and engagement through communications! 👉 Apply by 11/14: Search Job ID: 370820 in the Student Job section.
The Office of Sustainability is rethinking how we engage our campus—and we need your perspective. Spend 2 minutes on this quick survey to help us create impactful events and programs that reflect what you care about. Take the survey.
Join us on Wednesday, November 5 for the official launch of our new hybrid electric campus buses! Stop by on Church St. outside Morrill Hall from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for games, prizes, and cider. Take a guided tour of one of the new buses and learn about University of Minnesota sustainability initiatives, the Climate Action Plan, and campus bus routes. See you there! 🍁🎉🔋🔌🚌 Add to calendar
For the first time, the University of Minnesota's Huntington Bank Stadium achieved zero waste–recovering an incredible 90% of waste (46,000 pounds) generated during the Farm Aid 40 concert. Learn about Gopher Athletics sustainability efforts
Join us for conversations on campus sustainability and climate action! This fall, we’ll explore two timely topics:
- Electrifying our Fleet – Wed, Oct 15 · 10–11am
Hear from UMN experts about recent progress and future plans for electrifying campus vehicles. - Net Zero Buildings – Tue, Nov 11 · 9–10am (Register)
Learn from UMN leaders and Darcy Solutions about designing and building net zero facilities, including the new Collections Facility powered by solar and a geothermal Darcy Well.
Free and open to the public on Zoom. More info
Is your lab interested in participating in the next cohort of the Green Labs Certification Program? Want to learn more about the program? Curious about how to operate your lab more sustainably? Join the informal, one hour info session on Zoom! Reach out to Carley Rice, Sustainability Coordinator, with any questions.
Zoom Info Session: Wednesday 9/17/25, 12:00-1:00pm
Students, staff, and faculty: Share how you are experiencing the UMN campus in the face of climate change. We are looking for focus group participants to interview to understand what hardships you may be facing due to environmental changes.
Email [email protected] with questions.
New online training is available for staff, faculty, instructors, and student employees! Whether you're new to sustainability or already an everyday sustainability hero on campus, you can learn how to contribute to the University's systemwide sustainability goals for the future in under 30 minutes. Be part of the U's community working to build a sustainable future together!
The 2025 Times Higher Ed Sustainability Impact rankings evaluated 2,526 universities from 130 countries/regions, comparing their efforts to conduct teaching, research, outreach and stewardship that support a more sustainable, equitable and healthy future.
The University of Minnesota ranked among the top five in the U.S. for its work related to:
- Clean water (No. 1 in the U.S., Tied for No. 16 in the world)
- Health and well-being (No. 1 in the U.S., Tied for No. 54 in the world)
- Climate action (No. 3 in the U.S., Tied for No. 70 in the world)
- Zero hunger (No. 4 in the U.S., No. 34 in the world)
- Partnerships for the Goals (No. 3 in the U.S.)
Find more information about the rankings on the THE Impact Rankings website.
? Shape Sustainability Stories at UMN
? We want to hear from you! Help us better understand what kinds of sustainability stories and social media content are most useful, engaging, and exciting to our campus community. The short survey takes about 5 minutes to complete and is open to all. Enter your email at the end for a chance to win a $25 Visa gift card!
Thanks for helping us build a stronger, more connected sustainability community at the U! Learn more