By Sunhari Jacob, Energy Conservation Intern at the Office of Sustainability
It is a known fact that collective action builds resilient communities - whether it is to tackle environmental justice, the climate crisis, or shortages in resources. The Campaign Conservation Competition in UMN residence halls this semester is proof that all of us - whether you are a student, teacher, alum or fond visitor - play a powerful role in establishing our campus as a beacon for joint sustainability efforts.
Since January, my classmate Sam Pacchetti and I have worked with Carley Rice, Sustainability Coordinator at the University of Minnesota, to launch the Campus Conservation Competition - a pilot program targeting residents in University-owned housing to minimize their energy use. We raised petitions from students and calculated differences in energy consumption across participating residential halls on the Twin Cities campus between April 1st and April 22nd, awarding the residential hall with the maximum percentage decrease in energy use with a trophy, as well as prize packs for 5 randomly selected participants.
As an effort to raise awareness on the urgency for collective action, the engagement we received from students surpassed all our expectations, and the data we collected demonstrates how together, we can bring real, statistical impact and boost the University’s efforts in accomplishing the Climate Action Plan.
The Numbers
We were thrilled to receive involvement from 141 students from all 11 residential halls on campus whose data we could measure.
After 3 weeks, we were able to calculate the average percentage change in daily energy consumption across all participating halls, revealing fantastic results:
We hope that data from the Campus Conservation Competition can give you the confidence you need to recognize how crucial you are for bringing change to our campus. These are numbers depicting the progress we made over 3 weeks with participation from a fraction of students on campus. Imagine what these numbers would look like if we all would come together everyday to create a campus driven by compassion for the the land we live on, the air we breathe and the ecosystem we depend on for bringing a smile to our faces as we see a flower bloom while waiting for a bus, or a turkey chase a friend.
If you want to get started with creating a more habitable planet for all of us, here is what you can do:
- Use a power strip to charge devices.
- Do larger loads of laundry in cold water.
- Install LED bulbs in your home, if possible.
- Use natural light.
- Stay up to date on our website for more ways you can contribute to the campus via cleanups, panels and student groups.
Want to do more? Visit your dorm’s reception or talk to your CA for more easy ways to save energy. Together, we can lead the change for a cleaner, and greener campus.
Register to check out various electric modes of transportation from electric bikes, scooters, vehicles and one of our brand-new hybrid campus buses! Come test drive an electric vehicle from HOURCAR and test "ride" bikes from Lime and scooters from Spin! Explore the future of sustainable transportation at the All Electric Commuting Event! Stop by Lilly Plaza outside of the Church St parking garage entrance to check out multiple modes of sustainable commuting to learn more about which mode could be right for your needs!
Parking and Transportation Services, and Office of Sustainability personnel will be on site to answer your questions. Open to the UMN community!
Ice cream from the University Meat and Dairy Salesroom available while supplies last!
Join the University of Minnesota Twin Cities for Bike to Work Day on Tuesday, May 12 from 8 to 10 a.m. and show your support for sustainable commuting! Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the ride, connect with fellow bikers and get rewarded for your pedal power.
Stop by these two campus locations for FREE treats, giveaways and services:
- University Bike Center at Oak Street Ramp
- Hosted by Parking & Transportation Services (Free bike tune-ups, snacks and fun prizes)
- Pleasant Street SE at University Avenue
- Hosted by the Office of Sustainability (snacks and free prizes)
Whether you're commuting to work, class or just cruising through campus, make sure to swing by one (or both!) of these locations!
Upcoming Coffee Chat: Student Project Spotlight
Monday, May 4, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Our Sustainability student staff have been busy this semester! Join us to hear everything about student sustainability work happening at the Twin Cities and University Sustainability offices.
Speakers:
- Diya Shah - Graduate Student & Data Analyst Intern, University Sustainability
- Ella Chilson - Student Sustainability Assistant, University Sustainability
- Giselle Muñoz-Semple - Student Sustainability Assistant, University Sustainability
- Cole Becker - Student Sustainability Assistant, University Sustainability
- Yvonne Mongare - Undergraduate Student & Climate Resilience Public Health Task Force Coordinator, Focus on Vulnerable Communities, Office of Sustainability at Twin Cities
Recording coming soon
As Northrop approaches its centennial in 2029, the University of Minnesota landmark has reached a major milestone: one of the University’s most iconic and historic buildings is now Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) v4.1 Operations + Maintenance (O+M) Gold certified.
Northrop is the first University of Minnesota facility to achieve LEED Gold under this rigorous standard for existing buildings. The certification reflects Northrop’s commitment to honor its historic legacy while building for the future, demonstrating that sustainability is not limited to new construction. Historic buildings can also evolve, improve and lead. Read more about Northrop’s LEED Gold certification and what it means
Today, on World Health Day, University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham signed the Okanagan Charter, making the University a designated Health Promoting Campus.
The signing ceremony took place during the University’s Climate Resilience Teach-In, heralding the organization’s commitment to prioritizing health and sustainability. Read more about the University's commitment to the Okanagan Charter
Explore the future of sustainable transportation at the Fleet EV Test Drive and Car Show! Stop by Maroon Lot to check out electric vehicles available through University Fleet Services, learn more about EV options for departments that purchase or rent fleet vehicles. Wednesday, April 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Maroon Lot, north side of Huntington Bank Stadium
April is Earth Month! Check out our frequently updated list of events to get involved. Check it out.
Have an event to share? Email us.
The Climate Teach-In returns on Tuesday, April 7 (World Health Day), this year with a focus on climate resilience. Check out the events of the day. 🏆 Know someone doing impactful climate justice or resilience work at the University? Nominate a faculty, staff or student colleague for the Climate Resilience Teach-In Honorary Recognition.
Undergraduate students: Share about your learning experiences at the University. The Twin Cities Sustainability Committee is looking for focus group participants to discuss how and what you have learned about sustainability during your time at the University. No previous experience with or interest in sustainability required. Learn more about the session or sign up by using the form
Join us this spring for three Sustainability Coffee Chats featuring new campus facilities, plans, and clean energy projects shaping the University of Minnesota’s sustainable future.
- ☕ Flipping into the Future: NEW Gymnastics Performance Facility
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (watch recording) - ☕ NEW UMN Zero Waste Plan (in person!) (Register)
Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 9:30-11:00 a.m., RecWell Multipurpose Room 7 - ☕ NEW On-Campus Solar (Register)
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 9:00-10:00 a.m. (virtual)