University of Minnesota Twin Cities Climate Action Plan will be presented as part of the MPact 2025 Sustainability update to the Board of Regents on Thursday, May 11th during the Board's Finance and Operations Committee meeting!
We invite YOU to attend in person to show your support for climate action at the University and support of the Climate Action Plan! The meeting will also be live-streamed.
Meeting Information: 1:00pm, McNamara Alumni Center, 6th Floor Boardroom Finance & Operations Committee, or live-streamed.
Show your support for climate action and the CAP by contacting the President and the Board of Regents! We know from work on climate change and other movements that advocacy with leaders can be incredibly impactful.
Contact information: President
BOR
Need help on what to say? State that leading on climate change is integral to the University's mission, Recommend the Board of Regents endorse or publicly support the 2023 Twin Cities Climate Action Plan, Advocate that sustainability and climate action be a criteria in the selection process for University leadership, including the upcoming selection of a new president, and Describe why climate action is important to you and to the University!
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 (Register)
- ☕ Oct. 15, 9:30 to 11 a.m. — Planetary Health 📍 IN PERSON at RecWell (Register)
- ☕ 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)
Welcome, new and returning students! Did you know that students and faculty at the U have access to a Universal Transit Pass included with student fees, so you can explore the Twin Cities sustainably? The Coffee Passport has directions to coffee shops owned by ethnically diverse communities, less than 15 minutes away from the East Bank. Together, we can save time, money and CO2 emissions to achieve the U’s Climate Action Plan of reducing commuting emissions by 40% by 2030. Download the Coffee Passport.
Join and on July 15 from 9-10 a.m. at for the groundbreaking of the first of seven new solar installations planned for the Twin Cities campus. It's an exciting milestone as we continue expanding renewable energy and advancing our Climate Action Plan.
By Sunhari Jacob, Student Engagement Strategy Assistant
The 2026 Campus Conservation Challenge engaged more than 220 students in reducing residence hall energy use, resulting in measurable savings and increased sustainability engagement. The challenge demonstrated how collective action can create meaningful environmental impact on campus.
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities has received a STARS® Gold rating! The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS®) Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) recognizes the long-term sustainability goals and performances for all higher education. Read the extended summary.
Check out an EV from HOURCAR and an electric Chevrolet Equinox from Fleet, and test ride bikes from Lime and scooters from Spin. Ice cream from the University Meat and Dairy Salesroom available while supplies last! Wed. May 27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lilly Plaza.
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
- Pleasant Street SE at University Avenue
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