Fall 2023 Sustainability advocates from SUST3480 conducted a recent Campus Engagement Project at the University of Minnesota aimed to improve the satisfaction and sustainability of the campus transportation system (Gopher Trip). They distributed a Sustainable Transportation Survey, gathering responses from 57 students to assess current challenges and future possibilities.
Demographics revealed that most respondents were first and fourth-year students, with significant representation from the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) and the College of Science and Engineering (CSE). Notably, 80% felt more motivated to use public transportation due to the Universal Transit Pass created in the academic year of 2022-2023. It is also important to note that 75% of these students actively engaged in sustainable practices in their daily lives. This not only benefits students' mental and physical health, but is also putting the University of Minnesota and the planet on track to a green, equitable future.
The survey highlighted key challenges: 61% identified waiting for the bus as a significant barrier, while 33% and 30% cited crowdedness and access to bus stops as hindering their ridership. Proposed improvements by students included more bus stops, heated bus stops, increased bus frequency, and improved Gopher Trip App accuracy.
Sustainability advocate solutions included the creation of new bus stops near residence halls and in Dinkytown to enhance convenience and reduce the reliance on personal vehicles. They also suggested monthly check-ins or updates on behalf of Parking and Transportation Services to address the accuracy of the Gopher Trip App.
Reflecting on the survey, there is a need for a more diverse respondent pool, improved timing, and expanded survey distribution locations. For future endeavors, sustainability advocates plan to broaden their outreach, initiate surveys earlier, and strategically place survey stations across various study spaces and dining halls on all campuses. Together, these insights pave the way for a more sustainable and commuter-friendly campus transportation system.
Survey Highlights:
● 80% of students felt more motivated to use public transportation due to the Universal
Transit Pass
● 61% of respondents felt that waiting for the bus was a barrier to utilizing the campus
busing system
● 50% of respondents said having more bus stops, heated bus stops, increased frequency of
buses, and enhancements to the Gopher Trip app would help improve the campus busing
system
● The current campus busing system was rated a 3.20/5 for convenience by UMN students
● Sustainability advocates suggest the creation of new bus stops near residence halls and in Dinkytown to reduce the barriers to bus ridership and make the busing system more accessible
Header image by Daily File Photo, MN Daily
April is Earth Month! Check out our frequently updated list of events to get involved. Check it out.
In 2024, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities achieved 9,864,660 kilowatt hours in electricity savings, surpassing the highest level of conservation goal set by Xcel Energy. That’s enough electricity to power 1,100 average Minnesota homes for a year and avoid 7.6 million pounds of CO2 emissions. As a result of our efforts through energy projects on campus, the University received $724,815 in rebates, plus an additional $147,246 for reaching our goal. The rebate ultimately goes back into a cycle within the University, allowing us to continue investing in energy reduction and working to reduce our energy use. The pie chart below highlights where these savings came from, with Lighting (35%) and HVAC (24%) contributing the most. Thanks to Energy Management and all who support these efforts!
Do you have input regarding the University of Minnesota Twin Cities' Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program?
"Illicit discharges are considered 'illicit' because MS4s are not designed to accept, process, or discharge such non-stormwater wastes." (EPA) As water runs down the street into storm drains, contaminated with illicit discharge (such as cigarette butts, trash, salt, vehicle fluids, or yard waste) from the street, it flows back down through the stormwater system and back into the river. Learn how you can help or report illicit discharge on campus.
Facilities Management’s Landcare team is the primary snow removal service provider for the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, responsible for clearing nearly 100 miles of streets and walkways, and over 100 acres of parking surfaces. Learn more:
Thursday, 11/14 from 11am-2pm: The Climate Literacy 101 interactive workshop is designed to interpret the science and impacts of climate change for broad action, on campus and beyond.
We will be joined by special guests Melvin Carter, Mayor of St. Paul, and Dr. Heidi Roop, Assistant Director for Climate Services, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and UMN Climate Adaptation Partnership.
Thursday, November 14th, 11am-2pm. Coffman Union, Mississippi Room (3rd floor). M Food Co is providing a "Climate Cool" lunch.
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The University of Minnesota Twin Cities continues to show its leadership in sustainability, earning recognition in The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges: 2025 Edition. UMN Twin Cities received a perfect Green Rating score of 99, making it one of the top eco-friendly institutions. This rating evaluates universities based on campus sustainability, student life, and how well schools prepare students for careers in the clean-energy economy. This achievement emphasizes UMN's dedication to creating an environmentally conscious campus and providing students with a sustainable future. Discover how UMN Twin Cities is making a positive impact on campus and our planet!
The University of Minnesota's upcoming Climate Literacy Teach-In event is on November 14th from 11am-2pm. This events aims to engage students and faculty in meaningful discussions about climate change. With interactive activities, expert-led discussions, and a kickoff breakfast hosted by the Learning Abroad Center, participants will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of climate issues and learn practical actions they can take. Additionally, a self-guided climate conversation activity allows individuals to facilitate discussions anywhere and anytime, emphasizing the importance of personal climate stories to drive climate awareness and change.
Are you interested in learning more about lab sustainability efforts on campus and the new UMN Green Labs Certification Program and how to green your lab? Have you wondered how you could save energy in your lab and lower costs? Join one of two upcoming Green Labs Open House events co-hosted by the Office of Sustainability and the College of Biological Sciences. Learn more
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This fall, the University of Minnesota’s FM Landcare team is planting 105 climate-adaptable trees across campus to diversify the landscape and increase resilience against pests. The trees being planted include a mix of borderline hardy species, new varieties for the campus, and reliable or native trees. Sourced from the campus gravel bed nursery, these trees are easy to plant and acclimate quickly to their environment. Learn more about the tree varieties and discover climate-resilient options for your own yard in this story map publication from the UMN Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.