This fall, the University of Minnesota’s Office of Sustainability is brewing up some of exciting and educational events to deepen your understanding of sustainability, climate change, and tips to implement on campus. These Coffee Chats and our Climate Literacy Teach-in are a perfect way to engage with experts, learn from your peers, and take action for our planet. Mark your calendars and join us!
☕ Friday, September 27th from 10-11am (Zoom):
Ice Cores & Climate Change Coffee Chat
Hear from renowned Climate Scientist, Dr. Peter Neff, and PhD candidate in the Neff Lab, Julia Andreasen. This discussion will dive into the fascinating world of glaciology and ice core research to better understand our changing climate. Dr Neff is also the Director of Field Research and Data for the Center for Oldest Ice Exploration (COLDEX), a National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center that seeks to find the oldest possible ice core records of past climate preserved in Antarctica. Peter shares widely about ice core climate science via X/Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.
To register, click here.
☕ Tuesday, October 1st from 10-11am (Zoom):
Solar for Home and Business Owners Coffee Chat
Join three local solar professionals to learn more about the solar industry in Minnesota and the role solar energy plays in greening the grid. This session will provide diverse perspectives on topics including financial incentives, a just transition to renewable energy, and practical guidance for anyone considering solar power for their residence or business.
Panelists: Jennifer Lindahl (CERTs Regional Coordinator, SE Regional Office Rochester, UMN Extension RSDP), Bob Blake (Owner, Solar Bear), and James Ayer (Minnesota Solar Professional).
To register, click here.
☕ Friday, October 18th from 9:30-10:30am (Zoom):
Impacts of Climate Change on MN Agriculture Coffee Chat
This discussion will take a look at Minnesota's changing climate and how these changes are impacting local agriculture. We will hear from a panel of experts coming from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives including two local Minnesota farmers. We will also touch on the role of artificial intelligence and how AI intersects with climate-smart agriculture.
Panelists: Katie Black (Extension Educator, Climate Adaptation and Resilience), Craig Laplante (Farmer from Fisher, MN), Shawn Haag (Executive Director, AI-CLIMATE Institute), and Anne Schwagerl (Farmer; VP of the Minnesota Farmers Union).
To register, click here.
☕ Thursday, November 7th from 10-11am (Zoom):
Food Security on Campus Coffee Chat
This session will look at the issue of food insecurity and its impact on local communities. Dinkytown has often been described by UMN students and other locals as a food desert. We will take a look at campus food security issues and their impacts on our student population.
Panelists: Dr. Michael Boland (Professor; Agricultural and Food Business Management Major Coordinator), Jenny Breen (Faculty in Culinary Nutrition, Food Educator, & Chef), and Priscilla Bunday (Undergraduate Student; Member of the UMN Food Recovery Network).
To register, click here.
For more details on all of our Coffee Chats, click here.
🌎 Thursday, November 14th:
Climate Literacy Teach-In
Join us for an interactive Climate Literacy Teach-In event at the University of Minnesota this fall! Engage in hands-on activities and discussions with topic experts from across the U to deepen your understanding of climate change and learn what meaningful action looks like.
What is Climate Literacy?
NOAA Climate.gov defines Climate Science Literacy as:
"...an understanding of your influence on climate and climate’s influence on you and society. A climate-literate person understands the essential principles of Earth’s climate system, knows how to assess scientifically credible information about climate, communicates about climate and climate change in a meaningful way, and is able to make informed and responsible decisions with regard to actions that may affect climate." Source: NOAA Climate.gov
The Goal: Everyone walks away able to talk about climate change and apply their knowledge to their lives!
For more details on the Climate Literacy Teach-In, click here.
These events are free and open to all members of the University of Minnesota. Whether you're a seasoned sustainability advocate or just beginning your journey, these sessions are a great opportunity to expand your knowledge, meet like-minded individuals, and learn how to make a difference!
Let’s come together over coffee and conversation to create a more sustainable future!
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
"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.
Collective action works—and this spring’s Campus Conservation Competition proved it. Over 140 students across 11 residence halls joined the effort to reduce energy use, and the results were clear: small actions added up to real, measurable change. Students led the charge, raising awareness and cutting consumption in just three weeks. The numbers speak for themselves! Read more
Facilities Management staff: Join us for an Electric Vehicle Test Drive event!
Test drive hybrid and fully electric vehicles that could fit your department's needs. Fleet Services and Office of Sustainability staff will be onsite to answer your questions.
Wednesday, May 7th, 11:00am - 1:30pm
Fleet Services (901 29th Ave SE, Minneapolis)
Refreshments provided!
Share this event: z.umn.edu/EVtestdrive
The UMN Office of Sustainability and Campus Cleanup Crew are joining for a Stormwater Cleanup event focused on protecting our environment and keeping campus beautiful. Taking place at Knoll Park outside Peik Hall, we invite students to learn about stormwater's impact while taking direct action through litter cleanup. It's the perfect way to give back and get involved! 🌎
Not sure where your waste goes on campus? You’re not alone. The University of Minnesota is working to divert 90% of waste from landfills through recycling and composting. Nearly 60% of trash could be sorted better—your choices matter. Want to help UMN go zero waste? Get involved and join the conversation today. Learn more and take the survey.
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.
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!
