The Office of Sustainability and Parking and Transportation Services launched our new hybrid electric buses with fall festivities! You will see three of the hybrid electric buses around campus currently, with five more coming this winter. We are always working to lower emissions as part of our Climate Action Plan. 🔋🔌 These buses are about three to four times more efficient overall than the standard campus buses. They use EV mode in more congested areas on campus and they recharge with regenerative braking between Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses and in less congested areas. Take a ride to see for yourself! 🚌
Fun facts about the buses:
- 🔋 GILLIG Hybrids are up to 90% cleaner* than the 12-year-old diesel buses they replace. With the option to leverage the 'battery-only' mode up to 50% of the time, our campus can enjoy zero-emission operation with the ease and reliability of traditional fueling.
- 🔧 Engineered for ease of maintenance and equipped with electrical accessories that reduce engine wear-and-tear, reliability isn't just promised-it's built-in, ensuring optimized and enduring performance.
- ⚡ Engineered to turn the stop-and-go traffic of our routes into a source of power, GILLIG Hybrids harness the power of regenerative braking, not only extending brake life but also producing clean energy to power our campus' cleaner commute.
- 📉 Hybrids allow us to reap the rewards of fewer carbon emissions, reduced fuel consumption, and lowered operating costs all with no new infrastructure needed. GILLIG Hybrid buses are eligible for federal incentives, making them not only kinder to the planet but also the University's budget.
*Results may vary based on application and configuration.
Wording adapted from GILLIG 2023 Product Brochure.
From fleet electrification and changing the way we power buildings to everyday choices like taking the bus or creating less waste, it all adds up. Take a ride!
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)