Pioneer Hall
Pioneer Hall Renovation

If you’ve been on campus the last two years, it’s likely you’ve witnessed the ever-changing appearance of Pioneer Hall. Renovations that started during the summer of 2017 were recently completed and the newly-improved residence hall was opened to new students this fall. 

There were many reasons this renovation took place, including improving building standards of the 88-year old residence hall, increasing the occupancy capacity, and creating a space that students are happy with and want to live in. You can read more about the construction background and progress on these sites: 

  1. Pioneer Press
  2. Minnesota Daily
  3. Capital Planning and Project Management

So how does this project affect the campus beyond revitalizing living space for students? Well, there are many implications when it comes to sustainability. This renovated living facility has created new opportunities in reducing waste and increasing the sustainable practices of the space.

The renovation of Pioneer Hall was a large undertaking for Capital Project Management (CPM), the University Service that approves and monitors the progress of all building projects that occur on campus. CPM worked hand-in-hand with Housing & Residential Life and many other internal and external divisions to ensure that the renovated Pioneer Hall could reach its full sustainable potential. This renovation process not only followed B3 building guidelines, but also strived to create new innovative and sustainable practices in the building. 

Some of the most notable sustainable practices being included in the renovated Pioneer Hall include: 

  1. Heat recovery systems in corridors, lounges, and other common areas (heat in the outgoing stale air is used to warm up the fresh air)
  2. Occupancy sensors in lounges, and other common areas 
  3. Programmable thermostats in residence rooms and apartments 
  4. High solar-gain windows throughout the facility provide “free” heat from the sun 
  5. Daylighting controls at the windows in the dining facility and center floor lounges to automatically turn off the lights when sunlight is sufficient 
  6. Low-flow shower heads
  7. Energy Star equipment and appliances in the dining facility, laundry room and other applicable areas 
  8. Storm water is captured on-site and piped to the district chilled water (air conditioning) system serving buildings in this district
  9. Reuse of existing materials from original building such as wood paneling, mailboxes and light fixtures
  10. Furniture specified from recycled or sustainable materials 
  11. LED lighting from recycled or sustainable materials 
  12. Low or no VOC finishes
  13. Approximately 47% of the existing building skin and 54% of the original floor plate were retained

These changes to the hall not only improve the infrastructure and expand the occupancy level, but also vastly improve the sustainability of the building (especially the energy efficiency of the space). Sustainable initiatives like this allow for a reduced carbon footprint as well as a reduced energy bill! 

All Sustainability News

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:

Climate Literacy 101 with Mayor Melvin Carter and Dr. Heidi Roop

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.
Register

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.

Green Labs Open House.png
Green Labs Open House events

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
 Register

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.

This fall, the University of Minnesota’s Office of Sustainability is hosting a series of educational and engaging events to help deepen your knowledge of sustainability, climate change, and actions you can take on campus and beyond. With insightful Coffee Chats featuring experts and a hands-on Climate Literacy Teach-In, these events provide a great opportunity to connect with professionals, learn from your peers, and take steps toward a greener future. From ice core research to food security on campus, each session provides a new insight on different sustainability topics.

All events are free and open to the anyone that attends the University of Minnesota. Don’t miss out—mark your calendars, grab your coffee, and join us in working toward a more sustainable campus!

Resilience Plan now available

The Climate Resilience Plan, addendum to the 2023 Climate Action Plan, is now available.

Learn more   See the Plan