Grab a cup of coffee and join us this spring for three Sustainability Coffee Chats highlighting new campus facilities, plans, and projects shaping the University of Minnesota’s sustainable future. These informal conversations bring together campus experts, project leaders, and community members to share what’s new—and what’s next.
☕ Flipping into the Future: NEW Gymnastics Performance Facility
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (watch recording)
Gopher Gymnastics has a new home—and it’s built to perform. This Coffee Chat will explore the NEW Gymnastics Performance Center, highlighting how sustainability, innovation, and design came together in this state-of-the-art facility. Hear directly from members of the gymnastics team and Athletics facilities leadership about what makes this building a standout.
Speakers:
- Jeff Seifriz, Senior Associate AD, Facilities & Event Operations
- Lauren Pearl, UMN Women’s Gymnast
- Mya Hooten, UMN Women’s Gymnastics Assistant Coach
☕ NEW UMN Zero Waste Plan (in person!)
Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
(Register)
Join us for our first in-person Sustainability Coffee Chat and be among the first to learn about the University’s brand-new Zero Waste Plan. Enjoy coffee and pastries while hearing how the plan will guide waste reduction, recycling, and reuse efforts across campus. Location: RecWell Multipurpose Room 7
Speakers:
- Nick Kluge, Assistant Director, Waste Recovery Services
- Ahnika Seifert, Recycling Coordinator
☕ NEW On-Campus Solar
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 9:00-10:00 a.m. (virtual)
(Register)
Solar on campus is about to get a major boost. This Coffee Chat will spotlight 4 megawatts of new on-campus solar, tripling current solar production at the University. Join campus energy experts for a conversation about how these new arrays support climate goals and the future of clean energy at the U.
Speakers:
- Jim Kochevar, Assistant Director, Utilities Operations
- Jessica Pavelka, Project Manager, Capital Projects Management
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. Participants will receive a $25 gift card.
Join a focus group
Questions/concerns? Contact the focus group coordinator, Nicki May.
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)
Do you have input regarding the University of Minnesota Twin Cities' Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program? Submit your feedback using this public comment form, open year-round. Learn more about the U of M stormwater program.
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! 🚌 Click to read more details
Two Spring Break study abroad programs are now open for students interested in sustainability and global health. Spend March 6–15, 2026 exploring Green Chemistry in Guatemala or The Intersection of Health and the Environment in Ecuador. Both programs connect to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and include an on-campus course. Apply by December 1, 2025, with a $1,000 fee reduction for the first 10 confirmed students per program. Click to read the full article
We’re hiring a Student Sustainability Communications Assistant! Open to undergrads passionate about sustainability, social media, writing, and graphic design. Help advance campus sustainability and engagement through communications! 👉 Apply: Search Job ID: 370820 in the Student Job section.
The Office of Sustainability is rethinking how we engage our campus—and we need your perspective. Spend 2 minutes on this quick survey to help us create impactful events and programs that reflect what you care about. Take the survey.
Join us on Wednesday, November 5 for the official launch of our new hybrid electric campus buses! Stop by on Church St. outside Morrill Hall from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for games, prizes, and cider. Take a guided tour of one of the new buses and learn about University of Minnesota sustainability initiatives, the Climate Action Plan, and campus bus routes. See you there! 🍁🎉🔋🔌🚌
For the first time, the University of Minnesota's Huntington Bank Stadium achieved zero waste–recovering an incredible 90% of waste (46,000 pounds) generated during the Farm Aid 40 concert. Learn about Gopher Athletics sustainability efforts
Join us for conversations on campus sustainability and climate action! This fall, we’ll explore two timely topics:
- Electrifying our Fleet – Wed, Oct 15 · 10–11am
Hear from UMN experts about recent progress and future plans for electrifying campus vehicles. - Net Zero Buildings – Tue, Nov 11 · 9–10am
Learn from UMN leaders and Darcy Solutions about designing and building net zero facilities, including the new Collections Facility powered by solar and a geothermal Darcy Well.
Free and open to the public on Zoom. More info