Sustainability News

Students walk in front of trees with fall leaves and a hybric electric campus bus that says "hybric electric for a greener U"

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. πŸ”‹πŸ”Œ 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! 🚌 Read more

A group of students poses on a colorful street in Guatemala during their sustainable chemistry study abroad program

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. Learn more

Hiring communications sustainability student assistant

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! πŸ‘‰ Apply: Search Job ID: 370820 in the Student Job section.

More Sustainability News

The Office of Sustainability is rethinking how we engage our campusβ€”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.

Hybrid bus event social graphic for November 5th 11am-2pm on Church St near Morrill Hall, hosted by Sustainability and Parking and Transportation Services

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! πŸπŸŽ‰πŸ”‹πŸ”ŒπŸšŒ Add to calendar

Hybrid bus launch specs
Farm Aid zero waste graphic at Huntington Bank

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

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Join us for conversations on campus sustainability and climate action! This fall, we’ll explore two timely topics:

  • Electrifying our Fleet – Wed, Oct 15 Β· 10–11am
    Hear from UMN experts about recent progress and future plans for electrifying campus vehicles.
  • Net Zero Buildings – Tue, Nov 11 Β· 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

Green Labs logo maroon beaker with green leaf and gold block M, and white text that says Green Labs

Is your lab interested in participating in the next cohort of the Green Labs Certification Program? Want to learn more about the program? Curious about how to operate your lab more sustainably? Join the informal, one hour info session on Zoom! Reach out to Carley Rice, Sustainability Coordinator, with any questions.

Zoom Info Session: Wednesday 9/17/25, 12:00-1:00pm

Register