Sustainable Campus

Energy Management and Facilities Management staff support energy savings efforts and projects across campus. Here are some of the ways we efficiently use and save energy on the Twin Cities campus: 

• The Main Energy Plant (MEP) operates at 75% energy efficiency. It features a heat recovery system that generates electric and steam power to support the Minneapolis campus. The MEP reduced the University’s net carbon footprint by approximately 15%, and can serve as an “energy island” that remains active in external outage events. Learn more about the MEP on TikTok.

• Lighting retrofits and projects implemented over the past few years have been to upgrade fluorescent lighting to LED lighting, which accounted for 50% of University energy savings in 2021. Nearly 70% of campus has been converted to LED lighting.

• Building mechanical systems scheduling and building controls contribute yearly to efficient energy usage. In 2021 ventilation systems improvements contributed to 10% of the energy saving projects. Check out the Building Energy Dashboards to view the amount of electricity, steam and chilled water being consumed in buildings on campus. Learn more about energy efficiency and building upgrades!

• The Ultra-Low Temperature Heating (ULTH) pilot in the Lions Research Building/McGuire Translational Research Facility is nearly complete and will heat makeup air required in our mission-critical campus teaching and research facilities. The applied-engineering approach leverages the campus district-cooling grid to transport waste-heat to where it can be used directly to preheat makeup air. It is estimated to be complete by the heating season and save more than $65,000 in natural gas annually, also reducing our carbon footprint.

• 9 on-campus solar arrays generate approximately 2.4 million kilowatts of electricity each year. That’s enough to power nearly 200 average Minnesota homes. The solar panels atop Rapson Hall will soon be replaced, and it is estimated that the new array will have 2-3 times the capacity of the existing system, generating as much electricity as five single family homes use each year. The installation will include other improvements, like shading optimization.

• Learn about the S104 Lot solar array on the St. Paul campus:

• View Facilities Management's Building Energy Dashboards
• View the Energy Dashboard
• View the Carbon Dashboard

Standardized Waste Collection
Across 260+ campus buildings, students, faculty, staff, and visitors have access to centralized waste stations for recycling, compost, and trash.
Our quad system simplifies sorting into four streams:

• Paper
• Cans & Bottles (plastic, metal, glass)
• Compost
• Trash

This standardized, dual-waste system and centralized collection allow users to divert up to 75% of materials from the trash when bins are used correctly. Learn more about recycling at the U

Maximizing Material Recovery (Reuse, Recycling & Composting)
Our system is designed to keep as much material as possible in the circular economy rather than landfilled waste.

Reuse

• The ReUse Program collects surplus furniture, supplies, and equipment from campus buildings, redistributing items for departmental use or public purchase. Each year, the program diverts over 800 thousand pounds of usable materials, saving money and reducing waste.
• 

Recycling

• Recycling collected on campus is processed at our campus-operated Como Recycling Facility, where materials are hand-sorted, and sold to local and Midwest markets, keeping Gopher recyclables close.
• This facility also manages special recyclables such as lab plastics, scrap metal, construction debris, and biowaste.
• Thanks to local control and quality sorting, over 95% of materials processed at Como are successfully recycled or reused. Around 6 million pounds of material are recycled here every year.
• 

Composting

• Composting began in back-of-house (BOH) food service areas in the early 2000s and expanded campuswide to front-of-house (FOH) areas beginning in 2018.
• Roughly 3 million pounds of compost is sent to the Dakota Prairie Composting site in Jordan, MN, while roughly 1 million pounds of campus tree, leaves and yard waste are composted at the St. Paul campus.
• Life on campus moves fast, and remembering a reusable cup or silverware is not always possible. To help keep our campus low-waste, on-campus vendors are required to provide BPI-certified compostable items.
• Learn more

Zero Waste & Continuous Improvement
We don’t stop at “just recycling,” we aim higher. Our zero-waste initiatives challenge us to rethink how events, operations and day-to-day behaviors align with waste reduction goals. For instance:

• Zero Waste Events: Sporting and community events including those at Huntington Bank Stadium strive for zero waste with support from WRS staff, who provide bins, signage, collection, and guidance.
• Tracking & Transparency: WRS conducts waste audits and data analysis to monitor contamination, diversion, and system performance, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Operational Integration: Waste minimization is built into planning and influences. Where waste stations are located and how the flow of materials will be transported through campus buildings.
• Learn more

Operational Excellence & Infrastructure
Behind the scenes, WRS maintains one of the most robust higher-ed waste systems in the country.

• The University self-hauls all campus waste and recycling, providing internal control and faster response to needs.
• Electric trucks are used for recycling collection, supporting the University’s Climate Action Plan and emissions goals.
• We use efficient compactors to reduce hauling trips and fuel use.
• All custodial cleaning products are Green Seal Certified, and our liners contain at least 70% post-consumer recycled content.
• Paper towels in restrooms are made from 100% recovered material (at least 50% post-consumer).
• This operational commitment ensures the highest material quality, market viability, and environmental performance across all waste streams.

How to Get Involved
Every person on campus plays a role in reaching zero waste.

• Sort it out: Use the correct bin for paper, cans & bottles, compost, and trash.
• Reduce waste: Bring a reusable mug, bottle, or container.
• Plan green events: Choose compostable or reusable serviceware.
• Stay curious: Request a presentation or tour of the Como Recycling Facility to see recovery in action.

Why It Matters
Waste is more than what we throw away, it’s a reflection of how we value resources. By managing materials locally and responsibly, the University of Minnesota reduces its carbon footprint, strengthens circular economies, and demonstrates how large institutions can lead in sustainability.

Together, we’re building a zero waste future for the U of M.

Overall the University collects and reuses about 5 million gallons of rainwater per year in multiple locations on campus, including:

• Approximately 300,000 gallons of water are reclaimed per year for toilet flushing at 17th Avenue Residence Hall.

• 1.5 million gallons of water per year are reclaimed for cooling Athletes’ Village.

• Underground storage systems collect the run-off from Pioneer Hall and Health Sciences Education Center (HSEC) (3.5 million gallons) to use in the cooling towers at Moos Tower for district cooling.

• The cistern at the Landcare Building collects rainwater for watering plants.

• Approximately 70,000 gallons per year of reclaimed condensate gets fed to the cooling tower the Cancer and Cardiovascular Research Building (CCRB)

• Once complete, the new Campbell Hall will collect runoff to be used for the landscape.

• Water Utilities and U Construction also steward the stormwater runoff that flows on our campus, picking up pollutants like trash, chemicals, oils, and sediment (illicit discharge) that can harm our waterways. To protect these resources, stormwater controls, known as Best Management Practices (BMPs) and employee training and inspection requirements are used to prevent pollution by controlling it at its source and preventing contamination from illicit discharge. If you observe an illicit discharge on campus, please report those findings to the University Health & Safety On-Call Program: [email protected] or 612-626-6004 (24-hr line). Learn more about Stormwater Management and the UMN Stormwater Program!
• Landcare maintains a number of diverse prairie gardens that protect and preserve the natural ecosystem, while also providing beauty. These gardens are filled with plants that are native to Minnesota.
• More than 40 acres of traditional lawn areas have been converted to prairie, wildflower meadows, or lower input turf varieties.
• Landcare operates a centrally controlled, evapotranspiration based campus irrigation system. Plants are watered based on how much water they need, and Landcare is exploring the use of organic amendments as an alternative to chemical fertilizer.
• All Landcare staff complete winter Smart Salting training through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Learn more about winter salt use!
• New tree species are selected to increase campus biodiversity and resilience against disease and pests, like emerald ash borer.
• The campus earned Bee Campus USA designation in 2020.
• Check out Landcare's FAQs to learn more!
• View the Water Dashboard
• View Landcare's Campus Tree Map
• View Landcare's Tree Management Plan

On campus, M Food Co. operates dining facilities. The University's dining vendor, Chartwells, has several sustainability initiatives and commitments:

• Chartwells has launched a plant-forward dining option to help universities explore new, plant-based meal options and their health benefits at universities nationwide.
• Chartwells is dedicated to following the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program guidelines, ensuring the purchase of only high-quality and sustainable seafood.
• Chartwells has created the Waste Not program to measure the amount of food waste being generated. The amount of food waste is measured daily and staff work to find solutions to reduce this amount. Staff are trained to use as much of the fruits or vegetables as possible and find ways to use scraps that would normally be thrown away.
• Chartwells' HowGood Partnership will introduce climate labeling in dining halls to help guests make more informed dining decisions and understand the environmental and social impact of their food. HowGood, the world’s largest product sustainability database, will evaluate and analyze our recipes awarding them with sustainability and climate friendly identifiers which will be displayed prominently on our digital menu boards and product identifiers.
• All eggs (liquid and shell) will be sourced from humane cage-free eggs.
• All poultry products will be raised without the routine use of antibiotics.
• All pork from animals will be sourced from vendors who do not confine animals to gestation crates.
• All milk and yogurt sourced by Chartwells will be rBGH-free.
• M Food Co. provides OZZI reusable to-go containers to take food out of residential dining halls.
• Learn more about M Food Co.

Biking and Walking on Campus

• The Twin Cities campus has 46 miles of sidewalks and plazas
• There are 12+ miles of on-campus and campus-adjacent dedicated bike lanes and paths!
• More than 9,500 bike racks and 370 secure bike lockers are placed across campus
• The ZAP Bike Program allows bicyclists to earn points toward gift cards just for riding a bike around campus
• Visit The Hub Bike Center for repairs, gear, classes, bike lockers, showers, and more.

Campus Buses and Metro Transit

• UMN buses and Metro Transit buses pass through campus. Find bus routes, transit pass information, and more on the Parking and Transportation Services website
• Campus buses and circulators are FREE and come equipped with wheelchair lifts and bike racks.
• The GopherTrip app allows users to find current campus bus locations
• PTS offers transit passes for students, staff, and faculty. Learn about the Universal Transit Pass for students and the Employee Transit Pass and check out the ridership stats.

Electric Vehicles

• The analysis for the electrification of University fleet vehicles is underway.
• Level 1, 2, and 3 EV charging stations are placed around campus

Vehicle Sharing

• Hourcar is the largest vehicle sharing program in the Twin Cities! The program has multiple locations on campus and guarantees 24/7 access to vehicles.
• Evie Carshare is an all-electric, one-way, free-floating service with trips by the minute, hour, or day. Find cars in the Home Area and end trips at City of Minneapolis or Saint Paul meters 2+ hours, in permit required zones, and other on-street parking spaces.
• The Gopher Rideshare carpooling program aims to reduce car congestion, improve air quality, decrease wear and tear on the road and allow individuals to save money by exploring various transportation options.

Learn more about PTS and its Awards & Achievements and get tips from the Sustainable Transportation Guide.

• Reducing pickup order packaging: The Bookstores' e-commerce pick-up bags are reusable, resulting in the elimination of cardboard and plastic for over 10,000 orders per semester.
• Plastic bag recycling: The University of Minnesota Bookstores has placed plastic bag recycling bags at entrances and exits in partnership with the University Waste Recovery Services.
• Used book donations: The Bookstores donates pallets of books to BetterWorldBooks each year. BetterWorldBooks saves books from going to landfills, reduces the carbon footprint, resells them to raise money for grants, donates them to those in need, and fights for improved literacy worldwide.
• Sustainable products: U of M Bookstores proudly carries a number of products that support sustainability and our environment.
• Apple sustainability: The U of M Bookstores is proud to be an Apple certified store. Apple continues to lead with innovative sustainability efforts, focusing on carbon neutrality, using 100% recycled and responsibly sourced materials in products, and striving for zero waste in its supply chain to minimize environmental impact.
• Checkout bags: U of M Bookstores is committed to reducing our environmental impact by using post-consumer recycled bags at our checkout counters, helping to minimize waste and promote the reuse of materials.
• Trade in your used technology at M Tech and receive Bookstores gift cards in return! Use these towards your next purchase, whether that be for new tech or anything else at the Bookstores.

• Capital Project Management, UConstruction, and FMdesign strategically design, build, and renovate with energy efficiency and responsible purchasing and materials management in mind. This work has earned our campus numerous sustainability awards and ratings.
• New construction and major renovations follow interior design standards that incorporate the University’s sustainability requirements and following Minnesota B3 Building Guidelines.

• HRL has expanded its ionized water cleaning program to Pioneer, Territorial, Sanford and Wilkins Halls

• Laundry machines operate with cold water

• Centennial, Frontier, and Pioneer Halls have programmable thermostats

• Sanford and Pioneer Halls have dual-flush toilets to reduce water waste

• Gray water is reused for toilet flushing in the 17th Avenue Residence Hall

• Low-flow water fixtures, heat recovery systems, and LED lighting fixtures are installed throughout residence halls

• Residence halls feature expanded bicycle parking

• Purchased furniture is specified from recycled or sustainable materials, finishes are specified from sustainable materials, and appliances are specified as energy efficient

• Composting program implemented throughout the residential facilities

• Sustainability Advocates program initiated with Waste Management

• The ReUse Program has implemented a futon reuse program

• Annual reuse collection and distribution program implemented

• The Pioneer Hall Renovation features a heat recovery system used in public spaces, occupancy sensors used in public spaces, programmable thermostats used in residence rooms, high-solar-gain windows installed throughout the facility, daylighting controls used in the dining facility and large community lounges, and LED lighting installed throughout the facility

• Printing Services is committed to helping the University magnify its message while consciously minimizing its waste. Printing Services continually researches ways to reduce its environmental footprint, and adheres to the reduce-reuse-recycle-recover philosophy at each of its seven printing facilities, helping the University lead the way in sustainable printing practices.

• Labs make up 25% of the physical space at the University of Minnesota but around 60% of the total energy use. Visit the Green Labs program to learn about efforts to make campus labs more sustainable, including lab plastics recycling, paper towel composting, and freezer adjustments

• Huntington Bank Stadium is the first LEED Certified football stadium in the country.
• The facility features recycled steel, a reflective roof to regulate heat, energy efficient lighting and elevators, and a compostable organics collections site.
• A 98% waste diversion rate was achieved during construction.

Collections Facility sustainability features (completed in 2025):

• Fully meets Minnesota’s Building, Benchmarks and Beyond (B3) Guidelines for sustainable building standards
• Uses a Darcy Well system to draw thermal energy from deep groundwater for efficient geoexchange heating
• Rooftop solar panels generate approximately 250 kW of renewable energy
• Features a bioswale and retention pond with vegetation designed to handle and filter stormwater runoff

• FMdesign designed recent retrofits for several University buildings to help mitigate bird collisions, such as designs to make glass visible to birds. Further retrofits are being considered. The Stop the Thud! Lights Out for Birds initiative aims to prevent bird-building collisions on campus, especially during migratory periods.
• Analysis has begun on an application that calculates how much carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases trees sequester from the atmosphere. It also calculates the economic value of the shade a tree provides to a building.
• A team has been assembled for the initiative to identify and replace R22 refrigerant operating equipment with a new, greener alternative.