When it comes to sustainability, the University of Minnesota shines. Hear from six University leaders on what sustainability encompasses, how to practice sustainability on campus, and where the University leads in this space.

Why is sustainability important at your campus and the University?

Kate Nelson, director of campus sustainability, Twin Cities campus: Sustainability is at the heart of how we fulfill our public mission and prepare students to thrive in our changing world. It shapes how we build and maintain our campus, how we connect with our community, and how we embed environmental and social responsibility into research, teaching, and operations. From addressing climate change to improving health and equity, our work is grounded in systems thinking and long-term impact. The bold choices the University makes today reflect our commitment to future generations of students, scholars, and community members.

What are lesser-known parts of sustainability at your campus?

Jonna Korpi, sustainability director, Duluth campus: While sustainability on our campus is often associated with visible initiatives like compost bins and solar panels, the most impactful efforts are often happening behind the scenes. Hidden infrastructure upgrades—such as modernized HVAC systems, LED lighting, and smart building controls—play a critical role in reducing our campus’s carbon footprint. These changes often go unnoticed, but they significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. By investing in these upgrades, we can make substantial progress toward our long-term climate goals.

What are some misconceptions about sustainability? 

Troy Goodnough, sustainability director, Morris campus: One big misconception is that sustainability is a buzzword without meaning. An organization or person who is practicing sustainability works to meet the needs of communities today while ensuring future generations can also meet their needs. The world has been engaged in a big conversation for many years about the key ingredients for healthy communities. Many of these ingredients are found in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are interconnected and work as a system. For example, how do we eliminate poverty, hunger, and ensure a quality education for everyone? We often need to tackle several challenges at once. This is the work of building a fully sustainable future.

How does sustainability affect everyday life on your campus?

Katy Chapman, associate professor and sustainability director, Crookston campus: Sustainability impacts all aspects of everyday life on the Crookston campus. Our curriculum has been mapped to the United Nations SDGs, thus, across all disciplines, faculty are teaching them to students. Our campus was also recognized as a top performer in the 2024 Sustainable Campus Index in the area of research and overall excellence among baccalaureate institutions. Additionally, in every bathroom on campus, compost bins direct you to place your paper towels inside for composting. Every trash bin and recycling bin across campus has customized signage to teach faculty, staff, and students which items belong in them. The Crookston Students for Sustainable Development, in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability, hosts an event at least once per month—part of the Sustainable Life Series—to teach a skill to live a more sustainable life.

How can people do their part at the University and in their own lives?

Amanda Kohn, sustainability project manager, University of Minnesota: We know the transformation of systems in our society and institution is critical to meeting our climate goals and making sustainability the easy choice. We also know that building a culture of sustainability can be driven through grassroots efforts and individuals contributing to a shared goal. If you’re an employee, I would encourage you to think about how sustainability can be integrated into your current job duties. It doesn’t have to be “extra work.” For example, purchasing green supplies as marked on the UMarket platform or integrating sustainability into your curriculum. Lastly, I would encourage everyone to get to know your local sustainability office by visiting their website to learn about benefits and programs available specific to your campus and community—like free transit passes, off-campus residential composting options, and more!

What University sustainability accomplishments are you most proud of?

Shane Stennes, chief sustainability officer, University of Minnesota: It’s hard to pick—we are doing incredible work across multiple sustainability challenges, but one standout is the University’s work on climate change. We’ve cut our carbon pollution from the University by 50 percent, and each campus has a plan for eliminating the remaining emissions while becoming more resilient to climate change’s impacts. There is also amazing climate-related research, teaching, and public engagement work underway across all five campuses to improve our understanding of climate change, develop solutions, and build capacity in society to address the challenge. Another point of pride is how we work on sustainability collectively. Based on conversations with my peers across the country, we are unique in how we work across our campuses and locations to partner on sustainability efforts, challenges, and opportunities. It’s our superpower.  

Visit the webpages below to learn more about sustainability efforts by campus:

• Crookston’s Center for Sustainability
• Duluth’s Sustainability webpage
• Sustainability at University of Minnesota Morris
• University of Minnesota Sustainability webpage