Office of Sustainability

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https://hdl.handle.net/11299/212961

The UMD Office of Sustainability is committed to communicating, educating, and inspiring action to integrate sustainability into all aspects of campus life.

Sustainability is often defined as “development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” Put simply, sustainability is about being responsible with our resources. It is about not using more than our share. It is making sure there is enough, for all, forever.

At UMD, we aim to lower our greenhouse gas emissions through improving operations and empowering individuals to lower their share of the campus carbon footprint.

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    Water bottle consumption at UMD
    (2009-05-13) Erickson, Amber; Lincoln, Hollie; Solberg, Sarah; Schmitt, Ian; Hanson, David
    Water is increasingly being seen as a saleable commodity, despite its vital importance to life, and is in turn fueling an unsustainable industry. Our research describes the energy, economic, and environmental costs involved with bottled water. It is our goal to greatly reduce bottled water consumption at UMD. This goal is realistic because of the university?s vicinity to one of the largest freshwater sources in the world, Lake Superior. We conducted a blind water taste test to analyze current water bottle trends on campus, interviewed various representatives in areas relevant to the topic, and researched what other universities have done to decrease water bottle usage. Our conclusion is that water bottle usage is mostly a convenience issue, and we suggest methods to dispel this by encouraging sustainable water practices among incoming freshmen and increasing overall awareness throughout the university.
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    Gettin' Trashy
    (2009-05-14) Juetten, Autumn; Martin, Drew; Raiche, Bryanna
    The goal of our project was to conduct research about UMD?s waste management and encourage UMD students, staff, and faculty to use proper waste management procedures. By researching both the structural, or administrative, aspects of waste management and the campus community participation, we were able to grasp an idea of how effective our waste management is at UMD. By conducting interviews with Mindy Granley, UMD Sustainability Coordinator; Doug Greenwood, Principle Ground and Buildings Supervisor; and A.J. Matthews, Environmental Program Coordinator, we were able to gain a better understanding of the functional aspects of waste management. We also talked to a variety of students and staff to gauge an idea of how waste management on campus suits its population. We then took both the background research and applied anthropology that we did and created a documentary film that can serve as an educational tool.
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    The Recycling Program at the University of Minnesota Duluth: Analysis and Recommendation
    (2009-12-21) Wachendorf, Elyse
    The report enclosed focuses on the recycling program here on the UMD campus. The report gives the definition of recycling and the reasons why recycling is so important. The report then goes on to discuss the recycling program currently in place at UMD. There are details given about the different areas of the recycling program. The report also gives some examples of ideas that different colleges are doing in their recycling program. The 2009 UMD Waste Report is discussed in this report as well as given on page 17. The report concludes with my final recommendation about how to improve the recycling program on campus. I have recommended a very cost-effective way to help increase the amount of recycling done on campus. My recommendation is to place an equal number of recycling containers and trash cans throughout campus.
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    Investigation of Domestic Water Consumption in the Sports and Health Center at the University of Minnesota-Duluth
    (2010) Li, Jie; Schiff, Jessica; Brengman, Sarah
    The study aims to develop and conduct an investigation of the total domestic water consumption in the Sports and Health Center (SpHC) on the University of Minnesota-Duluth (UMD) campus. The investigation methods include collecting data from internal and external resources via interview, photography and internet-based research. Researchers will analyze data that reflects the current water consumption in SpHC and provide potential solutions to responsibly and sustainably consume water.
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    Sustainable Living at UMD
    (2011) Levendoski, Nate; University of Minnesota Duluth. Office of Sustainability
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    Edible Landscapes Case Study
    (2011) Bluhm, Brian
    Edible landscaping can be found throughout the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) campus. The Edible Garden Project helps to diversify the appearance of the UMD campus while also providing opportunities for collaboration across colleges and departments. In its third year, the project now boasts 19 different groups involved with 16 campus gardens. These gardens serve many purposes including encouraging healthy eating, providing opportunities for UMD students, faculty and staff to learn about local produce, and providing fresh vegetables to the UMD community. UMD Facilities Management made the Edible Garden Project possible through their commitment to sustainability and alternative landscapes.
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    University of Minnesota Duluth Energy Action Plan ‐ Version 2.0
    (University of Minnesota Duluth, 2011-06) University of Minnesota Duluth. Sustainability Committee
    The UMD Energy Action Plan (EAP) was created to help UMD meet commitments made under the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). The EAP outlines specific goals and actions that the campus will take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The EAP emphasizes energy efficiency and conservation in buildings first and foremost because the majority of campus emissions come from heating and powering buildings. Waste and transportation emissions are also addressed. Education and outreach will be essential in encouraging sustainable choices by the entire campus community, and to communicate campus progress and lessons learned to the surrounding community. Research will play a key role in EAP implementation, as the campus can develop and test new technologies and approaches.
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    Feasibility of Installing Solar Panels at UMD
    (2013-10-15) Davey, Sean; Ricks, Jacob; Kriel, Sarah; Powell, Megan
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    Office of Sustainability Annual Report (2013-2014)
    (University of Minnesota Duluth, 2014) University of Minnesota Duluth. Office of Sustainability
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    Office of Sustainability Strategic Plan (2014-2015)
    (University of Minnesota Duluth, 2014) University of Minnesota Duluth. Office of Sustainability
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    UMD Library Recommissioning (2014-08-06)
    (University of Minnesota Duluth, 2014-08-06) University of Minnesota Duluth. Office of Sustainability; Cansino, Chelsea
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    Don't Be a Turkey! Power Down Over Thanksgiving (2014-11-26)
    (University of Minnesota Duluth, 2014-11-26) University of Minnesota Duluth. Office of Sustainability; French, Bryan