Facilities Management’s Landcare team is the primary snow removal service provider for the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, responsible for clearing nearly 100 miles of streets and walkways, and over 100 acres of parking surfaces. Landcare added anti-icing to the University’s winter maintenance program in 2006, which led to notable cost savings and reduced environmental impact. Landcare staff complete Smart Salting training through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and in all operations, the Landcare team works hard to balance the importance of public safety with thoughtful stewardship of natural and constructed resources on our beautiful campus.
So, how do they do it? Before a forecasted snowfall, Landcare sprays salt brine anti-icing agent on roads and sidewalks. The brine solution prevents ice layers from forming and bonding with the surface of the roads and sidewalks, making removal of accumulated snow easier and more efficient, and reducing the need for additional salt applications. The use of anti-icing solutions allows the University to cut salt and sand use by several hundred tons per year, thus saving thousands of dollars, improving air quality, decreasing silt build-up, and reducing harmful runoff to stormwater systems and receiving water bodies.
If you see white lines on roads or sidewalks on campus, you know that the surface has likely been pretreated by Landcare. As always, be sure to practice safe winter habits, Gophers!
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities' new Climate Action Plan (CAP) looks toward the future of sustainability on campus. The U of M has already cut its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 51%, No. 2 in the Big Ten for carbon cuts.
Learn more about how the U of M is creating a sustainable campus and future!
A new sustainability club on the Twin Cities campus, UMN Seedlings, collaborated with M Food Co. to put on a sustainable lunch event this past April. Using HowGood, a food sustainability database, UMN Seedlings were able to create an environmentally friendly meal plan aimed to raise environmental awareness in the campus community. Learn more
by Ella Chilson
University of Minnesota undergraduate and graduate student individuals and groups recently received Systemwide Sustainability Student Impact Awards during April’s Sustainability Symposium for their efforts leading the way toward a future in which people and the environment prosper together. Learn more
For the second year in a row, the University of Minnesota (U of M) participated in the Times Higher Ed Impact Rankings (THE Impact Rankings), which in 2023 ranked submissions for 1,591 institutions from 112 countries/regions. The U of M ranked eighth in the U.S. for the overall ranking and in the 101-200 range worldwide.
The U of M is a founding member of the Minnesota Cleantech Consortium, announced today at the Minnesota Cleantech Innovation Day. Learn more
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities has earned a STARS® Gold rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS®) measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education. Learn more
University of Minnesota Twin Cities Climate Action Plan will be presented as part of the MPact 2025 Sustainability update to the Board of Regents on Thursday, May 11th during the Board's Finance and Operations Committee meeting! Show your support for the Climate Action Plan! Learn more:
If you are anything like me, Molly Vagle, and love to buy a bunch of fresh produce and vegetables to have on hand in your home for meals or snacks- then you know the struggle of trying to use all your produce before it goes bad. Food waste is a big environmental issue that has implications on the planet and greenhouse gas emissions. Storing vegetables correctly is the first step in making sure the produce is good for use and does not end up in the trash! Learn more:
It’s just about move-out time! Need to move or downsize and don't know what to do with your stuff? Donate items to the Pack and Give Back program! Store your stuff with the Student Summer Storage program! Learn more:
Apply today for the Student Sustainability Communications Assistant position! Learn more