The University of Minnesota–Twin Cities is proud to be a host institution of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) 2020 virtual Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education (GCSHE), October 20-22, 2020, and invite all students, faculty, and staff on the Twin Cities campus to participate. The University's participation as a host institution is made possible through support from It All Adds Up and Sustainability Education at the Institute on the Environment.
The GCSHE is the largest stage to exchange effective models, policies, research, collaborations, and transformative actions that advance sustainability in higher education and surrounding communities. Humanity faces a series of intensifying and interrelated social and ecological crises. Solving these crises requires a holistic transformation: a shift from an extractive economy to a regenerative economy. With a theme of “Mobilizing for a Just Transition,” this year’s conference will focus on centering justice within this transformation and ensuring that it leaves no one behind.
Several University of Minnesota staff, faculty, and students will present at this year's conference.
REGISTER NOW (FREE!)
Registration is open to all students, faculty, and staff on the Twin Cities campus. Use the host institution code UMNEDU081920 and your University email address to register for free!
SAVE THE DATE
Join our discussion session ahead of the conference for trips and tricks to get the most out of your AASHE conference experience!
- Friday, October 16th (check back soon for further details)
- 1:00-2:00pm: Faculty and Staff
- 2:30-3:30pm: Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students
Participate in the post-conference discussion session to share and reflect on what you learned and how we can all do better moving forward:
- Friday, October 30th (check back soon for further details)
- 1:00-2:00pm: Faculty and Staff
- 2:30-3:30pm: Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students
Learn more about the AASHE Conference
View the conference schedule at-a-glance
Check back soon for more information on the AASHE conference schedule and pre- and post-session information!
U-Spatial has awarded prizes in nine categories, including a Grand Prize of $1000 to Andrew Hallberg's StoryMap, "Stop the Thud!".
A graduate student in Conservation Sciences, Andrew has created an interactive map tracking bird-building collisions at the UMN Twin Cities campus through "Stop the Thud!", a citizen science based recording system.
Check out Andrew's story map for more information and data and look for Stop the Thud! signs around campus to help continue this project!
Employee U Cards are now Employee Transit Passes (ETPs)! All Twin Cities benefits-eligible faculty and staff will receive unlimited access to all transit systems in the Twin Cities metro area!
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: