University of Minnesota ranks among global sustainability leaders, reports progress across the university

What and when: University of Minnesota Board of Regents Meeting (Thursday, April 9, beginning at 9:15 a.m. and Friday, April 10, beginning at 8:15 a.m.)

Where: McNamara Alumni Center, sixth floor, 200 Oak St. S.E., Minneapolis. A livestream of the meeting is available at youtube.com/UMNRegents.

Sustainability is central to the University of Minnesota’s land‑grant mission, guiding how the University plans its campuses, manages resources, supports student learning and serves communities across Minnesota. That commitment is reflected in top sustainability rankings, including placing in the top 10% worldwide in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings, and in University‑wide actions delivering measurable benefits for Minnesota and beyond.

The Board of Regents Finance & Operations Committee will review the annual report on the University’s sustainability progress at its April 9 meeting, as required under the Board of Regents Policy: Sustainability and Energy Efficiency. The report highlights significant gains across campus operations, infrastructure, transportation and waste reduction, contributing to the efforts to accelerate campus climate action and resilience plans outlined in Elevate Extraordinary 2030, the University’s strategic roadmap.

“Across our five campuses, the University’s sustainability progress reflects a clear shift from planning to impact,” said Shane Stennes, University of Minnesota chief sustainability officer. “Through Elevate Extraordinary 2030, sustainability is embedded into how we design buildings, manage energy, move people, reduce waste and educate future leaders. The achievements shared with the Board demonstrate how the University is leading by example — combining innovation, accountability and stewardship to serve Minnesota today while preparing for the future.”

Recent sustainability highlights include:

• National leadership: Ranked No. 1 in the U.S. for clean water and No. 3 for climate action in the 2025 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings, placing the University in the top 10% globally.
• University-wide progress: Four of five campuses have earned a Gold rating through the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), with sustainability advancing across all five campuses through locally driven Climate Action Plans.
• Operational impact: Major outcomes include the University’s first zero‑waste events at Huntington Bank Stadium and the launch of hybrid electric buses expected to reduce emissions by up to 90%.

“The University of Minnesota is sharpening its focus on sustainability, climate resilience, agriculture and stewardship of our natural resources as priorities that will define our future through Elevate Extraordinary 2030,” said University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham. “These areas of focus build on our longstanding strengths as a land‑grant institution — our research excellence and deep connections to communities across Minnesota. We are translating those strengths into action today, while laying the foundation for bold, long‑term solutions that will sustain and strengthen our mission and benefit our state, our nation and the world.”

Also in April, the Board is expected to:

• Review the University’s new enrollment plan with Executive Vice President and Provost Gretchen Ritter and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Ryan Schmiesing.
• Receive the annual workforce and human resources strategy report from Vice President for Human Resources Ken Horstman.
• Discuss plans to support the growth of Minnesota’s nursing workforce with School of Nursing Dean Connie White Delaney.
• Hear an update on new and existing initiatives that serve Native American Nations and learners from Senior Advisor to the President for Native American Affairs Karen Diver. 
• Explore a new comprehensive Online Learning Hub, an Elevate Extraordinary 2030 initiative designed to increase access, improve flexibility and support AI-driven, high-quality digital education for all students. 

All in-person meeting attendees at the McNamara Alumni Center are required to go through security screening. Visitors are encouraged to allow ample time for the screening process. A livestream of the meeting and recordings of previous meetings are available at youtube.com/UMNRegents.

The Board’s Virtual Forum accepts audio, video and written input, which is shared directly with Regents and included in the Board’s public materials. The public is encouraged to visit the Virtual Forum to submit their comments. 

For more information, including future meeting times, visit regents.umn.edu.