University of Minnesota’s Northrop achieves LEED O+M gold certification for sustainability efforts

The University of Minnesota has achieved a major sustainability milestone: Northrop, one of the university’s most iconic and historic buildings, is now Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) v4.1 Operations & Maintenance (O+M) Gold certified through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It is the first University facility to achieve LEED Gold under this rigorous standard for existing buildings. 

“As Northrop approaches its centennial in 2029, earning LEED O+M Gold reflects our commitment to honoring a historic legacy while building for the future,” said Kari Schloner, Northrop executive director. “Achieving this level of sustainability in a landmark performing arts venue demonstrates how we are embedding long‑term accountability into our operations while contributing to the University’s progress in advancing meaningful, collaborative climate solutions.”

LEED O+M Gold certification recognizes excellence in how buildings are operated and maintained over time, evaluating performance across energy efficiency, water use, waste reduction, indoor environmental quality, sustainable purchasing and more. Earning this designation reflects Northrop’s strong environmental, social and governance practices, and aligns with the University’s commitment to responsible resource stewardship outlined in Elevate Extraordinary 2030, the University’s strategic roadmap.

This Northrop milestone has been years in the making. The LEED certification process began in 2024, supported by collaboration among Northrop administration, the University of Minnesota’s Office of Sustainability, Facilities Management, Capital Planning and Project Management, and Health Safety and Risk Management, along with partners Chartwells, HGA Architects and Northstar Sustainability. As a LEED-certified building, operational achievements at Northrop include increased energy efficiency through optimized building systems and LED lighting, improved air quality, reduced water consumption with low-flow plumbing fixtures, expanded recycling and composting, and the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products. Northrop currently diverts over 58% of waste through organics and waste recycling programs, and 99% of all cleaning products and materials by cost meet LEED green cleaning standards.

Northrop’s path to LEED O+M certification was shaped by its extensive 2014 renovation during which project teams adhered to high energy efficiency and B3 benchmarking standards. Ongoing investments in building controls and current energy performance and maintenance practices build upon the 2014 renovation to enable Northrop’s flexible and energy efficient footprint. These early and ongoing sustainability measures laid critical groundwork for LEED certification.

Originally opened in 1929, Northrop is a state historic landmark on the Twin Cities campus. Today, it serves as a performing arts, commencement and lecture venue and houses the University of Minnesota’s Institute for Advanced Study, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Office of Enrollment Management and the College of Design Kusske Design Initiative. 

Beyond Northrop, the University of Minnesota is advancing sustainability across its five campuses, earning top‑tier global sustainability recognition. Huntington Bank Stadium was the nation’s first LEED-certified college football stadium when it opened in 2009. University initiatives — including zero‑waste events, expanded solar power, increased EV infrastructure and hybrid electric buses projected to reduce bus emissions by up to 90% — demonstrate measurable progress toward a long‑term sustainable future. 

For more information about Northrop, visit northrop.umn.edu. To learn more about sustainability at the University of Minnesota, visit sustainable.umn.edu.