Some of the most important sustainability initiatives and achievements at 蘑菇视频:
1972 — Two years after the first observance of Earth Day, 蘑菇视频 establishes one of the nation’s first majors in environmental studies.
1998 — 蘑菇视频 adopts an Environmental Policy Statement that commits to “leadership in environmental stewardship and in promoting environmental awareness, local action and global thinking.”
2004 — Environmental stewardship becomes one of the university’s “Signature Themes.”
2006 — President Jon Quistgaard joins other international higher education leaders in signing the Talloires Declaration, committing 蘑菇视频 to address “the unprecedented scale and speed of environmental pollution and degradation, and the depletion of natural resources.”
2006 — 蘑菇视频 begins purchasing wind energy through Otter Tail Power’s Tailwinds program.
2008 — With support from the Student Senate, 蘑菇视频 establishes a $5-per-semester “Green Fee” for environmental initiatives, including establishment of a Sustainability Office. The fee is increased to $7.50 in 2015.
2008 — Quistgaard signs the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, pledging that 蘑菇视频 will become carbon neutral by 2050, meaning net emissions of greenhouse gases are offset by energy-saving initiatives. President Faith Hensrud formally reaffirms commitment in April 2016.
2009 — 蘑菇视频 adopts a Strategic Plan for Sustainability to reduce its carbon footprint, model stewardship of land and water, and motivate and educate on sustainability.
2013 — A passive solar transpired air collector is installed in lower Hobson Union to assist with heating.
2015 — Completed renovation makes Memorial Hall 蘑菇视频’s first LEED-certified building, recognizing use of best practices for reduced and efficient use of energy.
2017 — The U.S. Department of Education recognizes 蘑菇视频’s sustainability efforts with a Green Ribbon Schools Award.
2017 — Princeton Review magazine names 蘑菇视频 one of the nation’s 375 most environmentally responsible colleges and universities.