How we engage where we live and beyond is important to our impacts on student learning, practical experience, and sustainability outcomes. While the majority of our programs take place on campus or locally, we also engage regionally and nationally for change.

UMACS Conference attendees in the Weitz Center
UMACS Sustainability Conference attendees in the Weitz Center

Climate Action in Northfield

The Sustainability Office supports advancing the Northfield’s Climate Action Plan through projects on campus and with the community that reduce emissions or support climate adaptation. We contribute to outreach, and and lead and participate in local, regional, and national sustainability and climate action workshops. We collaborate with many organizations on campus and in Northfield to support Climate Action Week, Northfield’s Earth Day, and Public forums and education on climate change solutions. More broadly, faculty and students contribute to local climate action through courses that include sustainability, climate, and environmental justice literacy, and academic civic engagement and through campus jobs, work study, and off campus study experiences that happen in many disciplines and offices.

Areas of collaboration that we are proud of include:

  • Zero Waste. The Sustainability Office, CCCE, facilities, Student Development, Reunion, Office of the Chaplain, MakerSpace and other campus partners contribute to Northfield’s Zero Waste efforts through hosting Zero Waste Events, supporting resale, mending, and making locally. CCCE’s annual Lighten Up sale reduces waste and generates funds and resources for community partners. Waste busters support students and custodial staff in teaming up to improve zero waste practices and create a dashboard.
  • Community Science. In collaboration with Clean River Partners and the City of Northfield, sustainability interns monitor Cannon River water quality engaging student clubs, classes, and public in sampling with us and in dialogue about water quality and climate resilience. Our hope is to build water and climate literacy, and to learn perspectives, developing a thriving riverfront. The student farm hosts research projects that inform food justice and vegetable grower sustainability practices in collaboration with campus and community organizations. The CCCE collaborates with Sharing Our Roots and the Arboretum supports biodiversity monitoring. In addition many faculty conduct ongoing research on behalf of local partners.
  • Campus and Local Food Systems The Sustainability Office collaborates with Bon Appétit on food choice and waste related interventions and to track and reduce food emissions. We are also home to the student farm program that grows and sells food and supports volunteer opportunities. We also seek to expand outreach, and collaboration with classes, campus offices, and local partners. The CCCE supports a variety of food and environmental justice volunteer programs, academic break, work study, and summer intern opportunities.
  • Transportation. Campus Services, Facilities, and Sustainability offices collaborate to develop solutions that reduce emissions and support access. Projects often collaborate with St. Olaf and local organizations to expand access to opportunities for students, or for our community to have greater access to social services.

Professional Memberships