Sustainability at MSUM
Here at Minnesota State University Moorhead, students, faculty and staff collaborate to help make campus green and serve as Moorhead community leaders in sustainable innovation and energy reduction.
Sustainable Action Commitment
On Earth Day 2021, MSUM enacted a Sustainable Action Commitment. As a result, the campus will implement a comprehensive carbon neutrality plan as soon as practically possible and work towards pollution reduction.
- State Certifications: Since 2014 , all newly constructed buildings on MSUM’s campus meet or exceed Minnesota’s B3 guidelines, which are equivalent to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certifications.
- Race to Zero Waste: In its first year participating in the national Campus Race to Zero Waste challenge, MSUM diverted 25,650 pounds of recyclable materials from local landfills and the environment.
- Reverse Osmosis Integration: MSUM implemented reverse osmosis (RO) treated water at its heating plant in March 2022. The RO water reduces fuel and chemical usage as well as limiting the amount of water needed to power its boilers. The project cost approximately $11,700 to complete, with a $6,075 rebate from Xcel energy offsetting much of the cost.
- Solar Array Investment: During the 2016-2017 academic year, MSUM student senate voted to fund a full solar array (72 32kW panels) installed in Dilworth. MSUM receives an annual $2,400 credit through 2036 for its participation.
- Removable Steam Insulating Blankets: MSUM invested in in removable steam insulating blankets on steam and condensate piping in the Heating Plant and main steam tunnel to allow for easy servicing maintenance. This upgrade is funded in part by a $30,000 rebate from Xcel Energy and various grants. The insulation will also result in substantial fuel savings as it makes the system more efficient.
MSUM offers several sustainability and environmental studies related majors, minors and certificates, including: Sustainability, Environmental Geology, Chemistry and Physics.