5.17 Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

Board Policies
Chapter 5 - Administration

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Part 1. Policy Statement
Minnesota State is committed to principles of environmental sustainability in the operation of college and university campuses and their academic and student support programs. The Board of Trustees promotes reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, energy and water conservation and efficiency, reduction of solid waste, alternative transportation options, sustainable food and dining practices, conservation and protection of the natural environment, and pollution prevention and mitigation, striving to meet and—where practicable—exceed obligations under law and executive orders.

Part 2. Responsibilities
The chancellor, in concert with college and university presidents, shall develop procedures and initiatives that reflect long-term environmental stewardship of the campuses and surrounding environment. The chancellor shall develop facilities planning guidelines, design and construction standards, and energy conservation, and procurement procedures as well as academic, service learning and student support programs that strive to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and provide long-term stewardship of campus and community resources.

College and university presidents shall develop and implement campus-based initiatives in support of these practices, and identify and report accomplishments consistent with Part 3.

Part 3. Accountability
Colleges, universities, and the system office shall appoint a staff member for sustainability issues and facilitate development and implementation of campus-based initiatives. The staff member shall maintain records regarding recycling, energy and water consumption and conservation, and pollution prevention efforts and shall monitor and communicate programs, initiatives and curriculum addressing sustainability. The system office and each college and university shall report progress and accomplishments periodically to the Board.

Related Documents:

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency website

To view any of the following related statutes, go to the Revisor's Office website. You can conduct a search from this site by typing in the statute number.

  • Minnesota Statute 115A, Waste Management Act
  • Minnesota Statute 16B.121, Purchase of Recycled, Repairable, & Durable Materials
  • Minnesota Statute 115D, Pollution Prevention
  • Minnesota Statute 116D, Environmental Policy
  • Minnesota Statute 216B.241, Energy Conservation Improvement
  • Minnesota Statute 216H.02, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Control

Policy History:

Date of Adoption: 06/21/00
Date of Implementation: 06/21/00
Date of Last Review: 06/17/20

Date & Subject of Amendments:

06/17/20 - Retitled from “Sustainability, Resources Conservation and Recovery, and Environmentally Responsible Practices” to “Commitment to Environmental Sustainability.” Added topic areas related to sustainability and expands details for accountability.

Click here for additional 5.17 HISTORY

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