UMN Energy Club strives to provide our members with a vision for their own impacts and careers in sustainability, alternative energy, and advocacy. In addition to volunteering, we also host tours each year of sustainable facilities and renewable energy installations.
If you are interested in joining us for any of the following tours this semester, please fill out this when2meetform so we can accommodate as many members as possible!
NOTE: To protect the health and safety of our members as best possible, we will follow best practices set out by the CDC and WHO throughout the fall semester on all in-person tours, visits, and events. Email us with any questions.
Main Energy Plant (Fall 2020)
For members who are on campus this semester, we will be hosting a tour of the Twin Cities campus's Main Energy Plant (formerly the Combined Heat and Power Plant). This plant produces the majority of electricity and steam heating for the campus and is an example of a massive undertaking for a sustainable cause. Check back on the tour date and time soon!
UMN-TC Stormwater Management System (Fall 2020)
Though hidden throughout the architecture and design of the Twin Cities campus, the stormwater management system plays a critical role in the flow of water throughout our campus and the City of Minneapolis. With lots of rainfall and large volumes of snowmelt in the springtime, where does all of that water go? How do we use stormwater in sustainable ways? Come on this outdoor tour to learn more. Check back on the tour date and time soon!
Native American Medicine Garden (Fall 2020)
Food sustainability and food sovereignty (the ability to have access to food by growing it yourself) are important aspects of sustainability and environmental justice, yet so many people in the United States live in food deserts without consistent (or sometimes any) access to fresh produce. In addition, Indigenous (Native American) peoples in the United States suffer because of the lack of access to healthy food. Learn about food justice and improving our relationship with food and land on this tour, led by Lakota educator and master gardener Cânté Sütá Francis Bettelyoun. Check back on the tour date and time soon!
Como Recycling Plant (Spring 2021)
NOTE: In the interest of public safety, this tour will most likely be schedule for the Spring 2021 semester as public transportation via the Route 3 bus is the most convenient form of transportation to the facility. Please continue to follow our webpage for updates.
Where does the waste we put into recycling bins on our campus go? Find out about how recyclable waste is sorted and managed during this tour of the UMN Recycling Center on Como Ave. Check back on the tour date and time in Spring 2021!