Campus Sustainability

Environmental responsibility and sustainability are part of the fabric of St. Olaf College.

Long before sustainability became trendy across the nation's campuses, members of the St. Olaf community were attending to the college's natural surroundings and practicing thoughtful environmental stewardship while advocating greater social and political awareness.

From the curriculum to the preservation of St. Olaf's natural lands, from advanced research to energy conservation and local purchasing of food products, the college has been actively engaged in seeking out solutions and advancing the well being of the planet.

Here are just some of the many ways St. Olaf, as a college and as a community of individuals, is working toward environmental sustainability.

  • Curbing Carbon Emissions and Enhancing Energy Conservation
    St. Olaf has worked to achieve a significant reduction in both per capita and total annual carbon emissions and has been able to achieve a very low carbon-per-student rate of seven metric tons. More ...

  • Restoring St. Olaf College’s Natural Lands
    For several decades, St. Olaf has been involved in restoring natural habitats on neighboring lands owned by the college. More ...

  • Recycling and Composting
    Nearly 175 tons of food waste is composted annually and 100 percent of the compost that is generated is used on college-owned land, including in the landscaping and maintenance of the grounds. More ...

  • Local and Sustainable Food Sources
    Bon Appétit, the St. Olaf food service provider, purchases year-round from 15 local producers whose products range from produce to beef, lamb, pork, and dairy. STOGROW, the student-run organic farm, provides food products directly to Bon Appétit. More ...

  • New Buildings and Renovations
    Regents Hall of Natural and Mathematical Sciences was designed and constructed to be St. Olaf College's first LEED Platinum facility. Major new construction and renovations will be registered with the U.S. Green Building Council and have Gold certification as their goal. More ...

  • Education and Research
    In addition to a highly popular environmental studies major, where students may pursue tracks in natural science, social science, and the arts and humanities, faculty and students with St. Olaf College's Center for Geophysical Studies of Ice and Climate are involved in important research on climate change in Antarctica, Alaska, and the Arctic. More ...

  • Community Engagement
    Some 15 environmentally focused student organizations and clubs operate under the umbrella of the St. Olaf Environmental Coalition, offering educational programming, building awareness on campus, and promoting public policy advocacy. More ...