Our Mission
In 2012, MSU students saw a need for sustainability advocacy on campus and set the groundwork for the University Sustainability Office. Since then, our office has strived to be the voice for progress and stewardship—for our land grant university, for our students, and for the betterment of our community. We work with students, employees, and our community to develop, coordinate, and promote campus sustainability. Our office supports students in pushing our university to excel.
MSU's Sustainability Goals
The 2021 MSU Sustainability Framework sets three long-term targets for the Bozeman campus.
STARS Platinum by 2035
Earn the highest rating in the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS).
Zero Waste by 2035
Reach the internationally recognized zero-waste standard of a 90% waste diversion rate.
Carbon Neutral by 2040
Reduce MSU's greenhouse gas emissions to achieve carbon neutrality, guided by the best available climate science.
How Our Office Works Toward These Goals
Steward
Steward use of student and the University's resources, ensuring these funds contribute effectively to campus sustainability efforts and engage students, faculty and staff in a meaningful way.
Provide
Provide employment, volunteer, and internship opportunities to students who wish to contribute to sustainability efforts at MSU.
Build
Build programs that engage the campus in dialogue and action.
Link
Link students, faculty and staff to information, campus resources, and decision-makers with regard to campus sustainability.
Leverage
Leverage student activism by building partnerships with MSU administration and departments to provide program continuity year to year.
Advocate
Advocate for increased institutional commitment to sustainable policies and practices.
Quick Facts
~1,000 LED fixtures
MSU has replaced approximately 1,000 outdoor lights with highly efficient LED fixtures, saving approximately $100,000 per year.
26 million gallons
Water savings projects have reduced campus water use by approximately 26 million gallons per year, saving over $180,000 each year.
40% less energy
HVAC renovations in Leon Johnson, Wilson, and Tietz halls cut energy use by 40%, saving roughly $130,000 annually.
1 million pounds of CO₂
The Romney Oval geothermal field reduces MSU's carbon emissions by one million pounds per year and saves $130,000 on energy bills annually.
22+ miles of piping
MSU's three geothermal fields, under Jabs, Norm Asbjornson, and Romney halls, use more than 22 miles of piping.
First in Montana
American Indian Hall is the first building in Montana to achieve LEED Platinum Version 4.1.
96% diverted
96% of construction waste from Norm Asbjornson Hall was diverted from landfills.
12 gallons a day
New faucets and showerheads in Roskie, North, and South Hedges save an average of 12 gallons per person per day.
80 families
Towne's Harvest Garden, MSU's five-acre student farm, provides food for 80 families through its CSA program.
See all of MSU's LEED certified buildings
Upcoming Events
- Tuesday, Nov. 10, 8–9 a.m. – Corporate Accountability for PFAS Chemicals (online webinar)
- Thursday, Nov. 19, 3:30–4:30 p.m. – CATalyst Seminar with Dr. Laura Albareda, Jabs Hall 302b
- Monday, Nov. 30, 2–3 p.m. – CATalyst Seminar: Portfolio Theory and Wetlands, Jabs Hall 207 or Zoom
- Nov. 30–Dec. 4 – Climate Week at MSU
Hosting a sustainability event? Tag it with "Sustainability" in the MSU Calendar so we can share it.
View the MSU CalendarCommunication & Events
Areas of Focus
Sustainability Framework
The 2021 MSU Sustainability Framework features long-term targets, objectives, and an implementation strategy.
Annual Sustainability Summit
Learn about MSU's progress toward its sustainability and carbon neutrality goals.
Sustainable Transportation
How MSU supports and encourages sustainable transportation options for the Gallatin community.
Programs & Projects
MSU puts sustainability principles to work in these programs and projects.
Sustainability in Academics
A description of the sustainability programs, majors, and classes available at MSU.
Who We Are
Learn about our mission and the employees who make the University Sustainability Office what it is today.
Getting Engaged
Here you can find sustainability opportunities on campus and in the surrounding community.
Communication & Events
Sustainability news, recognitions, and events happening on campus.
Partners
Learn about the amazing sustainability partners with whom MSU works.
Donations
Ensuring that sustainability is possible in all financial weather.
Get Involved
Whether you want to guide campus policy, volunteer, or join a student club, there's a place for you in sustainability at MSU. Let the University Sustainability Office know what you're interested in so we can best support you.