Initiative on Environment and Renewable Energy
Perhaps the most critical global challenge for the 21st Century is maintaining a healthy, productive environment that will continue to support life in the face of an increasing world population, energy shortages, shrinking freshwater supplies, destruction of natural habitats, and declining genetic diversity. Integrating all we know—from scientific, economic, social, and spiritual perspectives-- is key to understanding and resolving these issues.
The initiative began with three major inter-related projects:
- The first built on the recommendations of the Commission on Environmental Science and Policy, appointed by then Provost Robert Bruininks, to create an integrated and transparent approach to the environment at the University of Minnesota.
- The second focused research and technology transfer on renewable energy with funding from Xcel Energy under a mandate from the legislature through the Prairie Island Bill (IREE).
- The third began the integration of sustainable practices and energy conservation across the full range of University activities under the leadership of University Services.