Environmental stewardship is an important part of Bemidji State University’s history, identity, and core mission for over five decades.
What began in the late 60’s as a research endeavor to address local environmental issues has blossomed over many years into a robust academic, institutional and societal commitment to sustainability. Here are some of the highlights of Bemidji State University’s environmental actions:
1969 – Center for Environmental Studies Established to perform research
1972 – Environmental Studies Bachelors of Science and Graduate Program created
1992 – Environmental Task Force Created
1996 – Environmental Advisory Committee
1998 – Environmental Policy Statement Established
2004 – Environmental Stewardship Signature Theme Created
2005 – Sustainable Campus Endowment Fund Created
2006 – Talloires Declaration Signed & Wind Energy Purchased to power the Student Union
2008 – $5/Semester Green Fee Established & Sustainability Office Instated, ACUPCC signed
2009 – Strategic Plan for Sustainability (2008 – 2013)
2010 – Consultants engaged with to conduct GHG Inventory & Climate Action Plan (CAP)
2011 – Inventory and CAP Completed & Accepted
2012 – Sustainable Landscape Plan Created
2013 – Solar Transpired Air Collector installed; Biomass Feasibility Study Completed
2014 – Sustainable Campus Research & Community Engagement Award Created
2015 – Climate Action Progress Report Completed, Sustainability Endowment 1st Award Given, Green Fee increased to $7.50/semester
2016 – Sustainability Office Progress Report Completed
2017 – Carbon Commitment Reaffirmed, BSU Recognized as a Green Ribbon School, Gwayakochigewin Collaborative started
2018 – Climate Commitment Signed
2019 – BSU Recognized as a Bicycle Friendly University
“We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to see it with love & respect.”
~ Aldo Leopold