City of Mankato achieves Step Two as a GreenStep City (05.16.2013)
The city of Mankato has recently been recognized by the GreenStep Cities program as a Step Two GreenStep City. To achieve this, the city implemented best practices that help achieve sustainability goals and cost savings and reduce energy use by:
continuing to offer low and in-grant programs designed to improve efficiency for residents and property owners.
Mankato was the first southern and outstate city in Minnesota to commit to the GreenStep Cities program, an effort of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
One-Time Non-Base Investment Fund Projects (March 2012)
Big Ideas Campaign Kickoff (October 27, 2011)
- CSU Ballroom
- October 27, 2011
- 10am
- mnsu.edu/bigideascampaign
- Video
- Minnesota State Mankato announces its biggest campaign
- Big Ideas Campaign kicks off with $75 million goal
- Green Highlights
- One Big Ideas Campaign opportunity is a new College of Business Global Solutions Center. The center, to be housed in a new wing of Morris Hall, will provide space for cross-disciplinary research teams of faculty, staff and students who will examine solutions to global problems such as water quality, energy consumption and health care.
- The campaign also seeks to create a Purple-and-Gold-Into-Green Fund that will encourage research into new sustainable living products and procedures.
- Environmental Humanities
- CSET
- Water Management and Conservation, Passive and Active Water Filtration
- Renewable Energy, Transportation and Green Construction
- Low VOC Paints and Sealants
- The paints and sealants in this renovation contain low levels of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). VOCs released into the air can cause health issues including breathing problems, headache, eye, nose, and throat irritation, and nausea. Some VOCs have also been linked to cancer and damage to the kidney, liver, and central nervous system.
- Reuse of Exisiting Woods and Hardware
- The existing wood from the ballroom is from a nearly extinct species of Minnesotan Fir tree. This wood is being repurposed in the ceiling, preserving this wood for another generation. Additionally the parquet floor is being refinished and preserved, along with other existing hardware.
- LED Lighting
- LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are a very efficient and durable lighting option. LEDs use less than one quarter of the energy of incandescent lights and last up to 50,000 hours before being replaced. They also produce very little heat which helps to significantly lower cooling costs.
- Reduced HVAC Loads
- Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning requires a substantial amount of energy to create a comfortable environment. Through reducing loads placed on this system by lowering the amount of heat generated and efficiently placing ducts and vents, the entire system can be reduced in size, saving money, energy, and creating a healthier, more comfortable environment overall.
MSU Reporter - the Green Issue (04.21.2011) 8MB (PDF)
Tapped (film) - April 14, 2011, 2 - 4pm Ostrander Auditorium
Bike donations sought
- A bike share program to assist international students who have no means of transportation has been organized by the Friendship Family Program Advisory Committee, and the committee is seeking donated bicycles.
- The program will loan bicycles to Friendship Family student members. Usable bikes can be donated by contacting Cita Maignes (Kearney International Center) at cita.maignes@mnsu.edu or (507) 389-1281. A Bike Share Program Application is at www.mnsu.edu/international/forms.html.
October 4, 2010 - Connect by Hertz Car Rental On Campus.
- Available to students age 18+
- No Gas or Insurance Charges - Its all Included!
- Rent by the hour or by the day starting at $8/hr
- connectbyhertz.com
September 23, 2010 - Ribbon Cutting Center of Renewable Energy (CORE) Research Lab.
- The $1.8-million, 6,300-square-foot Center of Renewable Energy has been under construction since November 2009 on the northwest corner of the campus, near Wiecking Center.
- Approximately 4,800 square feet of the center will be used by the Minnesota Center for Automotive Research, as an emissions laboratory for testing on- and off-road vehicles powered by a variety of fuels and hybrid systems.
- Another 1,500 square feet is for International Renewable Energy Technology Institute (IRETI) testing of combustible solid fuel and biogas building heating units.
- Mankato Free Press Story
- KEYC Story
