BHSU Sustainability

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BHSU Sustainability

Black Hills State University has taken a leadership role in sustainability for our campus & community On Earth Day 2014, BHSU received a STARS Silver rating.

BHSU was the first South Dakota University to join the American College and University President's Climate Commitment, a consortium of 400 universities across the nation dedicated to address global warming by garnering institutional commitments to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions, and to accelerate the research and educational efforts of higher education to equip society to re-stabilize the ear

th’s climate. As part of our commitment in sustainability, BHSU has enrolled in The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS). STARS is a voluntary self-reporting system for colleges and universities to assess progress in meeting sustainability goals and sustainability leadership. BHSU is the first and only university in the state of South Dakota to achieve a STARS rating. STARS ratings are based on three main categories: Education and Research; Operation such as buildings, climate, dining services energy, grounds purchasing,transportation, waste, water; and Planning, Administration and Engagement. Our hope is to engage the entire campus community in this effort and lead the way to a sustainable future. Two BHSU buildings have earned LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, the Life Sciences Lab and the Student Union. The Student Union was the first state building to earn this standard. The Student Union is used as a model for demonstration of energy efficiency and an educational tool for BHSU students and others in the community. Some of these components include a garden roof, wind turbine, solar panels, and other energy efficiencies.

06/18/2026

This summer, a few staff members have been working towards a new and improved free store for everyone to enjoy!

Mark your calendars for August 24th for a grand reopening! 🗓️

06/11/2026

Need to update your denim collection? Try out this really cool upcycle project!

By taking an old pair of jeans, you can create your very own customized bag.
If you don't know how to sew, no need to worry! You can tie the bottom, and it has the same effect! (Similar to how to make a t-shirt bag)

06/03/2026

Happy Summertime!

There is no better time than now to practice sustainability with fun recyclable crafts! These plastic bottle planters are super easy for you to enjoy this summer!

Supplies:
- Scissors
- Paint/art supplies (optional)

Instructions:
Step 1: Cut a recycled plastic water bottle into the shape of your choice.
Step 2: Paint the plastic bottle however you wish
Step 3: Cut a few small holes into the bottom of your planter to allow for drainage and self watering capabilities
Step 4: Plant the seed of your choice and enjoy!

05/27/2026

📢📢 Calling all BHSU students - this is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on research experience with Dr. Trenton Ellis and the Spearfish Trails Coalition. Please see details below ⬇️

04/28/2026

The free store will be closing for the summer this Friday, May 1st!
Be sure to check out our inventory before the end of this week!

04/23/2026

Celebrating 10 years as a Tree Campus USA. Please join us for Arbor Day on April 29 at 2:00 PM at Ida Henton Park (near the Joy Center). Tree planting and pruning demonstration. Hope to see you there.

04/16/2026

⁉️Two days away ⁉️
We are so excited to see you all on Saturday April 18th from 11 am - 2 pm!
Come to the BHSU Campus Green to see the cool vendors, student organizations, and food trucks!

04/09/2026

The Earth Day Festival is one week away 🗓️
Join us on April 18th from 11am-2pm on Campus Green for all of the events below!

04/08/2026

Just a friendly reminder that the Walk, Clean, Scoop event is rescheduled for TODAY at 3:30 pm. Please join our Eco-Rep Liz on the Campus Green in front of the Student Union to pick up litter on the way to Leone's Creamery. Reward yourself with a scoop of Leone's ice cream after the trash pick up! Hope to see you all there!

Address

1200 University Street, Unit 9513
Spearfish, SD
57799

Telephone

+16056426298

Website

https://linktr.ee/BHSUsustainability

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