Sustainability in action at Mall of America®

Mall of America®, a member of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, is one of the most iconic destinations in the state. With over 32 million annual visitors and nearly $2 billion in economic impact in Minnesota each year, its influence reaches far beyond retail.  

Sustainability is a top priority from the large team who helps operate the facility. From waste and water to energy and tenant engagement, staff continuously audit performance and identify opportunities for improvement. 

A feature unique to Mall of America is that it does not have a central heating system. Instead, the building is heated through a combination of passive solar heat from skylights and the collective body heat of visitors. This design significantly reduces energy use.

Maggie Boedigheimer, Strategic Project Coordinator and Executive Assistant at Mall of America, recently shared insight into the center’s sustainability approach and the unique challenges and opportunities of greening such a large space. One of her roles involves bringing in new business, and sustainability is a key consideration in her process. She actively seeks out businesses that offer more environmentally conscious options for consumers.

Recent successful examples include Rent the Runway, a designer clothing rental business that held two sample sales, and Trashie, a platform that rewards recycling, which hosted a Recycling Lounge and distributed Take Back Bags during Earth Month. Additionally, Totally Rad Vintage Fest came to MOA and drew visitors interested in unique vintage fashion, a growing trend in sustainable shopping. 

Coordinating sustainability initiatives across hundreds of stores and 5.6 million square feet presents unique operational challenges. The operations team manages everything from waste diversion to integrated pest management - such as using ladybugs to control aphids among the 30,000 live plants that help purify indoor air. Mall of America currently recycles approximately 60% of its waste, with the operations team actively working to increase that number. One persistent challenge is contamination, which is common in public spaces with high foot traffic. Education, both for tenants and visitors, remains a central part of the Mall’s strategy. 

Staff from the corporate social responsibility team and the operations team at MOA meet regularly to share ideas and evaluate progress. The team is also exploring how other large venues are approaching their sustainability goals. Accuracy in reporting and avoiding greenwashing is a major priority since they want both the public and their employees to trust that sustainability goals are being pursued in earnest. 

Boedigheimer encourages other large venues to engage with peer organizations and industry groups to share best practices and stay informed. For Mall of America, collaboration is a central part of building a more sustainable business.