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Located outside the BTU Lab

The Eco Materials Library at Â鶹ÊÓƵ is a physical and digital resource for exploring sustainable and emerging materials through samples, recipes, process documentation, and selected tools. Hosted at the ATLAS Institute as a Â鶹ÊÓƵ resource, it supports hands-on learning, teaching, and research around biomaterials and other emerging materials.Ìý

Its first phase has been developed in close relation to the BTU makerspace, with particular attention to materials and sample formats that can be engaged through laser cutting, woodshop-based prototyping, and growing interests in 3D printing. The library is guided by an open-source ethos of shared documentation, reuse, and contribution, and is intended to grow as students, faculty, researchers, and labs across Â鶹ÊÓƵ expand their work with sustainable materials.Ìý

This initiative was supported by the CU Environmental Center Sustainable CU Fund.Ìý

MissionÌý

The library supports material literacy, experimentation, and sustainability learning through direct engagement with material samples and the processes behind them. By connecting materials with recipes, documentation, and fabrication considerations, it helps students, teaching faculty, and researchers not only inspect materials, but also understand how they are made, how they behave, and how they may be worked with in practice. This aligns with the role of eco material libraries as pedagogical material infrastructures that link samples, documentation, making, comparison, and reflection.Ìý

Teaching, Research, and AccessÌý

The Eco Materials Library is intended for students, teaching faculty, and researchers at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. In addition to material samples and documentation, it includes tools and equipment that can support course integration, classroom use, and research activity.Ìý

In this initial phase, student access outside of coursework is expected to take place through a faculty mentor or other supervised academic context, helping ensure that engagement with the library remains supported as the initiative develops.Ìý

VisionÌý

The library is envisioned as a growing pedagogical and research resource for sustainable material practices at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. While its current focus reflects the teaching and fabrication environment around ATLAS and the BTU makerspace, it is intended to expand over time in response to evolving interests, methods, and areas of research across campus.Ìý

As part of a broader Eco Materials Library collective, the library also contributes to a wider network of initiatives that share an ethos of openness, ecological responsibility, and hands-on learning.Ìý

Contribute to the LibraryÌý

The Eco Materials Library is intended to grow through teaching, research, and shared material inquiry. Faculty, researchers, and collaborators interested in contributing samples, recipes, documentation, or related ideas are encouraged to get in touch.Ìý

For contributions or questions about the library’s development and broader vision, please contact the Initiative Lead.Ìý

Initiative Team and StewardshipÌý

Eldy S. Lazaro Vasquez
Initiative LeadÌý
Contact eldylazaro@colorado.edu for questions about the library’s development, research background, and vision.Ìý

Zack WeaverÌý
Director, BTU LabÌý
Contact for questions about the library’s maintenance, management, and ongoing stewardship.Ìý