New campus sustainability framework unveiled at Â鶹ÊÓƵ Climate Week event
The second annualÌý, which took place May 30–April 3, brought together leaders across the state to explore solutions, partnerships and bold ideas shaping the future of climate action and innovation. On April 1, Â鶹ÊÓƵ hosted a full day of panels, presentations and discussions at the Limelight Hotel Boulder in partnership with event organizer Colorado Cleantech Industries Association.Ìý
A guiding framework for Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s sustainability future
Chancellor Justin Schwartz opened the day by introducing Â鶹ÊÓƵ’sÌýnew sustainability strategic framework, an ambitious roadmap that connects education, research, operations and partnerships into a unified approach to sustainability leadership.Ìý
During his remarks, the chancellor noted, “Education, research, operations and partnerships are interconnected and reinforcing. That’s the vision Â鶹ÊÓƵ is preparing to achieve. It is ambitious but grounded in the work already underway and in the people who make it possible.â€
Both the event and the strategic framework build on Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s ongoing momentum in the sustainability space and the university's efforts to expand its sustainability work in ways that benefit the campus community, Boulder and Colorado.Ìý
Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock said, “This event reflects Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s deep commitment to advancing climate and sustainability solutions through collaboration. We were joined on the stage by top private, public and nonprofit leaders from across the state on the most pressing issues, including artificial intelligence, wildfire, climate-related economic impacts, community rights, climate tech innovation and more. We were grateful to be joined by hundreds of audience members, including Boulder residents, state and local officials, investors, students, faculty and the broader Colorado community.â€Ìý
Moving the needle with conversation and partnership
The day featured a series of panels and discussions that explored the intersection of technology, policy and investment in climate solutions.
A standout moment was the session with Seth Levine, partner and co-founder of Foundry, who offered insights into how evolving models of capitalism are shaping climate innovation.
The day included separate policy discussions with Democratic candidates Attorney General Phil Weiser and Sen. Michael Bennet on their respective climate-related visions for the state going forward. Gov. Jared Polis and Congressman Joe Neguse closed out the day by highlighting the critical role of public leadership in accelerating climate action.
The day at the Limelight
The event concluded with a lively networking reception, where students, researchers, policymakers and industry leaders connected and continued conversations sparked throughout the day.
A statewide effort, a shared future
Now in its second year, Colorado Climate Week reflects the state’s growing reputation as a hub for climate innovation and partnership. Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s leadership, and its newly launched sustainability framework, positions the university at the center of this momentum.
Through continued collaboration across disciplines and sectors, the discussions shared on April 1 signals not just talk but a commitment to action.
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