Sustainability

New campus sustainability framework unveiled at �鶹��Ƶ Climate Week event

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:50:45 +0000

New campus sustainability framework unveiled at �鶹��Ƶ Climate Week event Megan M Rogers Fri, 04/10/2026 - 14:50

The second annual Colorado Climate Week, 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, �鶹��Ƶ hosted a full day of panels, presentations and discussions at the Limelight Hotel Boulder in partnership with event organizer Colorado Cleantech Industries Association.

A guiding framework for �鶹��Ƶ’s sustainability future

Chancellor Justin Schwartz opened the day by introducing �鶹��Ƶ’s new sustainability strategic framework, an ambitious roadmap that connects education, research, operations and partnerships into a unified approach to sustainability leadership.

During his remarks, the chancellor noted, “Education, research, operations and partnerships are interconnected and reinforcing. That’s the vision �鶹��Ƶ is preparing to achieve. It is ambitious but grounded in the work already underway and in the people who make it possible.”

Both the event and the strategic framework build on �鶹��Ƶ’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.

Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock said, “This event reflects �鶹��Ƶ’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.”

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. �鶹��Ƶ’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.

Colorado Climate Week brought together leaders across the state to explore solutions, partnerships and bold ideas shaping the future of climate action and innovation. �鶹��Ƶ hosted a full day of panels, presentations and discussions at the Limelight Hotel Boulder.

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Sustainability and social change from CU's founding to today

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:59:00 +0000

Sustainability and social change from CU's founding to today Megan M Rogers Thu, 04/09/2026 - 11:59

Check out highlights of environmental champions and moments of social change across 150 years. Explore early environmental programs, campus sustainability milestones, student activism and the many different ways leadership has taken shape on campus and beyond.

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�鶹��Ƶ convening university leaders to share sustainability, facilities strategies

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:28:01 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ convening university leaders to share sustainability, facilities strategies Megan M Rogers Wed, 04/08/2026 - 14:28

�鶹��Ƶ will host senior facilities and infrastructure leaders from universities across the United States and Canada April 9–10 for the West Region Higher Education Facilities Forum, a peer network focused on advancing campus infrastructure, capital planning and sustainability. The annual gathering will bring higher education facilities leaders together to exchange best practices, lessons learned and explore practical solutions.

As the 2026 host, �鶹��Ƶ will share updates on campus initiatives, including space optimization, sustainability and decarbonization efforts, facilities operations and capital construction, through presentations, campus tours and peer roundtable discussions.

“Bringing peer institutions together will create valuable opportunities to share lessons learned and accelerate progress on complex challenges like campus decarbonization and infrastructure modernization,” said Chris Ewing, vice chancellor for infrastructure and resilience. “These conversations will help universities develop practical strategies that strengthen facilities operations today while preparing campuses for the future.”

The forum’s peer-focused format will foster open exchange and relationship-building among institutions facing similar operational challenges. By convening the group, �鶹��Ƶ will support regional collaboration aimed at advancing more efficient, sustainable and forward-looking campuses.

Hosting the forum will reflect �鶹��Ƶ’s continued commitment to sharing knowledge, learning from peer institutions and advancing infrastructure solutions that benefit the campus community and higher education more broadly.

Senior facilities and infrastructure leaders will gather on campus to share strategies related to decarbonization, capital planning and campus operations.

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�鶹��Ƶ providing free upgrade to Transit Royale app

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:24:06 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ providing free upgrade to Transit Royale app Megan M Rogers Mon, 04/06/2026 - 12:24

�鶹��Ƶ students, faculty and staff now have access to Transit Royale, the premium version of the Transit app, at no cost through a partnership between Transportation Services and the Environmental Center (E-Center).

Transit is �鶹��Ƶ’s recommended mobile app for tracking Buff Buses and navigating transit options across Boulder and beyond. With this new agreement, the campus community receives a free upgrade to Transit Royale, unlocking additional features that make it easier to get around.

What is Transit?

The Transit app is a free mobile application that provides real-time information to help riders plan trips and track buses, as well as other local transportation options like RTD and BCycle. At �鶹��Ƶ, Transit is widely used to:

Track Buff Buses in real time
View live arrival times and route maps
Plan trips across campus and the Boulder area
Receive service alerts and updates

What does Transit Royale add?

Transit Royale is the premium version of the app, now available at no cost to the �鶹��Ƶ community. It unlocks additional tools, including:

Full regional transit access beyond the Buff Bus system
Unlimited schedules for future trip planning
Expanded trip planning with more route options
Personalized themes, icons and avatars
Optional leaderboards and achievements through Transit’s GO feature
Early access to new features as they are released

Supporting sustainable transportation

Providing free access to Transit Royale supports �鶹��Ƶ’s efforts to make transportation more accessible, reliable and sustainable. Real-time tracking and expanded trip-planning tools help reduce uncertainty and make it easier to choose transit.

How to get started

Download the Transit app from the App Store or Google Play, or update to the latest version. When opened on campus, the Transit Royale upgrade will be applied automatically—no payment or code required.

To learn more, visit the Transit App page.

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�鶹��Ƶ aligns with city drought guidance, emphasizes water stewardship across campus

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:16:25 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ aligns with city drought guidance, emphasizes water stewardship across campus Megan M Rogers Fri, 04/03/2026 - 06:16

The city of Boulder has entered a drought watch and is asking the community to take voluntary steps to reduce water use. As record hot and dry weather persists across the Front Range, �鶹��Ƶ supports these efforts to help preserve water this spring.

The campus is working diligently to conserve water where possible while also maintaining green spaces that provide important health, recreation and community benefits.

Where campus irrigation comes from

A vast majority of �鶹��Ƶ’s irrigation uses ditch water—non-potable, raw water—that is not part of the city of Boulder’s water supply. These water rights were granted to the university when the university was founded. While not subject to the city’s current drought guidance, the university is committed to using all water resources responsibly—applying water efficiently, minimizing waste and prioritizing long-term sustainability and stewardship of this state resource.

“Regardless of the source of our campus irrigation, we approach all water use with care, focusing on efficiency, minimizing waste and making decisions that reflect long-term sustainability and stewardship,” said Jonathan Akins, campus civil engineer with Planning, Design and Construction.

The university does have a limited area of campus where irrigation is supplied by the city, and is delaying the use of potable (treated drinking) water for irrigation of lawns and turf in those areas until May 1 in line with city recommendations.

Smart irrigation and water stewardship

�鶹��Ƶ has invested significantly in systems and practices that support efficient water use across campus, including:

Advanced irrigation controls that adjust watering based on weather conditions
Soil moisture monitoring to prevent overwatering
Nighttime irrigation schedules to reduce evaporation
Ongoing system checks to identify and fix leaks or inefficiencies

The Outdoor Services team at �鶹��Ƶ uses all of these tools to make informed decisions about when to irrigate areas of campus, and for how long.

“We evaluate these systems and the conditions on the ground daily, adjusting campus irrigation in real time,” said Ryan Heiland, assistant director of Outdoor Services. “The goal is to be as efficient as possible, using only the water that’s needed to maintain healthy landscapes that support accessibility and community use.”

Campus irrigation typically occurs between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. However, community members may still see sprinklers operating in some areas during daytime hours when Outdoor Services is able to conduct system maintenance, safety checks or to ensure irrigation systems are functioning efficiently and not wasting water.

�鶹��Ƶ will continue to monitor conditions and coordinate with city partners as drought conditions evolve—working to conserve water while maintaining a safe, sustainable and vibrant campus environment.

What you can do

While there are currently no mandatory restrictions, early action can help avoid the need for stricter water use measures. �鶹��Ƶ encourages students, faculty and staff to support water conservation efforts by:

Prioritizing water for trees and essential plants
Using water efficiently indoors and fixing leaks
Being mindful of everyday water use

Find more tips on the city of Boulder’s water conservation webpage

The university supports voluntary conservation measures while continuing responsible water management across campus.

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Fiske Planetarium hosting Astronomy and Earth Day April 12

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:29:23 +0000

Fiske Planetarium hosting Astronomy and Earth Day April 12 Megan M Rogers Thu, 04/02/2026 - 10:29

A free, family-friendly slate of activities is in store for Fiske Planetarium's Astronomy and Earth Day, with sponsorship by the SPIKE Center for Sustainability. Take in full-dome shows, STEM exhibits, telescope viewing, chats with students, staff and faculty, and more—some programming offered "en Español."

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Study: Geothermal energy is feasible for future �鶹��Ƶ campus use

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:02:15 +0000

Study: Geothermal energy is feasible for future �鶹��Ƶ campus use Megan M Rogers Mon, 03/30/2026 - 11:02

�鶹��Ƶ and the Colorado Energy Office on Monday, March 30, released two state-funded feasibility studies evaluating whether geothermal energy could help reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions over the long term.

The studies evaluated both shallow geothermal systems, which are well known and commonly used for campus heating, and cutting-edge deep geothermal systems that could provide heat or electricity. Findings show geothermal systems of both types are technically feasible on campus and could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, though implementation would require major infrastructure changes and long-term investment.

The work provides �鶹��Ƶ with valuable technical data and planning insight as the university advances its Climate Action Plan and broader decarbonization strategy, which includes cutting campus carbon emissions 50% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality no later than 2050.

“Evaluating frontier technologies like deep geothermal is an important step as we work toward our Climate Action Plan goals and explore pathways to reduce emissions across campus,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability.

“Our campus also serves as a living laboratory where research and campus operations come together to test and evaluate innovative energy solutions that can inform sustainability efforts well beyond �鶹��Ƶ. Moreover, this state-supported study is a great example of the continued leadership of the state of Colorado and highlights the importance of partnership."

Study resources

Incentive tracker—project information on the grants and links to final reports
Electricity generation scoping study—deep geothermal
Community district heating design study—geo-exchange

Deep geothermal systems can extend more than 20,000 feet underground, far deeper than shallow systems that typically operate less than 1,000 feet deep. While less widely deployed, deep geothermal systems could offer an opportunity to test emerging clean-energy technologies at scale.

No construction or implementation decisions are being made at this time. Instead, the studies are intended to serve as planning resources to inform future energy and infrastructure decisions as campus strategies, funding opportunities, partnerships and governance approvals continue to evolve.

That broader work is already underway. Last summer, �鶹��Ƶ selected an engineering partner to begin designing a campuswide decarbonization plan focused on transitioning heating systems away from steam and toward low-temperature hot-water systems powered by carbon-free energy sources.

“Colorado continues to lead the way in harnessing the heat beneath our feet to create a cleaner, more affordable energy future,” said Colorado Energy Office Executive Director Will Toor. “By investing in these feasibility studies at �鶹��Ƶ, we are not just helping generate data and technical insight—we are empowering our institutions to serve as blueprints for decarbonization. These projects are a vital step toward reducing emissions, improving our air quality, and proving that clean energy solutions can protect our state for future generations.”

The studies were funded by the Colorado Energy Office Community District Heating/Thermal Energy Network (Agreement GAE 25-2370) and Geothermal Electricity Generation (Agreement GAE 25-2398) grants awarded to �鶹��Ƶ in November 2024. The grants supported 59% of the study costs.

The results of a study involving future use of geothermal energy by the �鶹��Ƶ campus will help inform the university's decarbonization plan, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by no later than 2050.

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Ralphie's Green Stampede claims zero-waste honors for 3rd straight year

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 20:28:12 +0000

Ralphie's Green Stampede claims zero-waste honors for 3rd straight year Megan M Rogers Wed, 03/25/2026 - 14:28

The University of Colorado Athletic Department's signature sustainability program, Ralphie's Green Stampede, continues to achieve national recognition, earning 2025 GameDay Football Zero Waste Touchdown Challenge honors from the National Wildlife Federation.

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Elected leaders to headline �鶹��Ƶ Climate Week event April 1

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:40:40 +0000

Elected leaders to headline �鶹��Ƶ Climate Week event April 1 Megan M Rogers Tue, 03/24/2026 - 08:40

Colorado Climate Week is an event that convenes communities across the state and beyond to unite and elevate Colorado as a regional hub for climate innovation and resilience. This year, Climate Week will take place from March 30 to April 3. In partnership with event organizer Colorado Cleantech Industries Association, �鶹��Ƶ will host the event on Wednesday, April 1, at the Limelight Hotel.

While most of the week’s programming will be held at the CSU Spur Campus and other locations across the region, Wednesday’s panels, presentations and discussions will take place at the Limelight Hotel Boulder. Speakers from across �鶹��Ƶ will participate, including Chancellor Justin Schwartz, who will deliver opening remarks.

Other notable speakers include Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and Sen. Michael Bennet, who will speak to their visions of Colorado’s climate future, as well as Gov. Jared Polis, bestselling author and Foundry founder Seth Levine and many more.

The event is free and open to the public, and students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend. Register here.

Now in its second year, Colorado Climate Week highlights Colorado’s collaborative culture and commitment to innovative climate solutions. The event aims to showcase and accelerate the state’s potential for climate impact.

This vision aligns closely with sustainability efforts at �鶹��Ƶ, where researchers collaborate across disciplines to develop climate solutions, educate the next generation of climate leaders, use campus as a living laboratory, and partner with organizations across the state to drive climate action.

“This event reflects �鶹��Ƶ’s deep commitment to advancing climate solutions through collaboration,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability. “One of our core sustainability priorities is community engagement—working alongside peers across the Boulder community, the state of Colorado, the nation and around the world to develop and scale innovative climate solutions.”

“Colorado Climate Week highlights the opportunity of connecting university expertise with leaders and policymakers across Colorado,” said Kirsten Schuchman, associate vice chancellor for external partnerships. “By strengthening partnerships at the local and state level, we can help translate innovative ideas into policies and actions that benefit communities throughout Colorado.”

For more information about registration, the day’s schedule and featured speakers, view the full agenda.

Colorado Climate Week with CU at Limelight | April 1, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

8:30–9 a.m.
The Buff Blueprint: �鶹��Ƶ’s Next Chapter in Climate Leadership
Chancellor Justin Schwartz, �鶹��Ƶ

9–9:30 a.m.
Fireside Chat: Capital Evolution—What the Future of Capitalism Means for Climate
Seth Levine, Partner and Co-Founder, Foundry
Moderator: Wendy Lea, Board Director, Ecosystem Builder

9:30–10:15 a.m.
Plenary 1 Panel: AI at Scale: Energy, Water, and the Infrastructure of Intelligence
Moderator: John Goldman, Partner at Cooley LLC
Will Toor, Executive Director, Colorado Energy Office
Kyri Baker, Associate Professor at �鶹��Ƶ and Research Scientist at Google DeepMind
Lon Huber, Senior Vice President, Chief Planning Officer, XCEL Energy

10:30–11:30 a.m.
Breakout I: AI at Scale -Clean Inputs, Transformative Outputs and Community Impact

Noon–1 p.m.
Lunch Session: Conservation, Climate and the Colorado Outdoors (lunch provided)
Moderator: Megha Agrawal Sood, Board Director, Mountainfilm Festival
Erin Sprague, CEO, Protect Our Winters
Drew Rayburn, Colorado Director of Conservation Science, The Nature Conservancy
Noah Molotch, "Professor of Snow," �鶹��Ƶ
Natalie Ooi, Professor, Outdoor Recreation Economy, �鶹��Ƶ

1:15–2 p.m.
Plenary 2 Panel: From Pledges to Performance: The New Era of Climate Leadership
Moderator: Kathryn Wendell, Exec Director, Center for Ethics & Social Responsibility, �鶹��Ƶ
Kendra Tupper, PE, Head of Carbon Reduction Planning & Strategy, Google
Deanna Bratter, Chief Sustainability Officer, Crocs, Inc.
Eli Gordon, Head of Sustainability Advisory – North America, Watershed

2:15–3 p.m.
Breakout Session II

3:15–4 p.m.
Plenary 3: Risk, Reward, and Impact: Climate Investment Playbooks
Moderator: Trent Yang, CFO, Energy Dome
Kristen Rocca, Partner at DCVC
Danya Hakeem, COO, Elemental Impact
Maggie Rodney, Partner, Massive

4–5 p.m.
Plenary 4: Colorado’s Climate Policy Agenda: A Fireside Chat with Democratic Candidates Attorney General Phil Weiser and Senator Michael Bennet

4–5 p.m.
Concurrent Breakout Session: 1000 Gretas—Intergenerational Fairness

4–5 p.m.
Concurrent Session: Boulder Climate Ventures student pitches

5–6 p.m.
Networking Reception

Gov. Jared Polis, Attorney General Phil Weiser and Sen. Michael Bennet will join �鶹��Ƶ Chancellor Justin Schwartz and speakers from across campus for a day of climate-focused panels and discussions.

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3 takeaways from the Second Nature Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:40:57 +0000

3 takeaways from the Second Nature Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit Megan M Rogers Wed, 03/11/2026 - 13:40

On March 9, Chancellor Justin Schwartz spoke on the opening plenary panel, “20 Years In: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going?”, at the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in Chicago. Hosted by Second Nature, with support from the Intentional Endowments Network, the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit is the premier annual gathering of higher education leaders committed to addressing the climate crisis.

Here are three key messages from Schwartz.

Climate goals are being infused into everything in higher education, not just campus operations.

Twenty years ago, a campus sustainability office was considered innovative. Today, sustainability is increasingly embedded across the entire university system, from curriculum and research to campus operations and community partnerships.

Chancellor Justin Schwartz speaking at the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in Chicago.

At �鶹��Ƶ, that means integrating sustainability across academics, operations, research and community impact. The university’s first vice chancellor for sustainability, Andrew Mayock, is building on decades of campus leadership in sustainability to expand sustainability-focused degrees and programs and embed climate-related courses across the curriculum. Sustainability is also visible across campus operations, from energy-efficient building renovations to eliminating single-use plastic beverage containers and transitioning campus transportation toward electric buses.

Students are also driving this change. Surveys show sustainability is a major factor in where students choose to enroll, and today’s students expect clear climate targets, transparency and measurable progress.

Despite the current federal context, higher education institutions are stepping up on climate.

Universities have long operated across shifting political environments, but their core mission—to pursue knowledge and follow scientific inquiry—remains constant. Institutions continue to advance climate research and education, even amid policy uncertainty or fluctuating federal funding.

At �鶹��Ƶ, climate and environmental research remain central strengths, supported by world-class research institutes and partnerships with industry, government and local communities. These collaborations reinforce that climate research is not a political issue but one tied to workforce preparedness, innovation, resilience and economic opportunity.

New partnerships are accelerating climate innovation.

While funding disruptions and policy shifts create challenges, they are also prompting new partnerships and models for impact. Universities are increasingly collaborating with states, industry and philanthropy to accelerate innovation and collaborate on solutions to the most pressing challenge of our time: climate change.

At �鶹��Ƶ, for example, the university is working with partners across Colorado to support emerging industries like quantum technology and to help communities transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. Programs such as Boulder Climate Ventures are also helping students launch startups focused on climate solutions.

Ultimately, solving the climate crisis will require collaboration across institutions, sectors and disciplines. No single university can solve it alone, but by working together, higher education can help build the solutions and prepare the next generation to lead them.

Announcing the Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability

The chancellor also announced the opening of applications for the inaugural Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability, of which �鶹��Ƶ is the host institution.

The Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability is designed to recognize and celebrate higher education institutions that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and climate action as integral to their academic missions. The classification provides a rigorous framework for assessing and advancing sustainability efforts across curriculum, research, operations and community engagement.

As host institution, �鶹��Ƶ provides the operational home for the initiative, supporting program management, application review and the development of a nationwide community of practice around sustainability in higher education.

Applications are now open, and all institutions can submit applications to elevate their sustainability efforts. Learn more about the application process.

On March 9, Chancellor Justin Schwartz spoke as part of the opening plenary panel, "20 Years In: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going?" at the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in Chicago.

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Sustainability

New campus sustainability framework unveiled at �鶹��Ƶ Climate Week event

A guiding framework for �鶹��Ƶ’s sustainability future

Moving the needle with conversation and partnership

The day at the Limelight

A statewide effort, a shared future

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