Sustainability

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��Ѱ��Boulder campus use

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

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

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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��Ѱ��Boulder 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��Ѱ��Boulder. 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��Ѱ��Boulder 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��Ѱ��Boulder, 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��Ѱ��Boulder 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��Ѱ��Boulder 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��Ѱ��Boulder Climate Week event April 1

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

Elected leaders to headline �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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��Ѱ��Boulder 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��Ѱ��Boulder 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��Ѱ��Boulder, 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��Ѱ��Boulder’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 �鶹��Ѱ��at Limelight | April 1, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

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

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��Ѱ��Boulder 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��Ѱ��Boulder
Natalie Ooi, Professor, Outdoor Recreation Economy, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder

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��Ѱ��Boulder
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��Ѱ��Boulder 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��Ѱ��Boulder, 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��Ѱ��Boulder, 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��Ѱ��Boulder, 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��Ѱ��Boulder 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��Ѱ��Boulder 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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How grad students are supporting Colorado's decarbonization goals

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:45:07 +0000

How grad students are supporting Colorado's decarbonization goals Megan M Rogers Fri, 03/06/2026 - 10:45

In fall 2025, three �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder graduate students presented their findings and recommendations to the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority (CETA) board. Their presentation focused on the role of long duration energy storage in maximizing transmission utilization, strengthening grid reliability, flexibility and resilience, and improving renewable integration. The work would go on to inform CETA's investment and policy decisions supporting clean energy across Colorado and the Western grid.

Simultaneously, in partnership with Third Derivative, a program of the Rocky Mountain Institute, a student team set out to understand how new low-carbon building technologies move from the lab into real-world application. Through more than 40 interviews with leaders from architecture, engineering and development firms, along with city staff and policy leaders, the team combined firsthand experience with data on building rules and markets to see where new ideas are most likely to take hold.

This work produced two new databases: one showing which U.S. cities and architecture, engineering and construction firms are most open to trying new technologies and another explaining how key decisions about buildings are made. Together, these tools create a practical guide for clearing common roadblocks. Third Derivative will use these findings to shape its building sector investment thesis and guide work across its portfolio of more than 250 startup companies.

Meanwhile, a third capstone team partnered with Denver’s Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR) office to address decarbonization challenges by translating climate goals into actionable strategies for neighborhood-scale electrification. The team has provided CASR with foundational research to support its electrification strategy under Colorado House Bill 24-1370, which aims to reduce reliance on the natural gas system.

Their work includes analyzing state-level policies, utility proceedings and existing electrification programs across the Denver metro area; creating neighborhood profiles for five potential pilot sites; distributing a resident survey that generated over 200 responses to assess awareness of and interest in electrification; and producing a comprehensive report summarizing deliverables, recommendations and supporting research.

What do the three projects have in common? They are all a part of the capstone program within �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s Masters of the Environment (MENV) program, and each contributes directly to Colorado’s decarbonization goals.

Colorado’s push for 100% renewable energy

Colorado has set one of the most ambitious clean energy goals in the United States: achieving 100% renewable energy by 2040. Gov. Jared Polis’s decarbonization roadmap outlines strategies for reaching that target, including expanding green jobs, modernizing the Public Utilities Commission, electrifying transportation, and promoting energy efficiency and zero-emissions buildings—all aimed at improving air quality, community health and the local economy.

Achieving these goals will require significant expansion of clean energy technologies, infrastructure and workforce, along with investments in climate solutions. �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s MENV program is playing a critical role in supporting this mission by training the next generation of renewable energy leaders and advancing decarbonization projects through hands-on projects and collaborations.

Training the next generation of leaders

MENV is a two-year professional graduate degree designed to prepare students for sustainability-focused careers. Students choose a specialization offered within the program to build expertise, with approximately 20–25 students entering each year in the renewable and sustainable energy (RSE) specialization and additional students declaring RSE as a dual specialization to complement their primary focus.

The rigorous RSE curriculum combines core courses, such as Energy Systems and Technologies and Sustainable Energy Policy, with electives including Renewable Energy Development and Project Finance; Energy Markets, Transactions, and Policy; and Microgrids and Distributed Energy Resources. Through collaboration with industry partners, MENV ensures the curriculum remains current and aligned with evolving workforce needs, equipping students with the technical, analytical and policy tools needed to tackle complex energy challenges.

Student Jim Hansley shared his experience in the RSE specialization:

“The RSE specialization within the Masters of the Environment (MENV) program at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the clean energy transition. The curriculum spans energy systems, policy, markets, finance, buildings and emerging technologies, enabling students to see how technical, economic and regulatory forces interact to shape the future of energy. Courses are taught by practitioners and industry partners who bring current market realities into the classroom. Graduates leave with analytical depth and practical insight, prepared to engage complex energy challenges with practical perspective and meaningful impact.”

Students also connect classroom learning to real-world applications through field trips, site visits and study abroad opportunities that allow students to see energy systems and technologies in action. For example, in 2024, a group of MENV students traveled to Japan to deepen their understanding of international energy and climate strategies through site visits to wind farms, wastewater treatment facilities and electric power plants, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on applied, globally informed sustainability leadership.

Josh Radoff, RSE specialization lead and director of campus climate action, sustainability and resilience, continues to keep the RSE curriculum up to date to ensure students have industry-relevant skills by the time they graduate. Recently, he connected his two campus roles by introducing a new “campus as a living laboratory” course, which allows students to apply climate action planning, emissions analysis and sustainability solutions directly on �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s campus.

Radoff explains:

“Our goal at MENV, with our courses and with the capstone program, is to introduce people to the dynamic field of clean energy and decarbonization and to have students work on real-world applications, which ranges from techno-economic analysis on solar and battery storage, to policy analysis on urban thermal energy networks. The idea is that by becoming an energy and decarbonization subject matter expert, MENV students become equipped to take on a wide range of careers and project types.”

Capstones to careers

Capstone team Annika Cederstrand, Casey Chabot and Kaylie Larson with capstone advisor Joshua Radoff

A recent capstone highlight is the 2025 project by students Annika Cederstrand, Casey Chabot and Kaylie Larson, who partnered with OneEnergy Renewables under the leadership of capstone partner lead Mikkela Blanton of OneEnergy Renewables and Radoff, their capstone advisor.

Over an 11-month period, the team analyzed alternative interconnection pathways for renewable energy developers, focusing on reducing project costs and decreasing development timelines. The team delivered actionable recommendations for innovative development approaches and identified potential customers for OneEnergy’s outreach efforts, demonstrating tangible results for both the industry partners and Colorado’s clean energy transition.

Blanton shared:

“The capstone team exceeded my expectations, delivering innovative, data-driven work on interconnection pathways that will help our company explore new opportunities to accelerate decarbonization. Mentoring the students while gaining such high-quality results was incredibly rewarding.”

Cederstrand, Chabot and Larson each aspire to build careers across different sectors of the clean energy industry, with a shared interest in driving scalable, real-world solutions. Through the capstone experience, they strengthened their skills in strategic and technical analysis, stakeholder engagement and decision-making, preparing them to step into leadership roles within the clean energy sector.

Following the project, Larson joined OneEnergy’s commercial strategy team, where she will play a key role in advancing solar development and accelerating the growth of clean energy across Colorado and beyond.

Scaling impact

Capstone 2026 (MENV's 10th year) just kicked off and features partnerships including the city of Moab, Invenergy, Leitner-Poma and returning partner OneEnergy Renewables—offering students continued opportunities to tackle real-world decarbonization challenges.

As Colorado works toward its 2040 renewable energy goal, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s MENV program continues to serve as a key resource for talent and expertise needed to drive impactful change across the state’s clean energy landscape. With 25 capstone projects planned for 2026, the program demonstrates that its efforts are far from finished, and MENV students are only just beginning their journey in driving impact in decarbonization across Colorado and beyond.

Among the 2026 capstone programs, MENV students will be working with Mountain Towns 2030 (MT2030)—a movement of mountain, rural and ski resort communities working together to accelerate and scale systemic climate action. These students will help develop a community climate progress assessment tool to track municipal progress on emissions, renewable energy deployment, building decarbonization, sustainable transportation and waste diversion while engaging with local leaders, ski resorts and nonprofits to evaluate existing climate action plans. This project gives students hands-on experience in applying sustainability solutions to real communities, driving impact locally.

Alumni driving change

The MENV program develops future generations of sustainability leaders who actively contribute to Colorado’s clean energy transition across public and private sectors. Graduates now hold positions at organizations such as Scout Clean Energy, OneEnergy Renewables, Invenergy, the Colorado Energy Office, and the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, where they support renewable energy development, policy implementation and climate solutions.

Masters of the Environment students are advancing Colorado's decarbonization goals through projects that support clean energy innovation, policy development and real-world climate solutions.

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The Mountain Research Station is an interdisciplinary facility of INSTAAR, providing research and educational opportunities for scientists, students and the general public. Photo by Patrick Campbell/�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder.

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Researchers collecting samples at the Mountain Research Station, an interdisciplinary facility of INSTAAR, providing research and educational opportunities for scientists, students and the general public. Photo by Patrick Campbell/�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder.

Hellems reopening: A new era of sustainability and learning

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:42:07 +0000

Hellems reopening: A new era of sustainability and learning Megan M Rogers Tue, 02/24/2026 - 13:42

Editor's note: This article was originally published on Dec. 10, 2025, ahead of the reopening.

After more than two years, the historic Hellems Arts and Sciences building is welcoming faculty, staff and students back to campus life. Faculty and staff members have moved into their newly renovated offices, and students have begun filling the halls of one of �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s most iconic academic spaces.

And on April 10, you can join alumni, friends and the campus community to celebrate the reopening of Hellems. From 2 to 4:30 p.m., be a part of the ribbon cutting ceremony and tour the newly renovated Hellems. Register here to be a part of this historic moment for �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder.

The renovation was made possible through a combination of university resources and partial funding from the state of Colorado, underscoring the shared commitment to preserving historic campus spaces while advancing sustainability and student success.

A thoughtful renovation for modern needs

Originally constructed in 1921, Hellems was the first building on campus designed in Charles Klauder’s signature Tuscan vernacular style and has long been a cornerstone of the university’s academic experience. The renovation project was designed not only to preserve its historic character but also to meet the needs of today’s learners and educators. The updated spaces feature improved accessibility, modernized classrooms and collaborative areas that foster connection and creativity.

The building also holds cultural significance as the home of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, which stages performances in the adjacent Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre each summer. The renovation ensures this beloved tradition continues in a space that reflects �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.

Student-first design

From the earliest planning stages, the renovation followed a student-first process, incorporating feedback from students to ensure the building supports their academic success and well-being. Classrooms were reimagined to encourage active learning and collaboration, while study spaces and common areas were designed to promote comfort, flexibility and community. These changes aim to create an environment where students can thrive academically and socially within a historic setting that now meets modern expectations.

“The renovation of Hellems was guided by a student-first approach,” said Ann Stevens, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Every design decision, from flexible classrooms to collaborative spaces, was made with the goal of enhancing how students learn and connect. This reimagined building creates an environment that supports academic success, fosters community and reflects the values of a modern university.”

Sustainability at the core

One of the most significant aspects of the renovation is its commitment to sustainability. The project incorporated multiple strategies to reduce environmental impact, including:

Energy efficiency: Upgraded HVAC systems, LED lighting and enhanced insulation dramatically improve energy performance.
Water conservation: Low-flow fixtures and efficient plumbing systems help minimize water usage.
Material choices: More than 80% of original clay roof tiles were reused, and terrazzo and hardwood flooring were refurbished instead of replaced.
Smart design: Triple-pane windows, daylight-optimized layouts and improved ventilation create healthier, more efficient spaces.

These efforts will reduce the building’s energy use intensity (EUI) by nearly 68%, even with the addition of air conditioning.

“This project is truly setting the bar for what a building that is over 100 years old can achieve,” said Chris Ewing, vice chancellor for infrastructure and resilience. “We’re dramatically cutting energy use and emissions while creating modern, flexible spaces that support student success based on their input into the design process. These upgrades foster collaboration, comfort and well-being—key elements for learning—while reducing operating costs and improving efficiency.”

“This project reflects �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s commitment to climate action and sustainability leadership,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability. “Hellems is now a model for how we can honor our history, and create modern spaces for students and faculty, while building for a low-carbon future.”

The university is also targeting LEED Gold certification, a benchmark for sustainable building practices.

Looking ahead

With faculty returning in mid-December and students arriving for classes in January, the reopening of Hellems marks a milestone in �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and academic excellence.

“Hellems is more than a building. It’s a symbol of �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s dedication to the liberal arts as the intellectual heart of the university,” says Daryl Maeda, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “A liberal arts education teaches us to think deeply, question critically and connect ideas across disciplines. In the reimagined Hellems, those connections become a lived experience.”

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder's historic Hellems building is reopening after a major renovation focused on student success and sustainability, with faculty moving in mid-December and students returning for spring classes in January. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for April to celebrate the building and the university's 150th anniversary.

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Inaugural Sustainability Research Initiative fellows unveiled

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:16:09 +0000

Inaugural Sustainability Research Initiative fellows unveiled Megan M Rogers Mon, 02/23/2026 - 09:16

The Sustainability Research Initiative fellowship serves as a yearlong incubator, bringing together researchers from across academic units, disciplines and career stages to imagine, collaborate and conduct research in new ways. See who the pioneering fellows are.

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New SPIKE-CAAAS fellowship to support grad students

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000

New SPIKE-CAAAS fellowship to support grad students Megan M Rogers Fri, 02/20/2026 - 05:00

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder's SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education and Center for African and African American Studies (CAAAS) have partnered to support graduate students within the CAAAS in their study of sustainability and how it impacts the African and African American communities. This collaboration will support two CAAAS/SPIKE Graduate Fellows for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 academic years.

This partnership is focused upon two areas of top priority for the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder campus: African and African American communities and sustainability.

The CAAAS (often referred to as “the Cause”) was established May 2021 by Reiland Rabaka with a mission to uphold Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision of “the Beloved Community.” In the context of �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder, the CAAAS creates a community of support for �鶹��Ѱ��faculty and students conducting research in African, African American and African diasporan studies. Within sustainability, these communities face particular challenges that require new scholarship to develop responses and solutions.

The SPIKE Center was formed in fall of 2025 in response to Chancellor Justin Schwartz’s prioritization of sustainability at �鶹��Ѱ��to accelerate sustainability education. A central objective of the SPIKE Center is to support scholarship around communities bearing disproportionate impact from sustainability disruption, and thus the SPIKE Center is grateful for the opportunity to partner with the CAAAS on this important initiative.

“The solutions to the challenges we face in sustainability are so often found at the intersection of creativity, inclusion and the diverse perspectives,” said Max Boykoff, faculty executive director of the SPIKE Center. “We appreciate this partnership with the CAAAS and opportunities to improve our collective work together centering critical elements of justice and equity.”

“Because the mission of the CAAAS is to foster research in African and African American studies, we see this as an exciting opportunity to explore the specific problems our communities face in sustainability,” said Rabaka, director of the CAAAS. “This initiative with the SPIKE Center will empower much needed additional scholarship on this critical issue.”

"At �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder we have a vision of sustainability that is not concentrated in a single school or sector but one that instead sees sustainability pervading every sector, every academic unit and, ultimately, every student," said Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock. "Thus in the spirt of that vision, we are so excited to partner with the CAAAS in supporting sustainability research within the African and African American communities."

The SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education is partnering with the Center for African and African American Studies to establish the CAAAS/SPIKE Graduate Fellows program.

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Showcase your sustainability work at the Campus Sustainability Summit

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:34:53 +0000

Showcase your sustainability work at the Campus Sustainability Summit Megan M Rogers Fri, 02/13/2026 - 11:34

The Expo Hall at this year's Campus Sustainability Summit on April 15 will feature projects that highlight innovative sustainability-focused research, creative work, programs and student organization initiatives. Whether it's a class project, a campus initiative or a hands-on demo, this is a great opportunity to share your impact.

Interested in participating? Fill out the interest form by March 31.

The Expo Hall at this year's sustainability summit on April 15 will feature projects that highlight innovative sustainability-focused research, creative work, programs and student organization initiatives. Whether it's a class project, a campus initiative or a hands-on demo, this is a great opportunity to share your impact.

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Sustainability

Fiske Planetarium hosting Astronomy and Earth Day April 12

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Looking ahead

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

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Announcing the Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability

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Training the next generation of leaders

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Alumni driving change

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Inaugural Sustainability Research Initiative fellows unveiled

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Showcase your sustainability work at the Campus Sustainability Summit

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