Sustainability

East Campus solar array begins delivering electricity

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 27 May 2026 15:15:57 +0000

East Campus solar array begins delivering electricity Megan M Rogers Wed, 05/27/2026 - 09:15

The 1.1-megawatt (MW) ground-mounted solar array, located on a two-acre site east of Lot 560 on East Campus, is now operational. The project was approved by the Board of Regents in June 2024 and broke ground last April.

The array is expected to generate about 1.4 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity each year—offsetting roughly 1% of �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s total electricity use and saving an estimated $120,000 annually in energy costs.

“This project is another example of how �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder continues to put campus climate action into practice through investments in our infrastructure,” said Chris Ewing, vice chancellor for infrastructure and resilience. “Through our ongoing campus sustainability efforts, we’re aligning investments toward meeting our climate action goals with delivering resilient infrastructure that will serve the campus for decades to come.”

The project, delivered in partnership with contractor McKinstry, supports �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve a linear reduction to zero emissions by 2050.

With the addition of the East Campus array, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder now has about 3.5 megawatts of solar capacity across campus, generating enough electricity to power the �鶹��Ѱ��Events Center and Folsom Field combined. The new system is the university’s second ground-mounted array and complements 10 rooftop solar installations already in place.

This summer, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder will add another major installation when a 5-megawatt project being developed in Weld County through a partnership with Pivot Energy is completed.

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder's newest solar installation, a 1.1-megawatt array just north of Boulder Creek on East Campus, is officially up and running and helping advance the university's Climate Action Plan goals.

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Simple actions to reduce Boulder Creek contamination

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 20 May 2026 13:57:17 +0000

Simple actions to reduce Boulder Creek contamination Megan M Rogers Wed, 05/20/2026 - 07:57

At �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder, we are fortunate to have beautiful waterways, including Boulder Creek, integrated into our campus ecosystem. Keeping these waterways healthy requires our collective effort.

Boulder Creek is considered an impaired waterway by the state of Colorado due to excess amounts of Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli). While Boulder Creek is not currently considered impaired by nutrient pollution, raising awareness about nutrients is key to help prevent future impairment.

Nutrient pollution: What is it and why should we care?

Nutrient pollution occurs when excess compounds of nitrogen and phosphorus enter our waterways, often from sources like fertilizers, pet waste and improper disposal of organic material. These nutrients can be washed off lawns and gardens during rainfall or irrigation, flowing directly into storm drains and, ultimately, into our stormwater systems.

Once in the water, they can cause algal blooms, which deplete oxygen levels, harm aquatic life and degrade water quality.

How you can help reduce nutrient pollution

Fertilizer use: Avoid over-fertilizing lawns and gardens, and never apply fertilizers near storm drains.
Organic waste: Properly dispose of lawn clippings, leaves and other organic material instead of letting them wash into storm drains.
Pet waste: Always clean up after your pets. Pet waste contributes to both bacteria and nutrients that pollute stormwater.

E. coli contamination in Boulder Creek

In addition to nutrient pollution, E. coli, a common bacterium from multiple sources, also impacts Boulder Creek. Urbanization reduces the number of porous surfaces and increases contamination sources that wash into the storm sewer, promoting bacterial growth. The university actively monitors and mitigates against E. coli contamination of the creek from campus stormwater discharges.

Steps you can take to reduce E. coli loading

Pet waste: Clean up after your pets and dispose of waste properly. Boulder ordinance requires immediate cleanup.
Trash disposal: Place all garbage in waste containers, and avoid feeding wildlife, which can increase waste in waterways.
Report issues: If you see illegal dumping or clogged storm sewer inlets on campus, contact Facilities Management at 303-492-5522.

A collective effort

As a large, eco-conscious community at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder, we have a great opportunity to work together to protect our stormwater resources and embody the university’s sustainability values. By adopting simple habits like cleaning up after pets, properly disposing of waste, and being mindful of fertilizer use, each of us can make a positive impact.

No matter how small your actions may seem, they can make a big difference in preserving the health of Boulder Creek and other local waterways. Together, we can change the way we look at water quality and ensure a cleaner, safer environment for everyone.

For more information, visit the Environmental Health & Safety stormwater guidelines webpage or contact 303-492-6025 or ehs@colorado.edu.

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BOLDERBoulder to eliminate plastic water bottles at Folsom Field finish line

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 06 May 2026 15:01:19 +0000

BOLDERBoulder to eliminate plastic water bottles at Folsom Field finish line Megan M Rogers Wed, 05/06/2026 - 09:01

Planning to run the BOLDERBoulder this year? Expect something new at the Folsom Field finish line.

The BOLDERBoulder 10K has announced a major sustainability milestone for the 2026 race, eliminating plastic water bottles at the finish line. The initiative is a collaborative effort with �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder.

Beginning with this year’s event, all finish-line hydration will transition to a more environmentally friendly model, designed to reduce waste while maintaining the highest standards of participant care.

To ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, each finisher will receive a commemorative aluminum cup filled with water after crossing the finish line. In addition, multiple refill stations will be conveniently located outside the stadium, allowing participants to easily rehydrate following the race. Participants are encouraged to take advantage of the refill stations and to properly reuse or recycle the aluminum cups following use.

The elimination of plastic water bottles is directly in line with ongoing recycling and composting efforts at Folsom Field. With the founding of Ralphie’s Green Stampede in 2008, Folsom Field became the first zero-waste football stadium in the nation, and sustainability is a priority for all events held at the venue.

The new BOLDERBoulder initiative aligns with broader efforts across the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder campus and Boulder community to reduce single-use plastics and promote environmentally conscious event operations.

“This is an important step forward for the BOLDERBoulder as we continue to evolve and lead in ways that reflect the values of our community,” said race director Cliff Bosley. “Working alongside �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder, we are proud to introduce a solution that reduces our environmental footprint while still prioritizing the health, safety and experience of every participant.”

The initiative is supported by Nike, which will serve as the presenting sponsor of the aluminum cups distributed to participants.

Additional sustainability efforts for the 2026 BOLDERBoulder

All participant race shirts are made from 100% GRS-certified recycled materials, reducing the environmental impact of race apparel production.
A continued partnership with We Don't Waste to ensure that unused food items from race weekend are redirected to individuals and communities in need of support.

“�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder is proud to partner with the BOLDERBoulder, one of our community’s most iconic events, to bring a shared commitment to sustainability into action,” said �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Chancellor Justin Schwartz.

“This initiative reflects how we approach sustainability at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder: through collaboration, innovation and strong partnerships across our community. Together, we’re helping deliver solutions that reduce environmental impact while enhancing the experience for participants and demonstrating how campus and community can come together to drive meaningful change.”

The BOLDERBoulder, the third largest race in the United States and the largest 10K in the world, annually welcomes more than 50,000 participants to Boulder on Memorial Day. The race finishes inside Folsom Field, where 40,000 spectators celebrate runners as they complete the race.

Get more information about the 2026 BOLDERBoulder.

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�鶹��Ѱ��Recycling celebrates 50 years of impact

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 06 May 2026 12:23:13 +0000

�鶹��Ѱ��Recycling celebrates 50 years of impact Megan M Rogers Wed, 05/06/2026 - 06:23

In 1976, long before the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Surplus Store, the Climate Action Plan or the SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education, a small group of passionate �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder students ran a DIY recycling operation out of two decommissioned military trailers. Now, 50 years later, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder is celebrating the anniversary of campus recycling: a program that has evolved with the times and remains a powerful example of the partnership and collaboration that make real change possible.

Students involved with the Environmental Center launched one of the first-of-its-kind campus recycling programs in the country. Volunteers collected newspapers and aluminum cans from across campus, sorting materials in a donated trailer, which were transported in retired school buses for processing.

For more than 15 years, students sustained the effort without formal systems or facilities, driven purely by commitment and ingenuity.

In 1991, the program reached a turning point when a partnership formed between students and Facilities Management, allowing it to grow through shared infrastructure. With support from Chancellor James Corbridge, the university opened its first on-campus recycling facility, the Intermediate Processing Facility, in 1992.

Since then, students have remained central to operations, sorting, upcycling and preparing recyclables for transport to diverse recycling markets.

“The recycling operation at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder is a collaboration and group effort built on student dedication, and that’s what makes it special,” says Chris Herr, director of the Environmental Center. “Our teams, comprised of both students and Facilities Management staff, continue to innovate and improve together, keeping us moving toward our critical waste diversion and reduction goals.”

The original recycling facility, located at Folsom Field, was demolished in 2014 to make room for the Champions Center. A new campus recycling facility, along with two new recycling trucks, became operational in 2015, marking the next phase of growth for the program.

Fifty years later, that student-led effort has grown into a nationally recognized collegiate recycling program, earning accolades and serving as a model for other institutions. �鶹��Ѱ��Recycling now employs approximately 50 student staff members and engages around 100 volunteers each year. Over time, thousands of students have contributed to the program, advancing waste diversion efforts and supporting campus sustainability goals.

“Joining �鶹��Ѱ��Recycling in 2015 was an incredible experience,” says Angie Gilbert, assistant director of zero waste programs at the Environmental Center. “Walking into a one-of-a-kind campus processing facility on your first day is a zero-waste dream. The sustainability atmosphere at �鶹��Ѱ��is electric. People here are serious about recycling. The story of the program is deep-rooted and charming, with years of grit that validate its impact.”

Get involved in recycling efforts on campus

One of the most recent examples of student passion turning into action is the push to eliminate single-use plastics on campus. In response to strong student advocacy, a push from �鶹��Ѱ��Recycling and with support from departments across campus, university leadership took a major step forward through a new pouring rights contract that eliminates single-use plastic beverage containers.

“Embedding sustainability into campus operations is a critical part of �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder's leadership and ability to scale impact, and recycling has been at the heart of that work for decades,” says Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability.

“Celebrating 50 years of student-led and campus-amplified recycling highlights how grassroots action can shape long-term systems, turning campus into a living testbed for solutions that reduce waste and inform broader sustainability efforts.”

�鶹��Ѱ��Recycling exists because students chose to act. Today, campus recycling efforts are more impactful than ever, powered by a student-led and campus-amplified approach. Every hand-sorted bottle, can and box contribute to 50 years of impact—a milestone worth recognizing and celebrating.

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder is celebrating the anniversary of campus recycling—a program that has evolved with the times and remains a powerful example of the partnership and collaboration that make real change possible.

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5 things to know about the Carnegie Classifications

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 04 May 2026 16:37:58 +0000

5 things to know about the Carnegie Classifications Megan M Rogers Mon, 05/04/2026 - 10:37

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder recently announced two new Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education, or Carnegie Classifications, in sustainability and community engagement, with another in the works for leadership for public purpose.

Here are five things you should know about those classifications.

What exactly are the Carnegie Classifications?

The Carnegie Classifications, offered as part of a partnership between the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education, are the nation’s leading framework for describing U.S. higher education institutions. There are three types:

Institutional Classification, which organizes colleges and universities into groups of similar campuses based on the types of degrees they award, field of study and size, i.e., associate, undergraduate and/or graduate-level institutions.
Student Access and Earnings Classification, which organizes colleges and universities into one of six classifications based on the types of students they enroll and how well former students are earning in the labor market as compared to their peers.
Research Activity Designations, which place institutions into one of three groups based on their research expenditures and research doctorates awarded (Research 1 or R1, Research 2 or R2, and Research Colleges and Universities or RCU). �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder is an R1 institution.

There are also three elective classifications that institutions can apply for:

Community Engagement, which is a way for colleges and universities in the U.S. to gain recognition for institutionalizing community engagement.
Leadership for Public Purpose recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an institution-wide commitment to developing ethical leadership capacity in service of the public good through coordinated policies, practices and programs.
Sustainability, Carnegie’s newest classification, is an innovative initiative designed to recognize and celebrate higher education institutions that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and climate action as integral to their academic missions.

How prestigious is a Carnegie Classification?

Since 1973, the Carnegie Classification has been seen as the gold standard for organizing the U.S. higher education landscape and has played a key role in shaping higher education.

Prior to the classifications, the American higher education system looked very different, with only a few ways to sort institutions and no organization on the national level. The Carnegie Classification changed that, ushering in a new era of rankings for higher education institutions that are considered foundational in a variety of research and policy uses nationwide.

What does it mean for �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder—what are the benefits to faculty, staff and students?

Recognition through the Carnegie Classifications is evidence that �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder “has made real, documented commitments to excellence,” said David Meens, assistant vice chancellor for public and community-engaged scholarship.

“The application process itself provides an invaluable opportunity to bring people together across campus, and to engage the voices of our external partners,” Meens added. “What we learn from the process, including the formal feedback we receive from Carnegie, sets the baseline and establishes goals that we will need to address in future reclassifications.

“So while we can be proud of this well-deserved recognition of the innovative and excellent work of our faculty, staff and students, it also presents a call to action toward an even more impressive future: There is so much more that we can achieve together.”

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder serving as the operational home of the sustainability classification is particularly meaningful in that it means Carnegie recognizes the institution’s long-term excellence in this realm and the institution’s role as a leader in the sustainability and climate action space. As the host institution, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder will support program management, application review and the development of a nationwide community of practice around sustainability in higher education.

More information about the classification, and the application process, is available on �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s sustainability website.

How does �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder compare to other institutions who have achieved the community engagement classification?

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder is one of only 277 institutions nationwide to be recognized with the Carnegie Classification for community engagement. Of those, 63—or 23%—are comparable R1 public institutions, and 3—or 11%—are Association of American Universities (AAU) peer institutions. It is also the fourth institution in the state of Colorado to receive it.

How do the Carnegie Classifications tie into our institutional priorities?

These elective classifications recognize �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s deep commitment to its public purpose of transforming lives in service of a just and sustainable world, tying either directly or indirectly into all four institutional priorities: aligning our resources and infrastructure to our mission, achieving global leadership in sustainability impact, scaling research and creative work excellence, and fostering the success of all students, faculty and staff.

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder recently announced two new Carnegie Classifications in sustainability and community engagement, with another in the works for leadership for public purpose.

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Advice from Sustainable Buffs on being a conscious consumer

Anonymous — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:11:42 +0000

Advice from Sustainable Buffs on being a conscious consumer Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 04/15/2026 - 14:11

Sustainability starts with making the most of what you already have. When you do need to buy something, there are ways to make choices that are better for the planet.

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Coping with climate anxiety

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:15:37 +0000

Coping with climate anxiety Megan M Rogers Tue, 04/14/2026 - 15:15

Climate anxiety describes emotional distress related to climate change. Learning ways to cope can help you process these feelings, avoid burnout and stay connected to everyday life—while still caring about the future. Here are some strategies to try.

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New campus sustainability framework unveiled at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Climate Week event

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

New campus sustainability framework unveiled at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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��Ѱ��Boulder 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��Ѱ��Boulder’s sustainability future

Chancellor Justin Schwartz opened the day by introducing �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’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��Ѱ��Boulder 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��Ѱ��Boulder’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��Ѱ��Boulder’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��Ѱ��Boulder’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��Ѱ��Boulder 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��Ѱ��Boulder convening university leaders to share sustainability, facilities strategies

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

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

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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��Ѱ��Boulder 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��Ѱ��Boulder will support regional collaboration aimed at advancing more efficient, sustainable and forward-looking campuses.

Hosting the forum will reflect �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’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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Sustainability

East Campus solar array begins delivering electricity

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How do the Carnegie Classifications tie into our institutional priorities?

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New campus sustainability framework unveiled at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Climate Week event

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