Sustainability

��'s green summer: 7 sustainability moves you may have missed

Megan Maneval — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:51:04 +0000

��'s green summer: 7 sustainability moves you may have missed Megan Maneval Wed, 09/03/2025 - 06:51

��’s campus was buzzing with sustainability progress this summer. With Chancellor Justin Schwartz placing sustainability at the forefront, the university has been making significant strides in research, education, operations and engagement—turning vision into action while many were away.

Buckley Center for Sustainability Education established

A $10 million gift from a �� alum will transform the way sustainability is taught at ��—empowering students and faculty to create a more environmentally sustainable future in the face of a changing climate.

No more single-use beverage plastics

�� has finalized a 10-year pouring rights agreement with PepsiCo Beverages that will eliminate all single-use plastics from campus beverage services, advancing the university’s Climate Action Plan (CAP).

Be a Sustainable Buff

If you are looking for ways to get involved with sustainability at ��, the Environmental Center’s Sustainable Buffs program is a great place to start. Learn more.

Boulder Climate Ventures launches

The Leeds School of Business program made �� the first U.S. public university in Breakthrough Energy’s global network, joining MIT and Stanford.

Campus decarbonization plan

The university has launched a multiphase decarbonization project to transition its campus district heating system from steam to low-temperature hot water, selecting engineering firm Salas O'Brien to design the plan that will help �� achieve its carbon neutrality goals.

From plastic to fertilizer

With a Research & Innovation Office seed grant, the Emergent Nanotechnology Lab team has begun research to develop new bioplastics made to be used as fertilizer at end of life.

Leeds received a transformative gift

A significant gift to the Leeds School of Business at �� will expand experiential learning, enhance student success and mental health, and support faculty excellence—all in service of the mission to elevate business as a force for good.

Off-site solar array breaks ground

�� has partnered with Pivot Energy to begin building a 5-megawatt off-site solar array that advances the university's Climate Action Plan by expanding renewable energy use.

�� made major sustainability strides this summer, including launching a campus decarbonization plan, eliminating single-use beverage plastics, advancing bioplastics research and securing transformative gifts to boost sustainability education and business.

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Ride smart: Tips for safe and sustainable campus cycling

Anonymous — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:27:43 +0000

Ride smart: Tips for safe and sustainable campus cycling Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 08/29/2025 - 10:27

Biking is one of the most popular ways to navigate campus and Boulder. Here are some tips to help you maintain and protect your bike for a convenient and sustainable way to get around.

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�� breaks ground on off-site solar array

Megan Maneval — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 18:00:10 +0000

�� breaks ground on off-site solar array Megan Maneval Wed, 08/13/2025 - 12:00

Representatives from �� and Pivot Energy break ground on the new solar array in Weld County. Left to right: Brian Lindoerfer, associate vice chancellor for Facilities Management, ��; Chris Ewing, vice chancellor for infrastructure and resilience, ��; Cara Carmichael, associate vice chancellor for sustainability, ��; Matt Brenn, director, Community Solar Subscriptions, Pivot Energy; Mat Elmore, senior vice president, Strategic Accounts, Pivot Energy; Isaiah Grayck, project manager, Pivot Energy

�� has broken ground on an off-site 5-megawatt solar array through a virtual net metering (VNEM) agreement with Pivot Energy that was initiated last year, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality. The project site is on 23 acres of land in Weld County that is jointly leased by Pivot Energy and ��.

Thanks to the virtual net metering agreement with Pivot Energy, this project will generate approximately 9.5 million kWh of clean energy annually—the equivalent amount of energy used across three of CU’s laboratory buildings (SEEC, SEEL and LASP). Laid end-to-end, the project's approximate 8,000 solar panels are enough to fill four football fields.

“This partnership with Pivot Energy is a powerful example of how �� is leading with purpose,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “We’re not just talking about sustainability—we’re building it into the fabric of our operations in ways that are both financially responsible and environmentally impactful.”

Colorado Senate Bill 21-26 made the VNEM program possible, enabling �� to benefit from the energy produced by off-site solar installations. The initiative is cost-neutral and supports CU’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), which outlines a path to carbon neutrality and responsible energy sourcing. The university will utilize solar power generated by the off-site net-metering solar project without needing to install solar on campus. The off-site solar project feeds directly into the electric grid, with �� receiving credits for the renewable energy produced on its electric bills. CU will transfer equivalent payments to Pivot that align with Xcel bill credits received.

“This project reflects our deep commitment to sustainability and climate action,” said Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock. “It’s a bold step forward that shows how large institutions can lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact for the planet.”

Pivot Energy is a national leading renewable energy provider and independent power producer that develops, finances, builds, owns and operates solar and energy storage projects. Pivot offers a distributed energy platform that includes a range of services and software to serve the full solar ecosystem.

“Pivot Energy is proud to partner with the �� on this exciting milestone to start construction on this virtual net metering project,” said Mat Elmore, senior vice president of strategic accounts at Pivot Energy. “This is a win-win for both Colorado’s largest university and Pivot by helping �� reach its renewable energy goals, and Pivot advancing its mission to accelerate the shift to solar energy in communities throughout the nation."

The project broke ground on Aug. 5, 2025, and is expected to be complete in spring 2026.

Beyond the story

Our sustainability impact by the numbers:

First student-run campus environmental center in the U.S.
No. 11 university for environmental and social impact in the U.S.
First zero-waste major sports stadium in the U.S.

Follow �� on LinkedIn

�� has begun building a 5-megawatt solar array off site in Weld County that advances the university's Climate Action Plan by expanding renewable energy use.

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$10M investment to invigorate sustainability education at ��

Megan Maneval — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 18:47:50 +0000

$10M investment to invigorate sustainability education at �� Megan Maneval Tue, 08/05/2025 - 12:47

Left to right: Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock, alumnus and donor Spike Buckley, and Chancellor Justin Schwartz at the signing ceremony.

A $10 million gift from a �� alumnus will transform the way sustainability is taught at ��—empowering students and faculty to create a more environmentally sustainable future in the face of a changing climate.

Through a venture-style investment designed for rapid impact, the gift from Spike Buckley will establish the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education. Buckley’s donation will provide $2 million annually for the next five years to implement a robust sustainability curriculum across campus, advance faculty impact and educate students for a more sustainable future.

“�� is already a powerhouse in sustainability and climate research,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “Spike's remarkably generous gift will allow us to better support the growing number of students across disciplines who are seeking the knowledge, skills and experiences to lead and thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

Investing in a more sustainable future

Universities play a key role in helping students engage with the environmental challenges shaping our future. The new Buckley Center for Sustainability Education will guide this work at ��, providing resources to students, faculty and staff to deepen their knowledge and strengthen their ability to integrate sustainability into the curriculum.

In this way, the center will help respond to the growing demand for sustainability education and support students in their pursuit of meaningful work.

Through course development, teaching collaborations, learning modules and tech tools, the center will create best practices and offer support for integrating sustainability concepts into courses across campus. The center will also support faculty in effectively teaching sustainability concepts—for example, through a fellowships program, curriculum ambassadors, professional development and recognition for outstanding sustainability educators.

“The Buckley Center will use a hub-and-spoke approach to accelerate this work, serving as the central coordinator for sustainability-related curricular efforts on campus,” said Andrew Mayock, ��’s vice chancellor for sustainability.

“By fostering a collaborative and dynamic environment for learning, research and real-world application, the center will not only prepare students to tackle environmental challenges but empower them to lead global solutions.”

Lastly, all students on campus will have the opportunity to participate in experiential learning, civic engagement, career pathways and leadership development related to sustainability, including through a new, competitive Buckley Scholars Program for students committed to sustainability work.

�� is uniquely equipped to continue its leadership role in sustainability education. By combining its legacy of environmental leadership—including its fifth STARS Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education—with world-renowned research institutes, academic programs and local partners, the university is an ideal hub for advancing innovative learning.

“The impact of these efforts will resonate around the world, preparing graduates who are equipped to shape a sustainable future for all,” Mayock said.

A legacy of impact

Spike Buckley is a proud graduate of ��’s economics program and a successful real estate redeveloper with four decades of experience across the U.S. and Canada. A longtime environmental philanthropist and advocate, Buckley founded the nonprofit Earth’s Call Fund in 2019 and One Earth Philanthropy in 2021 to help discover and fund climate solutions.

He has been recognized for his leadership in climate action, including with the Earth Legacy Leadership Award from the American Renewable Energy Day Summit in 2019. He has also served on the boards of several organizations focused on climate, public health and technology, and actively supports a wide range of environmental and conservation causes.

Buckley's gift to establish the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education underscores his confidence and commitment to advancing education in areas critical to the planet’s future.

“Thanks to recent initiatives, events and awards, CU finds itself uniquely positioned to take a leadership role among universities in the drive toward a more sustainable world,” said Buckley. “It is my fervent hope that CU students, faculty and alumni will ultimately see the Center for Sustainability Education as their vehicle to make the world a better place for future generations.”

This gift is part of ��’s strategic vision and investments in a more sustainable future. For more information, visit colorado.edu/sustainability.

Sustainability at ��

Recognition and rankings

First university to earn and maintain a STARS Gold rating for five consecutive cycles

Ranked 11th in the U.S. for sustainability by QS World University Rankings (2024)

Top five global rankings in earth and atmospheric sciences

Pioneering achievements

First U.S. campus with a student-run Environmental Center (1970)

Launched the nation’s first campus recycling program (1976)

Among the first universities to commit to carbon neutrality (2007)

First major college football stadium with a zero-waste program

First university to sign the UN’s Sports for Climate Change Action Framework

Academic and research leadership

Sustainability to be integrated across all colleges and schools through the Sustainable Futures Common Curriculum

Home to leading institutes and centers like CIRES, RASEI, INSTAAR, LASP, IBS and NSIDC

Strong national and global research collaborations with federal labs, NGOs and industry partners

Established the campus-wide Sustainability Research Initiative (SRI) in 2024

Climate action and innovation

Climate Action Plan targets 50% emissions reduction by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050

Investments in solar, geothermal and electric fleet upgrades

Zero-waste and net-zero initiatives in athletics facilities

Eliminated single-use beverage plastics on campus (2025)

National leadership and partnerships

Founding member of the University Climate Change Coalition (UC3)

Member of the Board of Directors of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)

Co-hosted the inaugural Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit with the UN (2022)

Free BCycle memberships now available for CU employees

Megan Maneval — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 14:53:46 +0000

Free BCycle memberships now available for CU employees Megan Maneval Fri, 08/01/2025 - 08:53

Starting Aug. 1, all CU employees are eligible for a free annual BCycle membership, thanks to a partnership between ��'s Environmental Center and BCycle. Previously, employees received a discounted rate.

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Folsom Field to feature new turf this football season

Megan Maneval — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 18:34:09 +0000

Folsom Field to feature new turf this football season Megan Maneval Wed, 07/30/2025 - 12:34

The Buffaloes will have a new field on which to roam this fall, as the �� Athletic Department has installed new artificial turf at Folsom Field. The month-long project was completed at the end of June and will be on full display for fans when CU hosts Georgia Tech in the football home opener on Aug. 29.

Folsom now features AstroTurf’s RootZone 3D3 system, a premium synthetic turf system known for its player safety, durability and natural look. The new surface features a stable playing surface designed to reduce field related wear and tear while meeting stringent safety standards.

The new field also includes a 20-millimeter shock pad manufactured by Brock, a Boulder-based company that also has created a revolutionary infill that is safer for athletes and the environment. Unlike the rubber infill that is commonly used in artificial fields, the product, BrockFILL, is composed of small pine pellets created through a patented process in a zero-waste U.S. factory.

The wood pellets provide better traction, help keep the field cooler and are substantially better for the environment than their rubber counterparts because the organic components are recyclable when the turf needs to be replaced. The wood pellets also don’t release chemicals into the air or leach into rainwater like crumb rubber can. Folsom’s BrockFILL field pellets contain approximately 40,000 pounds of sequestered carbon, which is the approximate equivalent of keeping 145,000 pounds of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.

“We are excited to update the playing surface at Folsom Field with a field that considers athlete safety and the environment through a partnership with Brock, which is a Boulder company,” said Athletic Director Rick George. “This new field will provide a consistent playing surface year-round, while also providing added opportunities to host more events like concerts at Folsom Field. It also looks great!”

Beyond the story

Our sustainability impact by the numbers:

First student-run campus environmental center in the U.S.
No. 11 university for environmental and social impact in the U.S.
First zero-waste major sports stadium in the U.S.

Follow �� on LinkedIn

"As a proud CU alumnus, it was a dream come true to be part of the Folsom Field renovation,” said Dan Sawyer, Brock Founder & CEO. “CU Athletics set out to create the next generation of artificial turf—one that considers both player safety and environmental impact. That vision aligned perfectly with Brock’s mission, and the collaboration inspired everyone involved. The result is a field that plays like natural grass, delivers the firmness and speed athletes need, and eliminates concerns about crumb rubber making its way into Boulder Creek."

The new turf will also have a significant reduction in maintenance impacts, including water use, fuel for equipment and fertilizer.

Folsom Field featured artificial turf from 1971 to 1998 before switching to natural grass. Nearly 70% of teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision play on an artificial surface. Most importantly, the new field has been approved by Ralphie, who will still perform her pre-game and halftime runs on the field every home game.

The new state-of-the-art surface combines safety, durability and eco-friendly features while providing the flexibility to host more events at the iconic stadium.

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�� eliminates single-use beverage plastics on campus

Megan Maneval — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:38:57 +0000

�� eliminates single-use beverage plastics on campus Megan Maneval Thu, 07/17/2025 - 09:38

�� has reached a major sustainability milestone with the finalization of a new 10-year pouring rights agreement with PepsiCo Beverages that will eliminate all single-use plastics from campus beverage services. The agreement aligns with the university’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) and supports advocacy from students, staff, faculty and administration. By joining just a handful of other pioneering schools in removing single-use plastics from campus beverage services, it further bolsters �� as a national leader in sustainable campus operations.

��’s deal marks the first of its kind for Pepsi in its scope and commitment with a university. While other universities have launched non-plastic initiatives, many have included carve-out clauses or vending exceptions for select plastic-packaged beverages. �� distinguishes itself by fully committing to a 100% non-plastic beverage initiative with Pepsi without exceptions.

“This contract is a bold step forward in our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “By eliminating single-use plastics from our beverage services, we’re not only responding to the values of our campus community—we’re building on our legacy as one of the most sustainable campuses in the country.”

The agreement includes no out-of-pocket costs for the university. PepsiCo Beverages was selected for its strong sustainability practices, including the use of electric vehicles and product take-back programs. The contract also requires third-party vendors on campus to comply with the shift away from single-use plastics.

Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock emphasized the broader impact of the agreement: “This is more than a contract—it’s a systems-level change that supports our climate goals and demonstrates how operational decisions can drive meaningful environmental outcomes.”

PepsiCo Beverages anticipates that much of its shift away from single-use plastics on campus will be toward aluminum and glass beverage containers.

With the anticipated increase in discarded aluminum on campus due to the new pouring rights agreement, �� may see added financial benefit from recycling. While it is too early to estimate potential revenue gains, there is optimism that increased aluminum recovery could enhance returns—especially if �� is able to negotiate competitive pricing and optimize processing methods to reduce costs as volumes grow.

Beginning July 7, the new pouring rights agreement with PepsiCo Beverages initiated a campuswide transition away from single-use beverage plastics that will entail the re-stocking or replacement of beverage vending machines on campus. Cafes and other retail spaces will make the changeover as existing products are sold or replaced.

Beyond the story

Our sustainability impact by the numbers:

First student-run campus environmental center in the U.S.
No. 11 university for environmental and social impact in the U.S.
First zero-waste major sports stadium in the U.S.

Follow �� on LinkedIn

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�� shines on global sustainability stage

Megan Maneval — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 19:39:54 +0000

�� shines on global sustainability stage Megan Maneval Tue, 07/15/2025 - 13:39

At the recent Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress, held for the first time in the United States, �� made a powerful showing—solidifying its role as a global voice in sustainability research, education and skills training.

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Kale, yeah! ��'s sustainable dining

Megan Maneval — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 16:47:08 +0000

Kale, yeah! ��'s sustainable dining Megan Maneval Fri, 07/11/2025 - 10:47

Coloradan

At ��, innovative hydroponic farming and plant-based, locally sourced meals are transforming campus dining into sustainable, fresh and delicious food.

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�� selects Salas O'Brien to design campus decarbonization plan

Megan Maneval — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:03:54 +0000

�� selects Salas O'Brien to design campus decarbonization plan Megan Maneval Thu, 07/10/2025 - 07:03

�� has announced the selection of engineering firm Salas O’Brien to design its campus decarbonization plan, kicking off the signature project of the university’s commitment to achieve a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by no later than 2050.

Envisioned in ��’s 2024 Climate Action Plan (CAP), the comprehensive decarbonization project involves transitioning the campus heating system from steam to low-temperature hot water powered by clean energy. The project will unfold in multiple phases over the next decade, with significant milestones and investments planned to ensure a dependable and resilient energy source for the campus. The CAP is a vital element of our sustainability strategy, which encompasses local to global impact and integrates sustainability into our research and teaching missions.

“The kickoff of our campus decarbonization plan is a major step toward aligning our actions with our values,” �� Chancellor Justin Schwartz said. “I am grateful for the efforts of so many on our campus who helped drive our Climate Action Plan forward to get us to this point. And I am excited to partner with a company like Salas O’Brien that shares our values around sustainability and brings great expertise to this enormous undertaking.”

Salas O’Brien is an engineering and technical consulting firm of more than 3,800 employees operating out of 90 offices across North America. The firm provides decarbonization expertise, leadership, and support to plan, design and implement campus- and community-scale alternative energy systems. Salas O’Brien’s 450-plus geothermal projects completed to date provide over 90,000 tons of system capacity.

“We’re delighted to have been chosen by �� to realize their decarbonization goals,” said Rob McKenna, Salas O’Brien’s director of energy planning and the decarbonization project manager. “The Salas O’Brien team is impressed by the university’s enthusiastic engagement and clear commitment to a carbon-free future—essential components for a successful initiative.”

The decarbonization plan design effort is expected to be complete by spring 2026. While it will lay out the road map for converting the entire campus to low-temperature hot water, major initial focus will be placed on the first and second phases highlighted in the CAP, along with the conversion of Williams Village. Salas O’Brien will be responsible for refining the phased approach to implementing this work across the campus.

Those initial phases are vital to ��’s plan to reduce campus emissions by 50% by 2030.

“�� research leads the way in creating sustainable solutions for our planet, and our curriculum is shaping the leaders who will help create a world in which everyone enjoys access to clean air, fresh water, abundant food and a vibrant natural environment,” �� Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock said. “We’re decarbonizing our campus because we know our impact is greatest when we all participate, and this project helps demonstrate our commitment to sustainability across all three pillars of academics, research and operations.”

Beyond the story

Our sustainability impact by the numbers:

First student-run campus environmental center in the U.S.
No. 11 university for environmental and social impact in the U.S.
First zero-waste major sports stadium in the U.S.

Follow �� on LinkedIn

To help ensure the success of the project, campus leaders have established a high-level steering committee that includes faculty, students and other key stakeholders. This committee will play a crucial role in guiding the project, providing valuable insights, and ensuring the interests of the entire campus community are represented.

In addition to the steering committee, the Office of Infrastructure and Resilience is hiring a sustainability operations and decarbonization manager to oversee the project. This new role will be instrumental in coordinating efforts, managing resources and ensuring the project stays on track.

“One of the most significant challenges of this project is transitioning major campus buildings from steam to low-temperature hot water,” Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Resilience Chris Ewing said. “This process involves substantial construction work that is critical for us to achieve our goals. Salas O’Brien demonstrated proficiency in renewable energy solutions and a clear understanding of the university’s goals and challenges.

“It will be a heavy lift to identify how to avoid taking buildings offline and minimize impact to our campus mission of teaching and research. We have a great team that will collaborate to make it happen, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for the design work to begin.”

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Sustainability

��'s green summer: 7 sustainability moves you may have missed

Buckley Center for Sustainability Education established

No more single-use beverage plastics

Boulder Climate Ventures launches

Campus decarbonization plan

From plastic to fertilizer

Leeds received a transformative gift

Off-site solar array breaks ground

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����������'s green summer: 7 sustainability moves you may have missed

Buckley Center for Sustainability Education established

No more single-use beverage plastics

Boulder Climate Ventures launches

Campus decarbonization plan

From plastic to fertilizer

Leeds received a transformative gift

Off-site solar array breaks ground

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��'s green summer: 7 sustainability moves you may have missed

�� breaks ground on off-site solar array

$10M investment to invigorate sustainability education at ��

�� eliminates single-use beverage plastics on campus

�� shines on global sustainability stage

Kale, yeah! ��'s sustainable dining

�� selects Salas O'Brien to design campus decarbonization plan