Sustainability

Norlin Library's lighting overhaul brightens campus sustainability goals

Megan Maneval — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:30:05 +0000

Norlin Library's lighting overhaul brightens campus sustainability goals Megan Maneval Thu, 10/30/2025 - 09:30

Norlin Library is getting smarter, greener and more comfortable. As one of 18 campus buildings undergoing upgrades, Norlin's changes deliver sustainability, savings and a better place to study and work.

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Join the Nov. 5 Sustainability Town Hall

Megan Maneval — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:16:59 +0000

Join the Nov. 5 Sustainability Town Hall Megan Maneval Thu, 10/30/2025 - 09:16

Plan to attend the Sustainability Town Hall—a free lunch event to learn, connect and share ideas on campus sustainability.

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CU entrepreneurs shine at the Colorado Sustainability Challenge

Megan Maneval — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 16:01:24 +0000

CU entrepreneurs shine at the Colorado Sustainability Challenge Megan Maneval Tue, 10/28/2025 - 10:01

Five finalist teams won a total of $21,000 in awards at the Colorado Sustainability Challenge finals. Students, faculty and staff at seven Colorado Front Range colleges and universities vied for a chance to make their mark on Colorado's growing innovation ecosystem.

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��ƷSM��ӰƬ earns top-tier Green Rating in The Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges

Megan Maneval — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 13:09:32 +0000

��ƷSM��ӰƬ earns top-tier Green Rating in The Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges Megan Maneval Mon, 10/27/2025 - 07:09

��ƷSM��ӰƬ has been recognized as one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible universities in The Princeton Review’s 2026 Guide to Green Colleges, earning a standout Green Rating with 98 points out of 99 possible.

The Green Rating evaluates colleges on more than 25 data points, including climate commitments, renewable energy use, waste reduction, sustainability curriculum and campus engagement, placing ��ƷSM��ӰƬ among the highest-rated institutions in the country. The guide, now in its 15th year, profiles colleges that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability in operations, academics and student engagement.

This recognition reflects ��ƷSM��ӰƬ’s longstanding legacy in sustainability and renewed momentum. Recent efforts include the hiring of Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock to align and elevate campuswide action and the launch of the Buckley Center for Sustainable Education to embed sustainability across academic pathways, made possible by a $10 million philanthropic investment from alum Spike Buckley to expand sustainability learning and leadership opportunities for students.

In addition to the Green Rating, ��ƷSM��ӰƬ also serves as the host institution for the new Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability, a national framework recognizing colleges and universities that integrate sustainability into everything from academics and research to operations and engagement. CU’s leadership on this classification affirms that sustainability is not simply an initiative but a foundational commitment.

The Princeton Review selected 388 institutions based on data from university sustainability reports and student surveys, evaluating indicators such as renewable energy use, waste reduction, sustainability curriculum and campus culture.

The ranking also reflects strong student demand for environmentally responsible universities. In fact, 59% of prospective students say a school’s environmental commitment influences their college choice, according to the Princeton Review’s 2025 College Hopes & Worries Survey.

��ƷSM��ӰƬ has been recognized as one of the nation's most environmentally responsible universities in The Princeton Review's 2026 Guide to Green Colleges, earning a standout Green Rating with 98 points out of 99 possible.

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5 things to know about the Limelight Hotel

Megan Maneval — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:59:58 +0000

5 things to know about the Limelight Hotel Megan Maneval Fri, 10/17/2025 - 09:59

Limelight Boulder has officially opened, and its arrival reflects a years-long partnership between the city of Boulder and ��ƷSM��ӰƬ to bring a conference center of this size to the community. The first of its kind in Boulder County, the facility will offer a new space to host events large and small, as well as a venue for showcasing the innovation and leadership occurring in the community and on campus.

From the delicious food at Ajax Tavern to the tailgate celebrations before Buffs home football games, the hotel is one you have to check out for yourself—and enjoy! Here are five things to know about Boulder’s newest hotel.

The country's largest all-electric hotel

As the largest all-electric hotel in the U.S. with LEED Gold certification, the property features modern spaces, advanced AV technology, locally inspired food and beverage, and a sustainable design that performs at a high level while reflecting its surroundings.

Expansive event space

With 26,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, Limelight Boulder can host gatherings ranging from small strategy sessions to programs for up to 1,200 guests. Its location on campus and near downtown provides mountain views and convenient access, supported by modern design and excellent service.

Prime connection

Located on the ��ƷSM��ӰƬ campus, Limelight Boulder is steps from the Hill and within easy reach of downtown and Folsom Field. With beautiful common areas such as the upper deck, courtyard, lobby bar and living area, the property offers a place for guests and the community to connect.

The courtyard comes alive before every CU home football game with a brass band and tailgate treats. Later this fall, Limelight Live will debut as a core part of Limelight Boulder’s programming, bringing live music to the hotel for guests and the community to enjoy on a weekly basis.

Thoughtful design

Limelight Boulder’s design draws inspiration from the natural environment while creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. Sustainability guided every detail, from native landscaping to expansive windows that highlight mountain views, resulting in a property that feels closely connected to Boulder and energizing for guests seeking inspiration and momentum.

CU Book Store

The CU Book Store has opened a new location at Limelight Boulder. This exciting addition also marks a milestone for the CU Book Store—for the first time ever, they have expanded to a second location!

This vibrant retail space will feature a curated selection of CU-branded apparel and gifts, along with unique Boulder- and Colorado-themed merchandise. It’s more than just a store—it’s a celebration of Buffs pride in a high-traffic, high-energy setting.

Boasting a second location for the CU Book Store, a gold standard in sustainable design and more, the Limelight Hotel is the newest addition on campus. Learn more.

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Private philanthropy spurs sustainability initiatives at ��ƷSM��ӰƬ

Elizabeth Lock — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:48:08 +0000

Private philanthropy spurs sustainability initiatives at ��ƷSM��ӰƬ Elizabeth Lock Wed, 10/08/2025 - 06:48

��ƷSM��ӰƬ's momentum in sustainability continues to build with its third significant gift in this area within the past few months.

��ƷSM��ӰƬ recently received a generous $1.15 million commitment from the Walton Family Foundation to support two sustainability initiatives: The Water Desk within the Center for Environmental Journalism and the Western Water Policy Program in the Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources.

This award—along with a gift from alum Spike Buckley to establish the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education and a donation of the 476-acre Spruce Gulch Wildlife and Research Reserve from alum Linda Holubar Sanabria—demonstrates the power of donor support to drive sustainability initiatives at the university.

"Sustainability is a core priority of ��ƷSM��ӰƬ because we want to help every community enjoy access to clean air, fresh water, abundant food and a vibrant natural environment," said ��ƷSM��ӰƬ Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock. "We are grateful for partners like the Walton Family Foundation who help us make progress toward that vision through innovative programs like The Water Desk and the Western Water Policy Program. Journalistic coverage of water issues and sound policy development are absolutely vital to our understanding of water issues in the West and preservation of critical resources like the Colorado River.”

Advancing Western water policy

The Walton Family Foundation's commitment will support programs that directly address Western water issues, specifically in those affecting the Colorado River Basin.

A portion of the award will bolster impactful journalism at The Water Desk—a program within the College of Communication, Media, Design and Information. The Water Desk is editorially independent and connects journalists with resources to help them understand and cover issues related to water policy in the West. In doing so, it informs the public and policymakers with fact-based reporting.

Luke Runyon, co-director of The Water Desk, said this grant comes at a critical time for both journalism and water in the West.

"The news industry is facing budget shortfalls and staff cutbacks, while climate change continues to upend how the water cycle functions in our region," Runyon said. "In-depth, high-impact reporting on the Colorado River Basin is more important than ever. The Walton Family Foundation's generous, continued support of The Water Desk gives us the ability to grow a network of media outlets that provides coverage across the West.

"This philanthropic funding for water journalism is essential for informing citizens and decision-makers about problems and potential solutions."

The support will also help the Western Water Policy Program in the Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and Environment within Colorado Law, and shape the policy and leadership of new river operating rules. The funding will support the center's annual conference, revitalize the Colorado River Research Group and mentor future water leaders in water law and policy.

"Communities need trusted, fact-based journalism and ideas to help make decisions about how to protect water, nature and the people who rely on them," said Ted Kowalski, Colorado Initiative lead for the Walton Family Foundation's Environment Program. "This support for The Water Desk and the Western Water Policy Program will connect local ideas to local leaders."

Leading in sustainability-based programs

Today's students seek opportunities to incorporate sustainability and environmental leadership into their education. Programs supporting water policy align with these student goals and position ��ƷSM��ӰƬ as a leader in sustainability-based education and research.

Continued donor support helps the university attract top students, support their educational progress, expand their educational experiences on campus and set them up for success after graduation. And sustainability touches more than scientific academic areas: Recent support through private philanthropy demonstrates how disciplines across campus can incorporate programs and initiatives that address society's greatest environmental challenges, empowering the next generation of policymakers, journalists, researchers and innovators to lead in this space.

5 ways faculty, staff put ��ƷSM��ӰƬ on map at NYC Climate Week

Megan Maneval — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:33:49 +0000

5 ways faculty, staff put ��ƷSM��ӰƬ on map at NYC Climate Week Megan Maneval Tue, 09/30/2025 - 11:33

Multiple ��ƷSM��ӰƬ sustainability leaders helped raise the visibility of campus efforts during New York City Climate Week Sept. 21–28, including a keynote address, climate comedy and more.

NYC Climate Week, coinciding timing-wise with the United Nations General Assembly, is billed as the world’s largest climate gathering outside of the United Nations’ (UN) annual Conference of Parties (COP), bringing together global leaders and innovators “to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, fairer future.”

��ƷSM��ӰƬ Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock, Associate Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Cara Carmichael, Theatre Professor Beth Osnes-Stoedefalke, and Environmental Studies Professor and CIRES Fellow Max Boykoff, who was recently hired to lead the Buckley Center for Sustainable Education, all participated in various events during the week.

Officials from ��ƷSM��ӰƬ and the American Council on Education convened a panel on the new Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability. Left to right: Cara Carmichael, associate vice chancellor for sustainability, ��ƷSM��ӰƬ; Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability, ��ƷSM��ӰƬ; Mushtaq Gunja, executive director of the Carnegie Classification Systems, American Council on Education; Marisol Morales, executive director of the Elective Classifications, American Council on Education.

Green Schools keynote, panel

Mayock and Carmichael both played key roles at the ninth annual Green Schools Conference. Mayock provided the keynote address, where—in addition to speaking about the unique opportunity for universities to lead in the sustainability space—he announced that ��ƷSM��ӰƬ has been selected to host a new Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability.

Both Carmichael and Mayock then joined partners from the American Council on Education, which administers the Carnegie classifications, in a panel discussion highlighting the new elective classification and next steps.

The Green Schools Conference bestowed upon Mayock, the former chief sustainability officer for the federal government, its “Patron of the Planet” award in honor of his “exceptional leadership in advancing climate policy, education, and action” and “steadfast dedication to protecting the Earth and its future generations.”

Boykoff on 'information integrity' at UN General Assembly, book launch

Boykoff participated in a pair of events focused on information integrity related to climate communication.

At a UN General Assembly event hosted by the office of the UN Secretary General, Boykoff participated in a roundtable to talk about how mis- and dis-information influences climate action. The event provided a platform for leaders to build understanding, momentum and support for climate information integrity as COP30 in Brazil approaches this fall.

The second event connected to information integrity was a book launch for “Climate Obstruction: A Global Assessment,” for which Boykoff co-authored a chapter. The book chronicles the efforts around the world to resist and undermine policies that address climate change.

International Universities Climate Alliance policy discussion

Carmichael served as a panelist at a virtual event hosted by the International Universities Climate Alliance that highlighted the role universities play at the intersection of climate research and policy.

Carmichael highlighted the new Carnegie elective classification, ��ƷSM��ӰƬ’s leadership support to deliver on climate solutions, and the university’s prowess in tech transfer of climate and sustainability-related research into viable startup companies.

��ƷSM��ӰƬ Theatre Professor Beth Osnes-Stoedefalke and Environmental Studies Professor and CIRES Fellow Max Boykoff pose with comedians at the Caveat Comedy Club, where "The Heat of the Moment" Climate Comedy event was held during New York City Climate Week.

Comedy for a cause

At the start of Climate Week activities, Osnes-Stoedefalke and Boykoff co-produced “The Heat of the Moment,” a live comedy showcase at Caveat Comedy Club in which ��ƷSM��ӰƬ students collaborated with comedians from “The Daily Show,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” and Comedy Central to develop material for the performance.

Osnes-Stoedefalke opened the showcase, performing for a sellout crowd at the club on Manhattan’s Lower East Side alongside seven other professional comedians.

The event was a product of ��ƷSM��ӰƬ’s Inside the Greenhouse initiative, an interdisciplinary collaborative effort that works to deepen understanding of how issues associated with climate change can be communicated.

'The Future of Global Climate Action Roundtable'

Mayock participated in “The Future of Global Climate Action Roundtable” hosted by the Aspen Instituted Energy and Environment Program.

The event brought together leaders from a number of sectors to discuss the future of global climate governance and reflect on their visions for sustained climate action.

Additional Climate Week presence

Mayock also joined the 2025 Templeton Prize award ceremony, where Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of 300 million Eastern Orthodox Christians, was honored for his efforts to bridge scientific and spiritual understandings of humanity’s relationship with the natural world, bringing together people of different faiths to heed a call for environmental stewardship.

Environmental activist Jane Goodall and former Vice President Al Gore praised Bartholomew for using the stature of his office for convening groups of scientists, scholars, political leaders, and clerics from the Catholic, Jewish and Muslim worlds.

Multiple ��ƷSM��ӰƬ sustainability leaders helped raise the visibility of campus efforts during New York City Climate Week in September, including a keynote address, climate comedy and more.

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Engineering program helps launch 3D plastic recycling program

Megan Maneval — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:59:02 +0000

Engineering program helps launch 3D plastic recycling program Megan Maneval Tue, 09/30/2025 - 08:59

College of Engineering and Applied Science

What to do with failed 3D prints? A student team's idea and new initiative transforms plastic waste from 3D printing into reusable materials, reducing landfill impacts and championing student innovation.

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Sustainability Council welcomes new members, refines priorities and plans campus listening session

Megan Maneval — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 20:23:13 +0000

Sustainability Council welcomes new members, refines priorities and plans campus listening session Megan Maneval Wed, 09/24/2025 - 14:23

The Campus Sustainability Council convened on Sept. 12 to discuss the following topics:

Council membership updates

Four new members joined: Kaila Red Bow (student), Martin Kelley (staff), Kathryn Wendell (staff) and Sara Tabatabaie (faculty). Associate Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Cara Carmichael is now an ex officio member.

Campus sustainability updates

Council Co-chair Chris Ewing and other members of the council provided updates on the following initiatives:

Leadership and governance: New vice chancellor for sustainability (Andrew Mayock); associate vice chancellor (Cara Carmichael); director for campus climate action, sustainability and resilience (Josh Radoff); and faculty executive director of the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education (Max Boykoff)
Climate and energy: Decarbonization plan design underway; efficiency upgrades in 18 buildings; new solar arrays (on site and off site); geothermal studies; ENVD retrofit pilot
Zero waste and materials: PepsiCo contract eliminating single-use bottles; campus waste study; reusable serviceware pilot; new surplus store
Food and dining: CU ranked No. 1 nationally for plant-based dining, expanding offerings
Mobility: Buff Bus fleet expansion with new electric buses; free BCycle memberships for students and employees
Education and innovation: $10M Buckley Center for Sustainability Education; Boulder Climate Ventures program supporting student climate startups
Engagement and collaboration: Boulder Faculty Assembly partnership to engage academic units into strategies for reducing Scope 3 emissions in alignment of the Climate Action Plan goals

Council structure and process feedback

The council continues as an advisory body to the chancellor, cabinet and senior sustainability leadership, integrating sustainability across academic, operational, research and community activities.
Members discussed the need for clearer communication on proposal review and tracking, more structured outreach and defined success metrics.
Opportunities for improvement include a formal proposal process, enhanced engagement and outreach and better integration with campus frameworks like STARS.

Join the Sustainable Buffs community

Share your sustainability ideas

Council priorities for 2025–26

Five focus areas identified in spring 2025: zero waste and plastics, transportation, food, composting and Scope 3 emissions.
The council will reassess these priorities to ensure alignment with campus needs, member expertise and actionable outcomes. Final priorities may be confirmed by December.
Measurable engagement is seen as a key success metric.

Fall 2025 listening session

Planned for November, this public forum will gather input from the campus community.
The session will focus on council priority themes, campuswide sustainability updates and open discussion.
Council members will be polled for the best date and time.

Next steps and upcoming meetings

Refine the council proposal template to emphasize problem definition, evidence, alignment and sponsorship.
Develop review deadlines and a tracking system for proposals including a regular annual cadence for submissions.
Identify key performance indicators for engagement and clarify student/outside entity involvement.
Upcoming meetings: Oct. 10, Nov. 14 (including the listening session) and Dec. 12.

The Sustainability Council welcomed new members, reviewed campuswide sustainability initiatives, refined its priorities for 2025–26 and announced a November listening session to engage the community in shaping future actions.

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3 ways Limelight Hotel Boulder aligns with campus sustainability values

Megan Maneval — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:08:08 +0000

3 ways Limelight Hotel Boulder aligns with campus sustainability values Megan Maneval Wed, 09/17/2025 - 11:08

The Limelight Hotel Boulder, which officially opened its doors on Aug. 20, includes a number of design features that align with ��ƷSM��ӰƬ’s sustainability values. Located in the northwest corner of campus, the hotel is designed to receive LEED Gold certification standards, in alignment with ��ƷSM��ӰƬ’s sustainability goals.

Click images to enlarge

The hotel represents the result of years of dedicated collaboration between ��ƷSM��ӰƬ, the city of Boulder and a wide range of community stakeholders. As the largest facility of its kind in Boulder, the conference center hotel has long been recognized as a key community project—one expected to boost economic activity and contribute to the revitalization of the University Hill business district.

“The Limelight Hotel Boulder will provide an expansive meeting and event space for our faculty and community leaders to showcase the groundbreaking research and creative work taking place on our campus and throughout Boulder to peers and collaborators,” said ��ƷSM��ӰƬ Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “We are excited to partner with a company like Limelight that shares our sustainability values and has thoughtfully incorporated design features that reflect those values.”

All-electric design for a greener grid

The building is powered entirely by electricity, making it the largest all-electric hotel in the country, according to Limelight. Being all electric (with the exception of the outdoor fire pit areas) means there is no on-site combustion used to heat the building. This, along with the decarbonizing Colorado grid (state law requires an 85% reduction by 2030 and 100% by 2050), means the building will steadily decarbonize over time. This design choice aligns with ��ƷSM��ӰƬ’s climate goals.

The building’s mechanical systems also include hot water storage, which enables the electric heating system to store the energy and ramp down during peak periods on the electricity grid, thus supporting system resilience and cost-effective, clean electricity. Its high-performance exterior walls and roof assemblies significantly decrease the need for heating and cooling.

Inside guest rooms, low-voltage LED lighting and thermostats are controlled by sensors that shut off lights and adjust temperature set points when guests leave their room and return to previous settings when guests return.

Sustainable construction and site planning

The hotel was built on a former gas station site, requiring environmental restoration before construction began. Soil decontamination and improved underground water management were key early steps, and its prefabricated wall framing system helped reduce construction waste.

Additional features include a rainscreen façade system for durability and energy efficiency, pilings that allow water to flow beneath the parking structure and landscaping that uses native plants to reduce water consumption.

Food and beverage operations with a climate lens

Inside the hotel, the kitchen and dining areas are also fully electric, which is reshaping the status quo for high-end, high volume commercial kitchen equipment and appliances. The food and beverage team has implemented a range of sustainability practices, including:

All food waste being composted in partnership with BioGreen 360
A commitment to eliminating single-use plastics, with compostable alternatives and reusable items prioritized
Sourcing approximately 40% of ingredients from local and regional providers, including Boulder Bread Works, Wood Grain Bagels and local farms and breweries
In-house preparation of items like pasta and smoked pastrami to reduce packaging waste
Creative food waste reduction strategies, such as using scraps to make stocks, tartare and pickles

More about the Limelight Hotel Boulder

Number of guest rooms: 250
Other amenities: Ground-floor restaurant, public outdoor plaza
Event space: 15,000-sq-ft ballroom and 10,000 sq ft of meeting space
To book a space: Campus entities contact Conference Services; non-campus affiliates contact Limelight

The Limelight Hotel Boulder, which officially opened on Aug. 20 on ��ƷSM��ӰƬ's campus, includes a number of sustainable design features. As Boulder's largest meeting and event space, it aims to foster community collaboration while advancing climate-conscious practices in hospitality.

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Sustainability

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