At CU Boulder, sustainability is embedded in our campus life. We were the first university to:

• 1970
  E-Center established
  The nation’s first student-led Environmental Center is established on Earth Day.

• 1976
  Recycling program
  The nation’s first collegiate student-led recycling program begins. Student volunteers begin newspaper and aluminum can recycling.

• 1991
  Recycling partnership
  A student-administrative partnership between the CU Boulder Student Union and Facilities Management is created for recycling.

• 1991
  Prepaid bus program
  The nation’s first student prepaid bus program is established.

• 1992
  Recycling processing facility
  The first recycling processing facility is built on campus.

• 1994
  Campus Earth Summit
  The first annual Campus Earth Summit is held.

• 1997
  Talloires Declaration
  CU Boulder signs the Talloires Declaration, committing the university to set an example of environmental responsibility in its teaching, research and operations.

• 1998
  Campus Master Plan
  CU Boulder incorporates sustainability provisions for facilities into the Campus Master Plan.

• 2000
  Renewable energy credits
  CU Boulder students purchase the nation’s first renewable energy credits. Students vote to purchase renewable wind-energy credits to match electricity used in all major campus construction after 2000.

• 2001
  Energy Education Campaign
  An Energy Education Campaign begins. A resource conservation office position is created. Campus energy use decreases for the first time in 10 years.

• 2004
  Solar panels on campus
  The first solar panels on campus are installed at the University Memorial Center.

• 2005
  Sustainable CU Boulder Grant Fund
  The Sustainable CU Boulder Grant Fund is established by student vote.

• 2006
  First LEED-certified building
  The new ATLAS facility becomes the first CU Boulder building built or renovated to meet stringent Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green standards for sustainable architecture.

• 2007
  Pledge for carbon neutrality
  Chancellor G.P. “Bud” Peterson makes CU Boulder a charter signatory of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, pledging CU Boulder will attain carbon neutrality.

• 2007
  4 million pounds recycled
  CU Boulder’s recycling collection exceeds 4 million pounds. Funding is provided to begin a feasibility study of relocating or expanding CU Boulder’s recycling facility.

• 2008
  Zero-waste
  The CU Boulder student government requires all student-funded food/dining events to be zero-waste.

• 2008
  Free reusable bags
  CU Boulder Dining Services eliminates plastic bags from grab-and-go meals and distributes free reusable bags to all incoming residence hall students.

• 2008
  NCAA zero-waste program
  CU Boulder Athletics launches the nation’s first NCAA Division 1 zero-waste program.

• 2009
  Carbon neutrality
  CU Boulder issues a conceptual plan for carbon neutrality.

• 2009
  #1 green school in the nation
  The Sierra Club names CU Boulder the #1 green school in the nation.

• 2011
  STARS Gold sustainability rating
  CU Boulder receives the nation’s first STARS Gold sustainability rating.

• 2012
  Carbon neutrality for student-run buildings
  The CU Boulder student government attains carbon neutrality for student-run buildings.

• 2014
  STARS Gold sustainability
  CU Boulder renews its STARS Gold sustainability rating and increases its score.

• 2015
  SEEC facility
  The new Sustainability, Energy and Environment Complex (SEEC) research, education and engagement facility is set to open on East Campus.

• 2016
  Net-zero electricity
  CU Boulder Athletics attains carbon neutrality and opens a “net-zero electricity” practice facility at Folsom Field.