Sustainability

Sustainability

 

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

  • Create a student-led Environmental Center
  • Launch a student-led campus recycling program
  • Purchase renewable energy credits
  • Fuel campus vehicles completely with biodiesel
  • Provide students with a comprehensive bus pass
  • Achieve a STARS Gold rating
  • Be named a Sierra Club #1 greenest school (AAU)
  • Claim a carbon neutral student government and
    athletics program
 
  • 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.