Sustainability

5 ways faculty, staff put �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder on map at NYC Climate Week

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

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

Multiple �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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.”

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder; Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder; 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’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.

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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.

Traditional

White

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.

Traditional

White

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: �鶹��Ѱ��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.

Traditional

White

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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s sustainability values. Located in the northwest corner of campus, the hotel is designed to receive LEED Gold certification standards, in alignment with �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s sustainability goals.

Click images to enlarge

The hotel represents the result of years of dedicated collaboration between �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder, 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder'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.

Traditional

White

Max Boykoff, Josh Radoff to lead key campus sustainability initiatives

Megan Maneval — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 17:53:42 +0000

Max Boykoff, Josh Radoff to lead key campus sustainability initiatives Megan Maneval Thu, 09/04/2025 - 11:53

In alignment with �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s strategic sustainability priorities, the university has appointed two faculty members to lead transformative campus efforts in education and infrastructure.

Max Boykoff, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) fellow and former chair of the Environmental Studies (ENVS) department, has been named the inaugural faculty executive director of the newly launched Buckley Center for Sustainability Education.

Josh Radoff, Masters of the Environment (MENV) Renewable and Sustainable Energy Specialization lead, will serve as director of campus climate action, sustainability and resilience within the Office of Infrastructure and Resilience.

“These appointments reflect our commitment to integrating faculty expertise into the heart of our sustainability strategy,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability. “Max and Josh bring deep knowledge and collaborative spirit to efforts that will elevate �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder as a global leader in sustainability education and climate action.”

Boykoff, Buckley Center to elevate sustainability communication

Max Boykoff

Boykoff, a CIRES fellow and faculty member in ENVS since 2009, brings deep expertise in sustainability, interdisciplinary collaboration and student engagement. For this position, he will report to Andrew Mayock.

“Max is a visionary leader who understands how to connect sustainability education inside and outside the classroom,” Mayock said. “This is an exciting moment for �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder. With new leadership across campus and a clear set of priorities, we have unprecedented opportunities to serve our students and elevate �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder as a global hub for sustainability education.”

The Buckley Center was made possible by a transformational gift from donor Spike Buckley, whose vision emphasizes agility, innovation and student-centered programming. Funds will enable the center to launch initiatives that build student capacity, confidence and competence in sustainability. In addition to hiring staff for the new initiative, the Buckley Center will start to develop student-centered programming, including fellowships and experiential learning.

Boykoff’s leadership will focus on engaging students through fellow and scholar programs, experiential learning and cross-campus collaboration. The center will also work closely with faculty to co-produce sustainability curricula and integrate sustainability themes into diverse disciplines.

“I’m honored to help launch the Buckley Center and excited to work with students and faculty to build something transformative,” Boykoff said. “We have a real opportunity to connect sustainability education with student success, graduation rates and global impact. This is about empowering students to lead in their communities and careers.”

The Buckley Center will align closely with �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s sustainability goals, which include the Climate Action Plan (CAP), emphasizing connectivity, communication and coordination. Programming will be flexible to support a wide range of student ambitions, from guided projects to independent initiatives.

Radoff to help bring Climate Action Plan to life

Josh Radoff

Radoff will lead the implementation and evolution of the CAP, with a particular focus on Scope 3 emissions (or emissions caused by �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s actions but coming from sources it doesn’t directly own or control), as well as zero-waste initiatives and the elimination of single-use plastics. For this position, he will report to Chris Ewing, vice chancellor for infrastructure and resilience.

Radoff will lead efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability across campus operations—covering energy systems, building design, waste management, transportation and educational integration. This includes coordinating infrastructure upgrades, supporting sustainable construction and using campus sustainability data for student learning and engagement.

Radoff will continue his faculty role as renewable and sustainable energy specialization lead within the MENV program, and he was recently appointed as a commissioner on Colorado’s Solid and Hazardous Waste Commission.

“�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder is at an inflection point,” Radoff said. “We’re turning the CAP into reality through projects people can see and feel. These efforts are imminent, challenging and essential—not just for us, but for other institutions like ours.”

Radoff emphasized the importance of celebrating the “unsung heroes” who are driving sustainability efforts across campus—from building an electric vehicle infrastructure to advancing zero-waste logistics. He sees himself as part of a new team, working alongside Boykoff (with whom he shares a professional history) to shape �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s sustainability action and education.

Max Boykoff will be the inaugural faculty executive director of the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education, and Josh Radoff will work with the Office of Infrastructure and Resilience to lead the implementation of the campus Climate Action Plan.

Traditional

White

Buff Bus evolves: Marine Street Express goes on demand

Megan Maneval — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:51:09 +0000

Buff Bus evolves: Marine Street Express goes on demand Megan Maneval Thu, 09/04/2025 - 09:51

This fall, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s Buff Bus system is rolling out a major update designed to make campus transit more efficient, flexible and accessible for all riders.

On Oct. 1, the Marine Street Express will be replaced by a new on-demand transit service powered by Via. This service will allow riders to request rides between eight designated stops across campus using a new mobile app (coming soon). Riders will be able to select their pickup and drop-off locations, choose a departure time (ASAP or scheduled) and receive real-time wait estimates.

Stops

Stops will include:

Euclid Avenue and 18th Street (across from the CASE building)
C4C westbound (Regent Drive, south side of the Center for Community)
C4C eastbound (Regent Drive, across from the Center for Community)
Regent at Lot 436 (Regent Drive, across from the engineering building)
Marine Street Science Center (3394 Marine St.)
OIT (East Campus Computing Center) 3760 Marine St.)
CINC (Center for Innovation and Creativity) (1777 Exposition Drive)
Distribution Center and �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Surplus Store (3300 Walnut St.)

This new service is ADA accessible and designed to offer broader coverage to our East Campus locations than the current fixed-route system.

Why it matters

These changes are part of �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s ongoing commitment to smarter, more sustainable campus mobility. The new on-demand model:

Reduces per-boarding costs
Increases rider flexibility
Supports accessibility with ADA-compliant vehicles
Aligns with sustainability goals through EV integration

What to expect

QR codes will be posted at stops for easy app access.
Buff Ride stickers on the sides of the Via vehicles will help riders identify Buff Ride vehicles.
Transit app and campus map updates soon will reflect the new service.
Internal communications will be sent to building proctors and departments along the Marine Street corridor.

In addition to these changes, updates to the Williams Village route are posted online. The Stampede and Bear Creek Express routes remain unchanged.

Stay tuned for more details as the semester approaches. For Buff Bus questions contact Buff Bus Services at transportationsvcs@colorado.edu. For accessibility support contact Disability Services at dsinfo@colorado.edu.

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder's Marine Street Express route will transition to a flexible, ADA-accessible on-demand service this fall, offering riders app-based access to key campus locations and marking a major step forward in sustainable, user-centered transit.

Traditional

White

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

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

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

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder alum will transform the way sustainability is taught at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder—empowering students and faculty to create a more environmentally sustainable future in the face of a changing climate.

No more single-use beverage plastics

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder, 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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.

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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.

Traditional

White

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.

Off

Traditional

White

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder breaks ground on off-site solar array

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

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

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

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder.

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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder receiving credits for the renewable energy produced on its electric bills. �鶹��Ѱ��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 �鶹��Ѱ�� 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder on LinkedIn

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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.

Traditional

White

$10M investment to invigorate sustainability education at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder

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

$10M investment to invigorate sustainability education at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder alumnus will transform the way sustainability is taught at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder—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.

“�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder, 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, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’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.

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder 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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’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, �鶹��Ѱ��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 �鶹��Ѱ��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 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s strategic vision and investments in a more sustainable future. For more information, visit colorado.edu/sustainability.

Sustainability at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder

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)

Sustainability

5 ways faculty, staff put �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder on map at NYC Climate Week

Green Schools keynote, panel

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

International Universities Climate Alliance policy discussion

Comedy for a cause

'The Future of Global Climate Action Roundtable'

Additional Climate Week presence

Related Articles

Engineering program helps launch 3D plastic recycling program

Related Articles

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

Council membership updates

Campus sustainability updates

Council structure and process feedback

Council priorities for 2025–26

Fall 2025 listening session

Next steps and upcoming meetings

Related Articles

3 ways Limelight Hotel Boulder aligns with campus sustainability values

All-electric design for a greener grid

Sustainable construction and site planning

Food and beverage operations with a climate lens

Related Articles

Max Boykoff, Josh Radoff to lead key campus sustainability initiatives

Boykoff, Buckley Center to elevate sustainability communication

Radoff to help bring Climate Action Plan to life

Related Articles

Buff Bus evolves: Marine Street Express goes on demand

Stops

Why it matters

What to expect

Related Articles

�鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder'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

Related Articles

Ride smart: Tips for safe and sustainable campus cycling

Off

�鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder breaks ground on off-site solar array

Related Articles

$10M investment to invigorate sustainability education at �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder

Investing in a more sustainable future

A legacy of impact

Related Articles

5 ways faculty, staff put �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder on map at NYC Climate Week

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

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder breaks ground on off-site solar array

$10M investment to invigorate sustainability education at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder