Looking to be more sustainable this year? Join the Sustainable Buffs Community to get tips and connect with like-minded students. Here are some ways to get started and opportunities to get involved.

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The annual Leeds Sustainability Case Competition brought together 39 teams from top business schools to develop solutions for sustainability challenges in the age of artificial intelligence.

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Margaret Berg highlights the importance of human sustainability—the well-being of individuals and communities. By integrating both human and environmental sustainability into music education, the College of Music is preparing students to make an impact on our interconnected society.

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Chancellor Justin Schwartz has appointed Andrew Mayock vice chancellor for sustainability, effective March 10 following an international search. 

The newly created position will be charged with establishing a university-wide sustainability leadership role, forming partnerships with faculty, positioning ��������Ƶ Boulder as a national and global sustainability leader, directly assisting local communities to make Colorado the most sustainable state in the U.S. and funding priority sustainability initiatives through internal and external sources.   

Mayock is the former chief sustainability officer for the United States government, where he led the Biden administration’s efforts on sustainability initiatives. Mayock has a proven track record and a strong reputation for driving solutions to the global challenges of climate change.

“I'm thrilled to have someone of Andrew Mayock’s caliber joining our campus,” said Schwartz. “In addition to a wealth of knowledge on sustainable policies and practices, he brings an understanding of how to build coalitions and lead effectively across large, complex organizations.”

During his tenure at the White House, Mayock focused on powering the government’s vehicles and buildings with clean energy, increasing supply chain decarbonization and resilience through the purchase of low-embodied carbon materials and increasing climate impact through domestic and international partnerships.

He will begin his duties a few weeks before the 32nd annual Campus Sustainability Summit, and in June ��������Ƶ Boulder will co-host the next Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit with UN Human Rights and the University of Oxford.

“I am honored to join the University of Colorado Boulder, where this new role reflects the university’s steadfast commitment to creating a sustainable future for our students, faculty, staff and community,” Mayock said. “As we continue to navigate the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental stewardship, I am excited to collaborate with this talented community to foster innovative solutions, inspire bold action and continue to lead the way in sustainability practices—locally and globally.”

Mayock will bring his significant experience in the government and private industry to elevate ��������Ƶ Boulder’s national and global sustainability profile.

��������Ƶ Boulder is home to numerous research institutes and offers over 250 sustainability-related courses, while its operational units consistently push forward its ambitious climate goals: 

• ��������Ƶ Boulder named No. 1 for plant-based dining and sustainability
• 2 grants to conduct feasibility studies on geothermal energy
• ��������Ƶ Boulder part of $160M NSF-funded effort to promote climate resilience
• The construction of an East Campus solar array, breaking ground in April
• Discovery could lead to longer-lasting EV batteries, hasten energy transition
• Energy efficiency projects to upgrade 18 campus buildings

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Biking to campus is a great way to stay active and eco-friendly, even in the winter. With Bike to Work Day coming up on Feb. 14, here are some tips for biking this season.

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��������Ƶ Boulder is the No. 1 post-secondary institution for plant-based dining and sustainability according to  the Humane Society of the United States’ 2025 College and University Protein Sustainability . ��������Ƶ Boulder stands out as the only university with more than 50% plant-based  offerings, with a bold commitment to ramping up to 75% this year.

“We’re honored to be recognized for our efforts to provide ��������Ƶ Boulder students more climate-friendly, plant-based menu items,” said Eliah Golden, chef and associate director for residential dining and culinary operations. “We’re committed to offering students delicious, nutritious and sustainable food options to help fuel their academic success and create lifelong habits that contribute to healthy bodies and healthy minds.”

The Humane Society’s first biannual scorecard analyzed climate-friendly, plant-based menu items offered by the nation’s largest colleges and universities. The Humane Society focused on schools with the largest undergraduate populations and self-operated dining programs and sent surveys to 39 schools in June 2024, with 26 completing the survey.  

“A shift toward plant-based foods is the most impactful way food service providers can reduce their impact on the planet and reach their sustainability goals. Higher education institutions are positioned to have a tremendous positive influence,” said Kate Watts, director of Food Service Innovation at the Humane Society. 

��������Ƶ Boulder Dining Services’ 318 full-time team members and 600 students serve 3.5 million meals annually across its catering, retail and residential services. The university’s dining services takes a comprehensive approach to sustainability from waste redirection, community gardens, local sourcing and tracking greenhouse gas emissions.

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��������Ƶ Boulder’s Engineering Management Program, in collaboration with Siemens Digital Industries Software, is proud to announce the launch of its new graduate certificate in Design for the Circular Economy. Offered through the Coursera platform, this innovative program is designed to equip students and working professionals with the skills needed to thrive in, or enter into, the rapidly growing field of sustainability and the circular economy.

The circular economy is transforming industries around the globe, focusing on redesigning products to be more resource-efficient and compatible with repurposing and recycling into new products at the end of their lifecycle. As businesses, governments, and nonprofit organizations increasingly prioritize sustainability, demand for professionals with expertise in circular economy practices is surging. 

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation (in collaboration with McKinsey & Company) estimated that transitioning to a circular economy could generate around 700,000 jobs in the European Union alone by 2030, across sectors such as recycling, remanufacturing, and product life extension. The ��������Ƶ Boulder and Siemens collaboration aims to meet this need through cutting-edge, online education that prepares graduates to drive positive change within their organizations and beyond.

The Design for the Circular Economy graduate certificate is a 9-credit hour, 100% online program. The program offers four specializations consisting of 12 1-credit hour courses. Eight courses will be offered by mid-January, with the remaining courses to launch by summer 2025. Students are required to complete any two 3-credit hour specializations (totaling 6 credit hours), and 3 additional courses (totaling 3 credit hours), which could include another specialization or any three topical electives from the Design for the Circular Economy Certificate electives.

The future of business is circular

Program participants will gain an in-depth understanding of cradle-to-cradle design methodologies, sustainable operations and supply chain management, and the leadership skills necessary to implement these practices at scale. Students will learn to design sustainable products, assess environmental and social impacts, and manage operations in alignment with circular economy principles.

100% online—flexible for professionals

The certificate is delivered 100% online from the Coursera platform, providing students with flexibility to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments. The program’s reach is global, offering students and professionals worldwide the opportunity to enhance their expertise and contribute to the growing demand for circular economy specialists.

Skills acquired

Upon completing the certificate, students will gain both foundational technical knowledge and practical professional skills. Graduates will be equipped with:

• Technical knowledge and skills: Understand and apply concepts of the circular economy to areas of product design and development, social and environmental impact analysis, industrial ecology, zero waste and systems thinking.
• Business knowledge and skills: Develop innovative new business models, create and manage projects incorporating sustainable finance and reporting, marketing and brand management, as well as sustainable and resilient operations and supply chains.
• Leadership knowledge and skills: Build confidence in communicating to internal and external stakeholders and develop the skills to navigate uncertainty and implement transformational change in their organizations.

Learners who complete a course, a specialization, or this certificate are eligible to earn digital badges from Siemens.

��������Ƶ the ��������Ƶ Boulder Engineering Management Program

The ��������Ƶ Boulder Engineering Management Program provides professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to bridge the gap between engineering and management. Through innovative, flexible, and interdisciplinary programs, ��������Ƶ Boulder prepares students to become leaders in technology-driven industries. The program is committed to advancing sustainability through education and research, making the transition to a circular economy an essential part of its mission.

For more information about the graduate certificate in Design for the Circular Economy and how to enroll, please on Coursera. on Jan. 2, 2025.

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The Sustainability Leadership Team hosted Chancellor Justin Schwartz at its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 18. 

During the meeting, Schwartz outlined the following key tasks for the team to address as part of their efforts to shape the university’s sustainability strategy over the coming years.

• The chancellor expressed strong support for the Sustainability Council’s zero-waste proposal. This initiative aims to eliminate single-use plastics, promote the adoption of reusable containers across the campus, expand plastic film recycling and increase front-of-house composting opportunities. He emphasized the importance of galvanizing the entire campus community to align with these goals, citing the proposal as a cornerstone of the university’s sustainability efforts.
• In the lead-up to the onboarding of the campus’s first vice chancellor for sustainability later this semester, the chancellor also asked the team to support the development of a comprehensive vision for sustainability on campus.
• To support this effort, he requested the creation of a detailed landscape map that identifies and categorizes the various sustainability organizations, programs and initiatives currently operating at the university. This map will help streamline efforts, organize priorities and foster greater collaboration among stakeholders.

Miscellaneous agenda items

The team also discussed the ongoing search process for a new vice chancellor for sustainability. Interviews for the role have begun, and the team expressed optimism about identifying a visionary candidate who can drive the university’s sustainability agenda forward.

Interim Senior Vice Chancellor for Operations Jennifer McDuffie has been appointed to chair the Sustainability Leadership Team in the interim between Chief Operating Officer Patrick O’Rourke’s departure and the hiring of the new vice chancellor for sustainability.

Next steps

The meeting concluded with a commitment to advancing the outlined priorities. The team will:

• Support the onboarding of the new vice chancellor for sustainability.
• Compile and organize information for the landscape map of sustainability-related operations.
• Support the campus community in the transition toward zero waste through education and infrastructure improvements.

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The ��������Ƶ Boulder Distribution Center announced plans to open a storefront—located at 3300 Walnut Ave., Unit A, Boulder, CO 80301—where students, faculty, staff and community members will be able to shop for surplus goods no longer in use by campus departments.

On Jan. 13, the Distribution Center will have a soft opening of its  for Buff OneCard holders. Previously available by appointment only, the store will now be open for walk-in shopping during the business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. The store will open to the general public beginning Jan. 27.

For over a year, the Property Services team has been working to create a new retail space to sell surplus property. Following significant interior construction, the store is finally ready to open its doors for the first time. The store offers furniture, electronics and other items that have come from departments on campus. Sales revenue will be split between Property Services and the departments on campus from which the items have come, with Property Services using its proceeds to offset the costs of processing and reselling the goods.

“The opening of the surplus store is a significant step toward upholding our campus’s sustainability values by promoting resourcefulness and reducing waste,” Chancellor Justin Schwartz said. “This initiative supports our commitment to environmental stewardship and fosters a culture of mindful consumption within our university community.”

Although the surplus store has been a resource to ��������Ƶ Boulder constituents for decades, it has been accessible only by appointment and during biannual auctions. The creation of a storefront means more material will pass through the doors and generate more income for the Distribution Center and campus departments while saving shoppers money.

“I think people will be surprised at how great the prices are,” Property Services Program Manager Denise Worthington said. “We have a lot of furniture and computers, and we also get random but perfectly usable items from departments all over campus. The most unique thing I’ve seen pass through our facility was a gigantic inflatable buffalo.”

Worthington noted that she has also seen a high-powered telescope and a modular library system, but more common items include:

• Books
• Office supplies
• Sporting equipment
• Sound equipment
• Cameras
• Phones
• Costumes
• Clothing

“I am grateful to Denise Worthington and Jon Sherman, along with the rest of our property services team, for making this dream a reality,” Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Resilience Chris Ewing said. “We will reduce the environmental impact we are making as a campus by increasing our reach and ability to get perfectly good items into the community for reuse.”

Repurposed items are accepted by appointment only.

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As part of ��������Ƶ Boulder’s ongoing commitment to addressing climate change and reducing environmental impact, the campus launched several transformative sustainability projects over the course of the year. These initiatives not only serve as practical steps toward a more sustainable campus but also often align directly with the goals outlined in the Climate Action Plan (CAP), which was finalized in April. They will help increase energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and position the university as a leader in sustainability.

Here’s a look at five major sustainability projects introduced this year and how they will help achieve ��������Ƶ Boulder’s long-term environmental goals.

The addition of 4 electric Buff Buses

In a move to reduce transportation-related emissions, ��������Ƶ Boulder won grants to purchase four new electric buses. These buses are fully electric, replacing older diesel-powered vehicles and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with campus transportation.

Chancellor Justin Schwartz shared, “Transportation is one of the largest contributors to our campus’s carbon footprint. By switching to electric buses, we are not only reducing emissions but also providing a cleaner, quieter and more efficient transportation option for our students, staff, faculty and visitors.”

Building efficiency projects

Improving energy efficiency in campus buildings has been a critical priority, and this year ��������Ƶ Boulder undertook a large-scale building efficiency project. This initiative involved retrofitting 18 buildings with energy-efficient lighting, optimizing HVAC control systems, upgrading components in the heating system and modifying water fixtures for efficiency. The upgrades will reduce energy consumption by up to 11%.

“We’re committed to transforming our physical infrastructure into more sustainable spaces,” Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Resilience Chris Ewing said. “This project not only reduces energy use but also makes our campus more comfortable for students and staff, with the added benefit of lowering operational costs in the long run.”

Geothermal grants

Thanks to two significant geothermal grants through the Colorado Energy Office, ��������Ƶ Boulder is studying whether geothermal energy is feasible for the campus. If successful, this renewable energy solution would help reduce reliance on fossil fuels for heating and cooling, providing a more sustainable alternative that aligns with the CAP’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by no later than 2050.

Schwartz noted, “The geothermal project represents a major step toward reducing our carbon footprint and showcases the university’s dedication to investing in long-term sustainable energy solutions. By harnessing the earth’s natural energy, we are setting a strong example for future generations of students.”

Hiring a new vice chancellor for sustainability

To further strengthen the campus’s commitment to sustainability, Schwartz announced the search for a new vice chancellor for sustainability this year. This strategic move ensures that sustainability is integrated into every facet of campus life and that sustainability goals are met in an effective, measurable way. The vice chancellor will focus on enhancing ��������Ƶ Boulder’s global reputation and impact as a transformative leader in sustainability.

“Our new vice chancellor for sustainability will play a key role in advancing our climate action efforts,” said Schwartz. “With this leadership in place, we will be better positioned to reach our sustainability targets and keep sustainability at the forefront of our institutional priorities.”

On-campus solar array and virtual net metering program

��������Ƶ Boulder has made strides in expanding solar energy capabilities through two projects. A new solar array will be built on East Campus, which is  a 1.1 megawatt (MW) ground-mounted solar array on a 2-acre site east of parking Lot 560.

In addition, the campus has enrolled in a virtual net metering solar program, which harnesses power generated off campus and, after entering the local grid, applies it to our campus portfolio to cost effectively reduce our Scope 2 carbon emissions. In partnership with Pivot Energy, the agreement involves the development of a 5 MW off-site solar array in Weld County.

The combination of on-site and off-site solar power will play a major role in the campus reduction of carbon emissions.

Looking forward: A greener future

With these projects now underway, ��������Ƶ Boulder is working to meet the ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals outlined in the CAP and making further investments to accelerate that progress. As Schwartz explained, “These initiatives represent just the beginning of a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. Our sustainability efforts are not only about achieving measurable results but also about instilling a mindset of sustainability among our students, faculty and staff.”

The collective impact of these projects will be felt across campus, from the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to the development of a more resilient, energy-efficient infrastructure.

Schwartz envisions ��������Ƶ Boulder taking a leadership position for the state, nation and globe in advancing climate actions—as well as rising in global university rankings, which recently placed ��������Ƶ Boulder No. 11 in the U.S. and No. 61 in the world for sustainability. He noted he is encouraged by the enthusiasm across campus for focusing on sustainability, including the possibility of additional educational opportunities for students.

“Together, we are building a future where sustainability is at the heart of everything we do—ensuring our campus not only meets the challenges of climate change but leads the way toward a more sustainable, environmentally responsible world,” Schwartz said. “As we look ahead to the coming years, our focus will remain on continuing to innovate, collaborate and drive change, keeping sustainability at the core of our mission and working together to create a more sustainable future for all.”

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