Be Boulder in Sustainability

About

CU Boulder is committed to addressing the urgent challenges of our time, encouraging students, faculty, and staff to “Be Boulder in Sustainability.” Sustainability is one of Chancellor Justin Schwartz’s top four priorities on campus. In 2025, CU Boulder launched numerous new efforts in support of this vision, including: 1) establishing the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Sustainability, 2) The SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education and the Sustainability Research Initiative; 3) Boulder Climate Ventures; 4) two new masters in sustainability 5) two solar projects; and 6) the elimination of single-use plastics in beverages. CU Boulder is rapidly expanding how sustainability is embedded throughout the university’s governance, academics, operations, and external engagement. Other notable highlights include the university’s Climate Action Plan, which aims to cut emissions in half by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and CU’s 2025 #1 rank for university-related startups, over 1/3 of these focusing on sustainability.

Top 3 learnings

1. We found that centering equity in our sustainability work makes outcomes stronger and more durable.
2. We discovered that measuring progress publicly holds us accountable and motivates continuous improvement.
3. Training our students as sustainability practitioners creates impact beyond any single program or policy.

What it means to win

Receiving the Green Gown Award during CU Boulder’s 150th anniversary is especially meaningful because it honors our history and defines our future. This recognition reflects the dedication of an entire community - faculty, staff, students, and partners - who believe higher education must lead on the defining challenges of our time. I am grateful for their dedication and proud of how CU Boulder continues to integrate sustainability into our teaching, research, operations, and public mission.

Judges' feedback

Shows genuine leadership by advancing, rather than retreating from, ambitious sustainability commitments in an increasingly polarised political environment, demonstrating institutional confidence, resilience and long-term commitment to sustainability goals.

Demonstrates significant institution-wide sustainability transformation supported by substantial investment, partnerships and leadership commitment.

Strong evidence of holistic delivery across research, education, operations, engagement and governance.

Impressive tracking of progress over time, supported by measurable operational outcomes and robust reporting.

Further strengthen links between sector leadership initiatives and direct institutional or societal outcomes.

Sustainable Development Goals