The Univeristy of Colorado is home to many sustainably designed buildings, landscapes, and practices. From LEED buildings and solar power to zero-waste infrastructure and alternative transportation, there is a lot going on around campus. 

This information is presented in 2 formats. Read below to learn more, or click on the image below go to the interactive map.

Campus Sustainability Map

 

West District Energy Plant (WDEP)

Location: Main campus, 1100 18th St Boulder, CO 80302 See on Google Maps

Built in 1910, this facility was recently renovated in response to increasing campus energy needs. Electricity is generated from natural gas, which produces fewer emissions than the local utility. Like the East District Energy Plant, cogenerated steam helps to heat and cool campus buildings.

East District Energy Plant (EDEP)

Location: Eastern main campus, 980 Regent Dr Boulder, CO 80305 See on Google Maps

Like the West District Energy Plant, this facility uses cogeneration to produce electricity and steam. This steam helps to heat and cool campus buildings, and is responsible for services like air conditioning in the Kittredge residence halls.

Green Labs

Locations:

  • Jennie Smoly Caruthers Biotechnology (JSCBB): east campus, 3415 Colorado Ave Boulder, CO 80303 See on Google Maps

  • Ramaley Biology: main campus, 1805 Colorado Ave Boulder, CO 80302 See on Google Maps

Research laboratories are some of the biggest resource consumers on campus, so the Green Labs Program was created to minimize the use of water, energy, raw materials and hazardous chemicals at CU-Boulder. CU Green Labs promotes conservation and efficiency with direct outreach and education, replacement of outdated equipment, and development of methods that reduce the flow of materials into the waste stream.

Green Data Center

Location: East campus, 1540 30th St Boulder, CO 80303 See on Google Maps

The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) at CU-Boulder stores over 120 terabytes of earth and climate data in the servers of the Green Data Center (GDC). Traditionally, such large computers require huge amounts of energy; the system of the GDC reduces energy demands by 90%, making it one of the most energy efficient data centers in the country.

Recreation Center

Location: Northern main campus, 1835 Pleasant St Boulder, CO 80302 See on Google Maps

In order to achieve a LEED Platinum certification, several innovative strategies were incorporated into the building's design, such as rooftop solar water heating panels and waste heat recovery from the ice rink.

Live Feed Metering System (WVN)

Location: Williams Village North Hall, 3298 Baseline Rd Boulder, CO 80303 See on Google Maps

The live-feed metering system at Williams Village North Hall is the first of its kind at CU-Boulder. It provides minute-to-minute updates about the energy use of each floor and wing in the building.

Click here to view a list of LEED Certified green buildings on the CU-Boulder campus! 

LEED Silver:

Location: University Memorial Center (UMC): Main campus, 1669 Euclid Ave Boulder, CO 80302 See on Google Maps

LEED Gold:

Locations:

  • Andrews Hall: Southern main campus, 2510 Kittredge Loop Dr Boulder, CO 80305 See on Google Maps

  • Arnett Hall: Southern main campus, 2590 Kittredge Loop Dr Boulder, CO 80305 See on Google Maps

  • Buckingham Hall: Southern main campus, 2605 Kittredge Loop Dr Boulder, CO 80305 See on Google Maps

  • Joint Institute for Lab Astrophysics Addition (JILA): Main campus, 440 University Ave Boulder, CO 80302 See on Google Maps

  • Kittredge Central Hall: Southern main campus, 2480 Kittredge Loop Dr Boulder, CO 80305 See on Google Maps

  • Kittredge West Hall: Southern main campus, 2400 Kittredge Loop Dr Boulder, CO 80305 See on Google Maps

  • Koelbel Building: Southern main campus, 995 Regent Dr Boulder, CO 80302 See on Google Maps

  • Roser ATLAS: Main campus, 1125 18th St Boulder, CO 80302 See on Google Maps

  • Smith Hall: Southern main campus, 2525 Kittredge Loop Dr Boulder, CO 80305 See on Google Maps

  • Visual Arts Complex (VAC): Main campus, 1085 18th St Boulder, CO 80302 See on Google Maps

  • Wolf Law: Southern main campus, 2450 Kittredge Loop Dr Boulder, CO 80305 See on Google Maps

LEED Platinum:

Locations:

  • Baker Hall- Main campus, 2005 Baker Dr Boulder, CO 80305 See on Google Maps

  • Basketball and Volleyball Indoor Practice Facility- Eastern main campus, 950 Regent Dr Boulder, CO 80305 See on Google Maps

  • Center for Community (C4C)- Main campus, 2249 Willard Loop Dr Boulder, CO 80305 See on Google Maps

  • Institute of Behavioral Science- Northern main campus, 1440 15th St Boulder, CO 80309 See on Google Maps

  • Jennie Smoly Caruthers Biotechnology (JSCBB)- East campus, 3415 Colorado Ave Boulder, CO 80303 See on Google Maps

  • Williams Village North Hall (WVN)- Williams Village, 3298 Baseline Rd Boulder, CO 80303 See on Google Maps

Bicycle Program

The Bike Program is your one-stop shop for all things related to biking at CU. Operated by Parking & Transportation Services and the Environmental Center, the CU Bike Stations offer mechanic assistance, Buff Bike 2-day free rentals (free to faculty, staff and students!), and semester rentals.​

Bike Station Locations:

Campus bicycles stations offer many services that foster a strong cycling community at CU-Boulder. Services include bicycle registration, free rentals, and complimentary maintenance and repairs. Although the stations are closed during the winter, services are still available through the Mobile Mechanics who meet students wherever they need assistance.

Bicycle Path Locations:

The city of Boulder has over 300 miles of dedicated bicycle paths, many of which intersect with the university, allowing students and faculty to reach anywhere on campus.

eGo CarShare

A local nonprofit, eGo CarShare allows members of the community to rent vehicles for everyday errands, without the costs associated with vehicle maintenance. Numerous studies demonstrate that one carshare vehicle replaces up to 13 personal vehicles, which reduces city congestion and environmental impacts.

eGo CarShare Locations:

  • Baker Hall: main campus, 2005 Baker Dr Boulder, CO 80305-  See in Google Maps

  • Newton Court Apartments: northern main campus, 2300 Arapahoe Ave Boulder, CO 80302-  See in Google Maps

  • Smiley Court Apartments: east campus, 1300 30th St Boulder, CO 80303-  See in Google Maps

  • Bear Creek Apartments: Williams Village, 3355 Apache Rd Boulder, CO 80303-  See in Google Maps

Bus Stops

With the RTD College Pass card, students have access to the entire Boulder-Denver area. Meanwhile, the campus-specific Buff Bus allows quick transportation to different locations around campus, and the seasonal Ski Bus offers weekend routes into the mountains.

Bus Stop Locations:

B-cycle

A Boulder nonprofit, B-cycle allows members of the community to rent bicycles for everyday errands, without the need to maintain or own a bicycle. By purchasing a pass, anyone can rent a bicycle at one of the many B-cycle stations and return it to any other station, making environmentally-friendly transportation easy and affordable.

B-cycle Locations:

Sheltered Bicycle Parking

Covered and secured bicycle parking is available free of charge next to the University Memorial Center for anyone with a campus-registered bicycle.

Sheltered Bike Parking Locations:

Over a quarter of the food served in CU-Boulder's dining centers is local and/or third party verified, such as organic and fair trade. All dining centers offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan options at every meal, and all dining centers compost pre- and post-consumer food waste. Outreach and education is an ever growing part of the dining experience; events include Scrape Your Plate Day, which highlights food waste, and Sustainable Foods Week, which highlights local food sourcing.

University Memorial Center (UMC)

Center for Community (C4C)

Sewall Dining Hall

  • Location: Northern main campus, 1720 University Ave Boulder, CO 80302- See on Google Maps

Libby Dining Hall

Williams Village Express

Farrand Grab and Go

The Farrand Grab and Go is designed to accommodate students on a tight schedule, while still stressing sustainable food practices. Like all campus dining centers, Farrand always offers multiple vegetarian and vegan options, and composts pre- and post-consumer food waste. However, Farrand is unique in that a majority of options offered are organic. Many choices are local and seasonal as well: common finds include Niman Ranch humanely-raised bacon and bread from local Breadworks Bakery.

Old Main Tree

This Plains Cottonwood tree was planted by Mary Sewall in 1876 in order to beautify the university's barren landscape. Since then, many other trees have been planted across campus, leading CU-Boulder to be certified as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.

Norlin Quadrangle

Since 2013, CU-Boulder has successfully avoided the use of chemical herbicides and traditional turf management techniques. Instead, the university uses a health-based system which includes Integrated Pest Management, hand removal of weeds, and organic fertilizers. CU-Boulder is also the first major institution to implement a large-scale application of Compost Tea, which is distributed by the irrigation system. This has reduced fertilizer use and increased soil health and biodiversity.

Xeriscape

Locations:

  • Recreation Center: northern main campus, 1835 Pleasant St Boulder, CO 80302 See in Google Maps

  • Williams Village North Hall: Williams Village, 3298 Baseline Rd Boulder, CO 80303 See in Google Maps

  • JSCBB: east campus, 3415 Colorado Ave Boulder, CO 80303 See in Google Maps

Xeriscaping is dry landscaping, which emphasizes water conservation. By carefully controlling the soil slope and composition, irrigation practices, and plant selection, lush and diverse plant communities can be established without requiring large amounts of water needed for conventional landscapes and turf.

Pollinator Landscape

Locations:

In order to support ecosystem health, CU-Boulder dedicates 10,000 square feet of campus grounds to grow pollinator-friendly plants. By planting perennials that flower from early spring to late fall, and by restricting the use of insecticides and neonicotinoids, the landscapes will serve as a valuable resource for local bees, butterflies, and other fauna.

Center for Community Garden

The C4C herb garden was created in a collaboration between Dining Services and students who envisioned, designed, and helped build the garden. As a foray into urban agriculture, the courtyard garden creates a peaceful dining environment, in addition to growing wholesome ingredients for the kitchen, such as basil, cilantro, tomatoes, and peppers.

Smiley Court Garden

An all organic, chemical free, non-GMO garden where residents of Smiley Court Apartments can grow their own food. Organic on-site composting is also available to residents that use the garden.

Newton Court Garden

  • Location: Northern main campus, 2300 Arapahoe Ave Boulder, CO 80302- See on Google Maps

An all organic, chemical free, non-GMO garden where residents of Newton Court Apartments can grow their own food. Organic on-site composting is also available to residents that use the garden.

Westend Garden

An all organic, chemical free, non-GMO garden where residents of Athens Court Apartments can grow their own food. Organic on-site composting is also available to residents that use the garden.

Folsom Field

With the nation's first NCAA Division I zero waste stadium, CU-Boulder proves that sustainability is feasible at the highest level. By working with the stadium's vendors, the university has ensured that all food and beverage materials are recyclable, compostable or reusable. Employees and volunteers monitor the zero waste stations within the stadium, which exclude trash containers in favor of recycling and composting bins. This led CU-Boulder to become the first winner of the EPA Game Day Challenge, with a record 90% diversion rate.

Coors Event Center

Although capable of seating 11,000 people, the center is dedicated to being zero waste. By working with the center's vendors, the university has ensured that all food and beverage materials are recyclable, compostable, or reusable. Employees and volunteers monitor the zero waste stations within the center, which exclude trash containers in favor of recycling and composting bins.

Grounds & Recycling Operations Center (GROC)

Opened in 2015, the recycling center collects and sorts every item recycled on campus, in order to increase the quality of the recycled goods that then pass on to the Boulder County Recycling Center. At CU-Boulder, recycling diverts nearly 45% of campus waste from reaching the landfill, saves over a quarter million dollar annually, and creates jobs while helping the environment. But CU-Boulder is committed to achieving even more: by 2020 the university has pledged to reach an ambitious campus-wide diversion rate of 90%.

Center for Community (C4C)

Like all dining centers on campus, the C4C aims to compost all pre- and post-consumer food waste. Outreach and education is a significant to achieving this goal; through videos, posters, and events, students can learn about the significance of reducing food waste. Other zero waste initiatives include converting used cooking oil into biodiesel and recycling plastic packaging, among many others.

University Memorial Center (UMC)

As the home of Student Government, the Environmental Center, student groups and faculty offices, the UMC is a major hub of campus. Compost and recycling services are available throughout the building for public use, and all vendors in the dining center compost pre- and post-consumer food waste.

Kitchen Composting

Locations:

  • Andrews Hall: southern main campus, 2510 Kittredge Loop Dr Boulder, CO 80305- See in Google Maps

  • Arnett Hall: southern main campus, 2590 Kittredge Loop Dr Boulder, CO 80305- See in Google Maps

  • Baker Hall: main campus, 2005 Baker Dr Boulder, CO 80305- See in Google Maps

  • Kittredge Central Hall: southern main campus, 2480 Kittredge Loop Dr Boulder, CO 80305- See in Google Maps

  • Kittredge West Hall: southern main campus, 2400 Kittredge Loop Dr Boulder, CO 80305- See in Google Maps

  • Buckingham Hall: southern main campus, 2605 Kittredge Loop Dr Boulder, CO 80305- See in Google Maps

  • Smith Hall: southern main campus, 2525 Kittredge Loop Dr Boulder, CO 80305- See in Google Maps

  • Williams Village North Hall: Williams Village, 3298 Baseline Rd Boulder, CO 80303- See in Google Maps

CU-Boulder is committed to reducing waste campus-wide. In eight of the university’s residence halls, students have the opportunity to compost from within their homes ─ a novel and uncommon practice for colleges across the country.

University Memorial Center

7kW

Coors Event Center

332kW

450,000 kWh/year

Wolf Law

  • Location:Southern main campus, 2450 Kittredge Loop Dr Boulder, CO 80305 See on Google Maps

20kW

Housing Systems Maintenance Center

40kW

Williams Village North Hall (WVN)

  • Location: Williams Village North Hall, 3298 Baseline Rd Boulder, CO 80303 See on Google Maps

100kW

Center for Community (C4C)

100kW

IBS Carport

10kW

Research Park

  • Location: East campus, south-western corner of Arapahoe Ave and Foothills Parkway See on Google Maps

500kW

850,000 kWh/year

Bear Creek Solar Array

  • Williams Village, parking lot outside of 3355 Apache Rd Boulder, CO 80303 See on Google Maps

100kW

140,000 kWh/year

Indoor Practice Facility

850 kW

1,050,000 kWh/year

Varsity Lake

95% of the water used for campus irrigation originates from local waterways such as the Anderson Ditch, which feeds into Varsity Lake. This avoids the use of potable city water for grounds maintenance, and has helped reduce campus water use per square foot by over 63% since 2002.

Greywater System

  • Location: Williams Village North Hall, 3192 Baseline Rd Boulder, CO 80303 See on Google Maps

Once operational, this system will treat the greywater from the west wing and recirculate it to all the toilets in the building. The system is estimated to save over one million gallons of water per year.

Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES)

With hundreds of researchers investigating issues from energy and climate to oceans and ecosystems, CIRES aims to discover new knowledge about Earth and its systems, and communicating these findings with the global scientific community.

Sustainability, Energy and Environment Complex (SEEC)

Completed in 2015, SEEC is the flagship for academic sustainability at CU-Boulder. Within this LEED certified building are the brightest students, faculty educators, government researchers and industry analysts. With its many partnerships, (such as RASEI, NREL and USGS) SEEC aims to be the hub for next generation discovery.