32nd Annual Campus Sustainability Summit

A discussion among Chancellor Justin Schwartz, Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock and Sustainability Research Initiative Executive Director Jane Zelikova headlines the 32nd annual Campus Sustainability Summit, taking place April 22 and 23 at the University Memorial Center. All Buffs and community members are invited to attend the two-day event, which presents many opportunities to share, learn about and celebrate the wide array of accomplishments, challenges and new ideas related to sustainability in the CU Boulder community:

• Leadership Perspectives on Building Resilience and Accelerating Impact: Join Schwartz in conversation with Zelikova and Mayock. They will discuss their shared visions and map out the path forward for campus sustainability and climate action.
• Advancing Campus Climate Action: An engaging discussion on the latest developments in CU Boulder’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) and the strategies driving sustainable change and solutions across campus.
• Student Perspectives: How CU Can Reduce Emissions: Undergraduate students will present ideas for how the university can reduce its carbon emissions in student and parent travel, business travel, transportation and waste.
• Community Resilience: Disaster Preparedness Basics: This workshop will lay out how to plan for individual and community needs considering the intensifying climate crisis and increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
• STARS: Mapping Priorities and Measuring Impact: In this session, staff will share key data and performance metrics from the current Gold-rated STARS report and recommendations for campus actions and strategy.
• Growing a Resilient Food System: Community, Collaboration and Creativity: This panel of local change leaders will explore solutions and opportunities, and share innovative programs that support both food security and nutrition.
• Co-designing Interdisciplinary Pathways for Climate, Sustainability and Justice: This panel session will showcase the ongoing development of academic pathways in climate, sustainability and justice for undergraduate students.
• Closing the Loop: Circular Economy Solutions: Join CU Boulder and City of Boulder staff to explore successes, opportunities, challenges and ideas to achieve a circular economy. 

Drop ‘N’ Swap: Donate and pick up new-to-you items such as clothing, shoes, accessories, outdoor gear, office supplies, housewares, room decor and more. (April 22, noon to 5 p.m.)

Student Idea Showcase: Learn about sustainability and climate solutions from CU Boulder students and vote for your favorite. $5,000 in cash prizes is up for grabs! (April 22, 1 to 4 p.m.)

Campus Sustainability Awards: Thirteen awardees will be recognized for their outstanding efforts toward continuing the leadership and legacy of sustainability at CU Boulder. (April 23, 12 to 1 p.m.; Advance registration required.)

Companion events: Each evening of the Summit features events at the Boulder Theater.  The 10th annual Stand Up for Climate Comedy celebrates the power of comedy to ignite climate awareness and action featuring professional comedians and CU students. The New Venture Challenge Finals has CU’s top entrepreneurs pitching their innovative business ventures live to a panel of judges and competing for a share of $325,000. These free events are popular and advance reservations are recommended. 

See for yourself how Buffs are working to advance sustainability efforts. For more information, visit the Campus Sustainability Summit event website.