Get involved. At CU Boulder there is a place for everyone in the eco-social justice movement. Through a combination of student activism, academic programming and faculty service, we reach out to the world in ways that enrich both the Boulder campus and the communities we serve around the globe.
Join the Sustainable Buffs Community
Redefining Sustainable Sports
CU Athletics is the nation’s first zero-waste, net-zero energy and net-zero water athletics program in the nation. In the spirit of these achievements, Ralphie’s Green Stampede works to increase sustainable behaviors in fans’ everyday lives. All sports events are zero-waste venues, so that nearly all trash generated in the stadium can be recycled, composted or reused. Ralphie’s Green Stampede also collaborates with sponsors to promote and reward fans for green behaviors regarding issues like water conservation and alternative transportation.
Grassroots Change
Established in 1970 by the students who organized CU Boulder’s first Earth Day, the Environmental Center serves as a catalyst and facilitator for a culture of sustainability. The center leads campus initiatives involving energy efficiency and sustainable transportation, to student engagement community education.
Researching, Smarter
Laboratories are a big part of campus ─ 20% of total square footage ─ and an even bigger consumer of campus energy; in 2010-2011 alone they were responsible for 43% of total energy use. CU Green Labs was created in order to minimize the use of energy, water, hazardous chemicals and material packaging. 40% of the university’s laboratories work with Green Labs to upgrade inefficient equipment, increase waste diversion and utilize other smart behaviors.
Living Green
EcoReps ─ select students with a passion for sustainability ─ have the duty to work with their peers to create engaged and environmentally active residence hall communities. Alternative breaks, service work, peer education and specialized trainings are just some of the experiences that empower EcoReps to be active voices for environmental sustainability.