Get Involved: Students
Get Involved: Students
Get Involved in Sustainability at CU Boulder
Sustainability is part of the Buff experience
Whether you're interested in climate action, sustainable business, engineering, art, public policy or simply reducing your environmental impact, there are countless ways to get involved in sustainability at CU Boulder.
Student leadership has shaped sustainability at CU Boulder for more than 50 years. In 1970, students founded the Environmental Center—now one of the nation's oldest and largest student-run sustainability organizations—and that spirit of innovation continues today. Sustainability is woven into everyday campus life, from recycling and composting programs and reusable container systems in dining centers to learning in highly efficient buildings like Hellems, which reduced campus energy use by approximately 68% through a comprehensive renovation.
No matter your major, sustainability is part of your CU Boulder experience. Students can choose from more than 350 sustainability-related courses, participate in research that addresses global environmental challenges, join student organizations, volunteer at campus events and develop the knowledge and leadership skills needed to help build a more sustainable future.
Start with the Environmental Center
The Environmental Center (E-Center) is the hub for student-led sustainability at CU Boulder. Every year, thousands of students get involved through volunteer opportunities, leadership programs, zero waste initiatives, sustainable transportation programs, climate action campaigns and paid student employment.
Whether you have an hour to volunteer or want to become a campus sustainability leader, the E-Center offers opportunities to make an impact while building practical skills and connecting with a community of students who care about creating positive change.
Become a Sustainable Buff
Small actions add up.
The Sustainable Buffs campaign helps students make sustainability part of everyday life through simple habits like reducing waste, choosing sustainable transportation, conserving energy and supporting a healthier campus community.
Take the Sustainable Buffs Pledge to commit to practical actions that make a difference and discover tips, resources and challenges throughout the year!
Study Sustainability
Browse more than 200 sustainability-related courses offered across campus.
Browse more than 80 climate-related courses offered across campus.
Browse more than 290 environmental-related courses offered across campus.
Explore undergraduate micro-credentials in topics like Climate Justice and Sustainable Innovation.
The Environmental Studies undergraduate major is focused on training students rigorously in the multiple dimensions of environmental change through courses that integrate scientific understanding of human-environment interactions, practical responses to environmental problems, and the values that shape our decisions and behavior.
Learn about the Leeds School of Business and the opportunity to study sustainable business. This area identifies how business professionals can promote responsible corporate governance practices to create lasting positive social impact.
CU Boulder environmental engineering is outside the traditional silos that separate engineering disciplines. This unique program brings together faculty and research from civil, architectural, mechanical, chemical engineering, and even aerospace. Students have access to hands-on classes and laboratories as well as research opportunities in a top 10 ranked program by U.S. News and World Report.
The Masters of the Environment (MENV) Graduate Program delivers an unparalleled professional graduate experience in sustainability. Achieved through an interdisciplinary curriculum that is responsive to the changing sustainability landscape, grounded in robust real-world projects that advance sustainability solutions for industry partners, and supported by a vibrant ecosystem of sustainability professionals.
The Outdoor Recreation Economy program at CU Boulder is the only fully online graduate program of its kind in the nation, offering accessibility to learners around the globe. Graduate students will learn from recognized leaders in the outdoor industry and business sectors while engaging with practical projects and challenges that connect local insights to global perspectives.
More Ways to Get Involved
Help make Buff athletics one of the nation's leading zero waste sports programs.
Help shape campus sustainability priorities, oversee funding and influence university initiatives.
The environmental justice project was created by the University of Colorado Student Government (CUSG) and works to build alliances with individuals and groups who are involved with climate justice-related research, activities, and programs, and also aim to contribute in a meaningful way toward climate justice within the larger community, including Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and the Denver Metro area.
The Environmental Center facilitates the Applied Learning Hub to help students be involved in meeting CU's Climate Action Plan and sustainability goals through support in developing sustainability-related concepts, project funding, mentorship and more.
Green Greeks is comprised of representatives from each house and the Greek-wide sustainability coordinators who supervise their efforts. The goals of a Green Greek-rep include establishing behaviors that aim to lower the carbon footprint, energy usage, and wasteful tendencies of their house and active members.