Sustainability Landing Page

CU Boulder – A World Leader in Sustainability

Led by Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock, CU Boulder is building on its research, academic and operational strengths to become a national and international sustainability leader that helps communities solve the urgent environmental challenges of our time.

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Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability


CU Boulder has been selected by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education to serve as the administrative and operational host for the new Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability.

The classification recognizes colleges and universities that embed sustainability and climate action into teaching, research, operations and community engagement. Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock announced CU Boulder’s role during his keynote at the Green Schools Conference in New York City.

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Climate Action Plan

CU Boulder’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) update relies on the university’s strengths to advance just and equitable climate solutions that address mitigation, adaptation and resilience.

 

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CAP Goals

The goals of the plan are in line with the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi). The campus goals are:

  • A 50% reduction (from 2019 baseline) in Scopes 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.
  • A similar 50% reduction in feasible Scope 3 emissions by 2030.
  • A clear path to a zero emissions target for all categories by no later than 2050.

 

Recent Milestones in Sustainability

CU Boulder continues to demonstrate leadership in sustainability across across education, research, operations and community engagement. Recent milestones include:

 

 

$10M Launch of the SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education – A new hub to advance and accelerate sustainability curriculum and education. 
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CU Boulder has earned Platinum status as a Bicycle Friendly University, placing our campus among just 10 universities nationwide recognized for leadership in bike-friendly infrastructure and culture.
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Elimination of Single-Use Plastics – CU Boulder has phased out single-use beverage plastics across campus, reducing waste and setting a model for other universities.
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As a co-host of the Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit, CU Boulder helps elevate youth leadership and global collaboration at the intersection of climate action and human rights.
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Launched in 2025, CU Boulder’s Sustainability Research Initiative brings together cross-campus expertise to advance innovative, solutions-driven sustainability research in Colorado and beyond.
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Campus News