Climate Action Plan

The update of a Climate Action Plan for the CU Boulder campus, first crafted in 2009, is underway.

Overview

With expected completion by early fall 2023, the Climate Action Plan (CAP) will focus on mobilizing the university’s strengths to advance just and equitable climate solutions that address climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience. Input from campus and community stakeholders is an essential ingredient to this plan and its success. Please check this page for continued updates and opportunities to be involved with CAP planning efforts.

History

CU Boulder committed to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions in its own campus operations in 2007 then Chancellor Bud Peterson signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. A Conceptual Plan for Carbon Neutrality was completed in 2009. The campus is now updating that 2009 plan with an aim toward achieving that 50% reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and a clear guidepath to reaching carbon neutrality by no later than 2050 and will include feasible Scope 3 emissions for the first time. The Climate Action Plan will build on several other relevant recent master plans for the campus: the Transportation Master Plan, the Energy Master Plan, the Housing Master Plan, and the Campus Master Plan. Find links to these below.

The CAP will:

Analyze and understand the current sustainability framework and existing gaps;
Quantify the costs and year-by-year emission reduction results of specific strategies’ and
Prepare an action plan to guide the implementation of its recommendations.

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.

Planning Documents

If you have questions or seek access to documents including the RFP, proposal selected etc. please reach out to sustainability@colorado.edu.

Upcoming CAP Events

Coming soon.

Progress and Milestones

Coming soon.

Questions or Feedback?

Do you have a question or feedback about the CAP? Submit it here and a member of the CAP Committee will get back to you.

CAP Questions and Comments

Campus Resources

Master Plans

Campus Master Plan

Energy Master Plan

Housing Master Plan

Transportation Master Plan

Sustainability Websites

Environmental Center (E-Center)

Facilities Management Sustainability (FMGreen)

Infrastructure and Sustainability (I&S)