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A Campus Powered by Purpose
OUR COMMITMENT
CU Boulder is making serious, measurable progress on decarbonization - deploying clean energy technologies, electrifying its vehicle fleet, implementing water-efficient systems, diverting waste from landfill, and embedding environmental responsibility into every purchasing decision. This is not aspirational branding. It is infrastructure investment, operational discipline, and a campus-wide commitment to lead by example.
Our operations are guided by the updated Climate Action Plan, a roadmap to cut emissions 50% by 2050. Progress is tracked, reported and publicly available through STARS reporting and CU's sustainability dashboard.
CU Boulder's updated Climate Action Plan targets a 50% emissions reduction by 2030 and net-zero carbon by 2050, guided by science, equity and campus-wide collaboration.
Campus energy strategy combines efficiency upgrades, renewable efficiency procurement, solar generation, and a long term transition from steam to a modern hot water heating system.
CU Boulder leads in sustainable transportation with one of the nation's top campus bus pass programs, robust bike infrastructure, EV charging, and incentives for alternatives to single occupancy vehicles.
Through zero-waste events, composting, a campus surplus store, and the nation's first student-led collegiate recycling program, CU Boulder diverts nearly 60% of its waste from the landfill.
Water-efficient landscaping, building retrofits and smart irrigation systems have reduced campus water consumption by more than 30% since 2007, even as enrollment has grown.
With 30 LEED Platinum and Gold certified buildings, living roofs, pollinator habitats and smart building technology, CU Boulder uses its physical campus as a living laboratory for sustainability.
Campus dining programs prioritize local and sustainable sourcing, food waste reduction, composting partnerships, and student garden programs that connect community and food systems.
CU Boulder's sustainable procurement policies embed environmental and social crfiteria into purchasing decisions campus-wide - from office supplies and lab equipment to construction materials and services.