CU Boulder is known for its focus on sustainability. As part of the campus community, you can participate in the culture of sustainability. You can find ways to join in at the Environmental Center (E-Center) and support other campus initiatives at the level of participation that works for you.
Ways to get involved
The E-Center offers many ways for students to become involved in climate justice and sustainability initiatives. You can find something for every interest level.
Download the AWorld app from ActNow to join the CU Boulder team, track sustainability in your everyday life and participate in campus challenges.
Explore E-Center micro-credentials. A micro-credential digital badge signifies completing one of the E-Center programs. Learn more about the Climate Justice Leadership Alliance, Sustainability Innovation and Foundations in Sustainable Leadership micro-credential programs.
Apply for a student job on campus with the E-Center. The E-Center employs over 150 students in roles ranging from bike station mechanic to digital marketing coordinator and more.
Learn how to join the CU Student Government Environmental Board.
Search BuffConnect to explore student organizations focused on environmental issues.
Become an Eco-Leader as part of the CU Green Labs Program. Eco-Leaders promote sustainability and conservation in laboratories.
Check out the Applied Sustainability Learning Hub to explore Applied Learning Projects and how to use campus as a living lab.
Volunteer with Ralphie’s Green Stampede to promote zero waste at CU sporting events.
Stay up-to-date on news and events at the E-Center. Learn more ways to get involved and support climate justice.
Environmental Center history
The E-Center at CU Boulder has a rich history. Founded in 1970 by students, it's the nation’s longest-standing and most accomplished student-led center of its kind. For over 50 years, the E-Center has helped our campus become a climate justice national leader.
- The E-Center has received many awards recognizing its outstanding achievements.
- Learn more about the history and see the timeline of accomplishments.
- Sign up for the E-Center newsletter to receive news and highlights.
Sustainable Buffs Community
If you want to live more sustainably, but aren’t sure where to start, join the Sustainable Buffs Community. The E-Center can help you learn llifestyle tips, get involved, learn about climate justice and even develop skills you can use in the future. As a Sustainable Buff, you can explore opportunities for self-paced engagement, community building, knowledge and leadership in sustainability.
- Check out the Sustainable Buffs Guide for everyday sustainability tips.
- Sign the Sustainable Buffs Pledge and receive email updates from the E-Center about events, learning opportunities and other ways to get involved.
- Participate in events, service projects and workshops.
Make sustainability a daily habit
We can all do our part to promote sustainability each day. Small acts can lead to significant change. You can incorporate new habits, learn ways to improve our campus programs and even save money with tips on becoming more sustainable. Sign up for an EcoVisit with one of our student staff and get a free EcoKit for your room or apartment.
- Reduce food waste and incorporate more plant-based meals and snacks.
- Learn the right way to compost and recycle.
- Use environmentally friendly transportation.
- Conserve energy use and incorporate energy-efficient practices.
- Save water and reduce water waste.
- Vote with your dollar by focusing on how and what products you buy.
Hope for the future
Climate change can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone in the fight for climate justice. You can learn ways to cope with climate anxiety. Also, the E-Center and CU Boulder community care about sustainability and offer practical solutions to empower all of us to make a difference. Together, we can support climate and environmental initiatives.