Prioritizing sustainability: A look back with Andrew Mayock
As the fall 2025 semester comes to a close, CU Boulder continues to build momentum toward its long-term sustainability goals—one of the campus priorities recently discussed by Chancellor Justin Schwartz.
From advances in climate research and innovative curriculum to major operational improvements and new community partnerships, CU Boulder continues to operate as a true living lab—one where high-impact sustainability work happens every day.
Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock reflects on what stood out this semester, why it matters and what's ahead in 2026.
Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock
How has CU Boulder advanced in sustainability this semester?
It has been an exciting semester across research, education, operations and community engagement. Notable achievements include:
- The announcement of the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education thanks to a generous $10 million gift from alumnus Spike Buckley.
- CU Boulder’s selection by the Carnegie Foundation to host a new nationwide sustainability elective, giving the university the opportunity to lead nationally and shape the student experience.
- The launch of Boulder Climate Ventures, a Leeds-hosted course sponsored by Breakthrough Energy, bringing world-renowned climate tech leaders to campus.
- Operational progress on campus, which included breaking ground on a 1.1-megawatt solar array; VPPA and Xcel partnerships; and expanded circularity efforts through food recovery, composting and the CU Surplus Store and Recycling Operations Center achieving roughly 50% waste diversion.
What projects are you most excited about for the year ahead?
The coming year will focus on scaling initiatives and connecting the campus community. The Buckley Center is staffing up and launching new programs, while the Carnegie initiative expands to other institutions. Students and faculty will have more hands-on opportunities through courses, research and interdisciplinary programs like the Environmental Center and the Sustainability Research Initiative.
Operational priorities include advancing the Climate Action Plan through energy-system transitions, waste reduction and renewable-energy expansion. We also will work to increase visibility of our sustainability work locally, nationally and globally, highlighting CU Boulder’s leadership.
How can faculty, staff and students help achieve these goals?
Everyone on campus can play a role in achieving our sustainability goals. Students can get involved through the Environmental Center, attend events such as the spring Sustainability Summit, participate in Earth Week in April, or sign up to take sustainability and climate courses offered across departments. Faculty can explore ways to integrate sustainability into teaching and research, including the Buckley Center and Sustainability Research Initiative. Staff and students can take action on learning how sustainability is a part of daily campus operations, from transportation and building systems to zero-waste events.
Most importantly, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Sustainability wants to hear from you: Sharing success stories and ongoing projects helps promote collaborative efforts, build momentum and accelerate progress toward our shared goals. Also, we will be creating new opportunities for engagement, including office hours to open more avenues to hear directly from students.