Sustainability at CU Boulder is integrated into every aspect of our campus. From world-class climate science research and education to campus operations and partnerships with the broader community and state, sustainability is not only a campus priority but an integral and interdisciplinary part of day-to-day life as a Buff. 

As Colorado—and the globe—face increasingly complex environmental challenges, CU Boulder continues to invest in preparing the next generation of leaders and developing practical solutions for a sustainable future. Here are five things to know about sustainability at CU Boulder.

CU Boulder has a long history of prioritizing sustainability.

Sustainability has deep roots at CU Boulder. In 1951, the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) became the first research center founded at CU Boulder, establishing a legacy of environmental research that continues today. Nearly two decades later, in 1970, students founded the Environmental Center, now one of the nation’s oldest and largest student-run sustainability organizations. 

Since then, sustainability has grown into an institution-wide priority. It is an integral part of the university's mission, shaping everything from academic programs and world-class research to campus operations and community partnerships. In 2025, CU Boulder established the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Sustainability to bring together these efforts, and Chancellor Justin Schwartz has identified sustainability as one of the university's strategic priorities.

 

A student sorts through recycled materials in the Recycling Center in 2016

Sustainability is part of the student experience.

No matter what your chosen major, every student on campus has the opportunity to engage with sustainability at CU Boulder. With more than 350 sustainability-related course offerings across schools and colleges, spanning subjects from engineering and business to the arts and humanities, there are numerous ways to graduate with a better understanding of how to live, spend, and grow sustainably. 

The SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education, launched in 2025 with a $10 million gift from alum Spike Buckley, is helping expand sustainability curriculum, support faculty and create new learning opportunities so every student graduates with the knowledge and skills to help build a more sustainable future.

CU Boulder research is helping solve the most pressing global challenges of our time.

From climate science and geothermal energy to water resources and environmental justice, CU Boulder researchers are tackling some of the world's most pressing challenges. The university is home to 12 sustainability-focused institutes, including CIRES, INSTAAR and RASEI, along with more than 75 research centers advancing work across sustainability-related fields. 

Through the Sustainability Research Initiative, faculty are building interdisciplinary partnerships that accelerate research and translate discoveries into real-world solutions. That work continues to earn global recognition, with CU Boulder recently ranking eighth in the world for climate science research in Carbon Brief's latest analysis of the world's most highly cited climate research institutions.

Campus is a living lab for sustainability.

Sustainability is also reflected in how the university operates. CU Boulder uses its campus as a living lab to pilot and demonstrate sustainable solutions, giving students opportunities to see innovation in action. From the electric Buff Bus fleet to campuswide recycling and composting programs and the renovation of Hellems—which is projected to reduce the building's energy use by nearly 68% while preserving one of campus's most iconic academic spaces—operational initiatives help reduce environmental impacts while creating hands-on learning opportunities that support the university's Climate Action Plan goals.

Sustainability extends beyond campus.

CU Boulder partners with communities across Colorado to help address sustainability challenges beyond campus boundaries. Faculty, students and staff work alongside state agencies, the city of Boulder, nonprofits and industry partners to advance practical solutions that strengthen communities. One recent example is the university's partnership with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) to support communities transitioning away from coal, helping connect research expertise with local needs and economic opportunity.

Sustainability goes beyond one office or one program at CU Boulder. It is part of how the university educates students, conducts research, operates its campus and serves communities across Colorado and beyond. Whether you're new to campus or returning for another year, there are many ways to get involved—as a student, faculty, or staff member—and help shape a more sustainable future today.