Climate Action Plan

The Climate Action Plan for the CU Boulder campus, first crafted in 2009 and updated in 2024, is published.

Overview

The Climate Action Plan (CAP) focuses on mobilizing the university’s strengths to advance just and equitable climate solutions that address 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.

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CAP Goals

The goals of the plan are in line with the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi). The campus goals are:

Ìý Ìý ÌýÌý ÌýA 50% reduction (from 2019 baseline) in Scopes 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.
Ìý Ìý ÌýÌý ÌýA similar 50% reduction in feasible Scope 3 emissions by 2030.
Ìý Ìý ÌýÌý ÌýA clear path to a zero emissions target for all categories by no later than 2050.

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Questions about the CAP?

The 2024 CAP is Published!

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:Ìý the Transportation Master Plan, the Energy Master Plan, the Housing Master Plan, and the Campus Master Plan.Ìý 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.

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

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Campus Resources

Steering Committee Members

  • Karen Bailey, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies
  • Micah Borkan, Undergraduate Student, Environmental Studies | Co-Chair of the Environmental Board
  • Chris Ewing, Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Sustainability
  • Todd Hagerty, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Business Operations and Chief Financial Officer
  • Courtney Kjelland, Climate Action Plan Administrative Coordinator
  • Brian Lindoerfer, Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management
  • Brigid Mark, Graduate Student, Sociology Ph.D. Program
  • David Newport, Director of the Environmental Center
  • Josh Radoff, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Specialist Lead, Masters of the Environment Program (MENV)
  • Heidi VanGenderen, Chief Sustainability Officer
  • Chris Wright, Director of Capital Finance

CAP Consultant

CU Boulder has partnered with to assist in managing the project and milestones.

Bluestrike Environmental