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The Campus Sustainability Executive Council convened Tuesday, June 11, to discuss the following topics:

Capital governance phase gate process

Discussion: The council received an overview of the capital governance phase gate process and discussed opportunities for providing feedback for capital projects as part of the process. Capital projects are approved by the Capital Governance Group at each of seven phases of the phase gate process ranging from Initiation (Phase 0) to Deliver (Phase 7).

It was discussed and there was general consensus that capital projects would be brought forward during the Program Phase (Phase 2). This will allow the council to contribute to the early-stage programming and research, leading to a program plan and business case for the project. After the council’s review, the project will move on to the next phase, Concept (Phase 3).

Board of Regents approval occurs at the end of the Document Phase (Phase 5). 

Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS)

Discussion: The council discussed the upcoming STARS report and areas CU Boulder needs to increase performance to achieve its goal of STARS Platinum by 2027.

CU Boulder’s score in 2021 was 68.39, achieving STARS Gold for the fourth time since becoming the first STARS Gold school in 2009. CU Boulder is tracking toward achieving more points for its 2024 submission at the end of this year, anticipating still being in the gold rating. Campus submits its STARS metrics every three years and has a stated goal of achieving platinum rating by the 2027 submission.

Next steps: Council members were asked to encourage the 50-plus contributors across campus who provide data for the STARS report to submit timely, thorough responses to help bolster the 2024 submission. The council also discussed participating in third-party verification to review the submission materials and confirm the efficacy of sustainability efforts on campus (for example, reviewing our plans and materials related to sustainably sourced food and renewables).

The council will provide a letter of support to preface this year’s STARS report.

Editor’s note: This is part of a series that will cover CU Boulder Sustainability Executive Council meeting agendas, discussions and decisions. The Sustainability Executive Council brings together decision-makers and leaders from across campus to drive action and accountability to achieve carbon neutrality, goals outlined in the Chancellor’s Call to Climate Action and the implementation of the campus Climate Action Plan.