CU Boulder is the No. 1 post-secondary institution for plant-based dining and sustainability according to  the Humane Society of the United States’ 2025 College and University Protein Sustainability . CU Boulder stands out as the only university with more than 50% plant-based  offerings, with a bold commitment to ramping up to 75% this year.

“We’re honored to be recognized for our efforts to provide CU Boulder students more climate-friendly, plant-based menu items,” said Eliah Golden, chef and associate director for residential dining and culinary operations. “We’re committed to offering students delicious, nutritious and sustainable food options to help fuel their academic success and create lifelong habits that contribute to healthy bodies and healthy minds.”

The Humane Society’s first biannual scorecard analyzed climate-friendly, plant-based menu items offered by the nation’s largest colleges and universities. The Humane Society focused on schools with the largest undergraduate populations and self-operated dining programs and sent surveys to 39 schools in June 2024, with 26 completing the survey.  

“A shift toward plant-based foods is the most impactful way food service providers can reduce their impact on the planet and reach their sustainability goals. Higher education institutions are positioned to have a tremendous positive influence,” said Kate Watts, director of Food Service Innovation at the Humane Society. 

CU Boulder Dining Services’ 318 full-time team members and 600 students serve 3.5 million meals annually across its catering, retail and residential services. The university’s dining services takes a comprehensive approach to sustainability from waste redirection, community gardens, local sourcing and tracking greenhouse gas emissions.

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CU Boulder’s Engineering Management Program, in collaboration with Siemens Digital Industries Software, is proud to announce the launch of its new graduate certificate in Design for the Circular Economy. Offered through the Coursera platform, this innovative program is designed to equip students and working professionals with the skills needed to thrive in, or enter into, the rapidly growing field of sustainability and the circular economy.

The circular economy is transforming industries around the globe, focusing on redesigning products to be more resource-efficient and compatible with repurposing and recycling into new products at the end of their lifecycle. As businesses, governments, and nonprofit organizations increasingly prioritize sustainability, demand for professionals with expertise in circular economy practices is surging. 

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation (in collaboration with McKinsey & Company) estimated that transitioning to a circular economy could generate around 700,000 jobs in the European Union alone by 2030, across sectors such as recycling, remanufacturing, and product life extension. The CU Boulder and Siemens collaboration aims to meet this need through cutting-edge, online education that prepares graduates to drive positive change within their organizations and beyond.

The Design for the Circular Economy graduate certificate is a 9-credit hour, 100% online program. The program offers four specializations consisting of 12 1-credit hour courses. Eight courses will be offered by mid-January, with the remaining courses to launch by summer 2025. �鶹��Ժ are required to complete any two 3-credit hour specializations (totaling 6 credit hours), and 3 additional courses (totaling 3 credit hours), which could include another specialization or any three topical electives from the Design for the Circular Economy Certificate electives.

The future of business is circular

Program participants will gain an in-depth understanding of cradle-to-cradle design methodologies, sustainable operations and supply chain management, and the leadership skills necessary to implement these practices at scale. �鶹��Ժ will learn to design sustainable products, assess environmental and social impacts, and manage operations in alignment with circular economy principles.

100% online—flexible for professionals

The certificate is delivered 100% online from the Coursera platform, providing students with flexibility to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments. The program’s reach is global, offering students and professionals worldwide the opportunity to enhance their expertise and contribute to the growing demand for circular economy specialists.

Skills acquired

Upon completing the certificate, students will gain both foundational technical knowledge and practical professional skills. Graduates will be equipped with:

• Technical knowledge and skills: Understand and apply concepts of the circular economy to areas of product design and development, social and environmental impact analysis, industrial ecology, zero waste and systems thinking.
• Business knowledge and skills: Develop innovative new business models, create and manage projects incorporating sustainable finance and reporting, marketing and brand management, as well as sustainable and resilient operations and supply chains.
• Leadership knowledge and skills: Build confidence in communicating to internal and external stakeholders and develop the skills to navigate uncertainty and implement transformational change in their organizations.

Learners who complete a course, a specialization, or this certificate are eligible to earn digital badges from Siemens.

About the CU Boulder Engineering Management Program

The CU Boulder Engineering Management Program provides professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to bridge the gap between engineering and management. Through innovative, flexible, and interdisciplinary programs, CU Boulder prepares students to become leaders in technology-driven industries. The program is committed to advancing sustainability through education and research, making the transition to a circular economy an essential part of its mission.

For more information about the graduate certificate in Design for the Circular Economy and how to enroll, please on Coursera. on Jan. 2, 2025.

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The Sustainability Leadership Team hosted Chancellor Justin Schwartz at its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 18. 

During the meeting, Schwartz outlined the following key tasks for the team to address as part of their efforts to shape the university’s sustainability strategy over the coming years.

• The chancellor expressed strong support for the Sustainability Council’s zero-waste proposal. This initiative aims to eliminate single-use plastics, promote the adoption of reusable containers across the campus, expand plastic film recycling and increase front-of-house composting opportunities. He emphasized the importance of galvanizing the entire campus community to align with these goals, citing the proposal as a cornerstone of the university’s sustainability efforts.
• In the lead-up to the onboarding of the campus’s first vice chancellor for sustainability later this semester, the chancellor also asked the team to support the development of a comprehensive vision for sustainability on campus.
• To support this effort, he requested the creation of a detailed landscape map that identifies and categorizes the various sustainability organizations, programs and initiatives currently operating at the university. This map will help streamline efforts, organize priorities and foster greater collaboration among stakeholders.

Miscellaneous agenda items

The team also discussed the ongoing search process for a new vice chancellor for sustainability. Interviews for the role have begun, and the team expressed optimism about identifying a visionary candidate who can drive the university’s sustainability agenda forward.

Interim Senior Vice Chancellor for Operations Jennifer McDuffie has been appointed to chair the Sustainability Leadership Team in the interim between Chief Operating Officer Patrick O’Rourke’s departure and the hiring of the new vice chancellor for sustainability.

Next steps

The meeting concluded with a commitment to advancing the outlined priorities. The team will:

• Support the onboarding of the new vice chancellor for sustainability.
• Compile and organize information for the landscape map of sustainability-related operations.
• Support the campus community in the transition toward zero waste through education and infrastructure improvements.

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The CU Boulder Distribution Center announced plans to open a storefront—located at 3300 Walnut Ave., Unit A, Boulder, CO 80301—where students, faculty, staff and community members will be able to shop for surplus goods no longer in use by campus departments.

On Jan. 13, the Distribution Center will have a soft opening of its  for Buff OneCard holders. Previously available by appointment only, the store will now be open for walk-in shopping during the business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. The store will open to the general public beginning Jan. 27.

For over a year, the Property Services team has been working to create a new retail space to sell surplus property. Following significant interior construction, the store is finally ready to open its doors for the first time. The store offers furniture, electronics and other items that have come from departments on campus. Sales revenue will be split between Property Services and the departments on campus from which the items have come, with Property Services using its proceeds to offset the costs of processing and reselling the goods.

“The opening of the surplus store is a significant step toward upholding our campus’s sustainability values by promoting resourcefulness and reducing waste,” Chancellor Justin Schwartz said. “This initiative supports our commitment to environmental stewardship and fosters a culture of mindful consumption within our university community.”

Although the surplus store has been a resource to CU Boulder constituents for decades, it has been accessible only by appointment and during biannual auctions. The creation of a storefront means more material will pass through the doors and generate more income for the Distribution Center and campus departments while saving shoppers money.

“I think people will be surprised at how great the prices are,” Property Services Program Manager Denise Worthington said. “We have a lot of furniture and computers, and we also get random but perfectly usable items from departments all over campus. The most unique thing I’ve seen pass through our facility was a gigantic inflatable buffalo.”

Worthington noted that she has also seen a high-powered telescope and a modular library system, but more common items include:

• Books
• Office supplies
• Sporting equipment
• Sound equipment
• Cameras
• Phones
• Costumes
• Clothing

“I am grateful to Denise Worthington and Jon Sherman, along with the rest of our property services team, for making this dream a reality,” Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Resilience Chris Ewing said. “We will reduce the environmental impact we are making as a campus by increasing our reach and ability to get perfectly good items into the community for reuse.”

Repurposed items are accepted by appointment only.

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As part of CU Boulder’s ongoing commitment to addressing climate change and reducing environmental impact, the campus launched several transformative sustainability projects over the course of the year. These initiatives not only serve as practical steps toward a more sustainable campus but also often align directly with the goals outlined in the Climate Action Plan (CAP), which was finalized in April. They will help increase energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and position the university as a leader in sustainability.

Here’s a look at five major sustainability projects introduced this year and how they will help achieve CU Boulder’s long-term environmental goals.

The addition of 4 electric Buff Buses

In a move to reduce transportation-related emissions, CU Boulder won grants to purchase four new electric buses. These buses are fully electric, replacing older diesel-powered vehicles and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with campus transportation.

Chancellor Justin Schwartz shared, “Transportation is one of the largest contributors to our campus’s carbon footprint. By switching to electric buses, we are not only reducing emissions but also providing a cleaner, quieter and more efficient transportation option for our students, staff, faculty and visitors.”

Building efficiency projects

Improving energy efficiency in campus buildings has been a critical priority, and this year CU Boulder undertook a large-scale building efficiency project. This initiative involved retrofitting 18 buildings with energy-efficient lighting, optimizing HVAC control systems, upgrading components in the heating system and modifying water fixtures for efficiency. The upgrades will reduce energy consumption by up to 11%.

“We’re committed to transforming our physical infrastructure into more sustainable spaces,” Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Resilience Chris Ewing said. “This project not only reduces energy use but also makes our campus more comfortable for students and staff, with the added benefit of lowering operational costs in the long run.”

Geothermal grants

Thanks to two significant geothermal grants through the Colorado Energy Office, CU Boulder is studying whether geothermal energy is feasible for the campus. If successful, this renewable energy solution would help reduce reliance on fossil fuels for heating and cooling, providing a more sustainable alternative that aligns with the CAP’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by no later than 2050.

Schwartz noted, “The geothermal project represents a major step toward reducing our carbon footprint and showcases the university’s dedication to investing in long-term sustainable energy solutions. By harnessing the earth’s natural energy, we are setting a strong example for future generations of students.”

Hiring a new vice chancellor for sustainability

To further strengthen the campus’s commitment to sustainability, Schwartz announced the search for a new vice chancellor for sustainability this year. This strategic move ensures that sustainability is integrated into every facet of campus life and that sustainability goals are met in an effective, measurable way. The vice chancellor will focus on enhancing CU Boulder’s global reputation and impact as a transformative leader in sustainability.

“Our new vice chancellor for sustainability will play a key role in advancing our climate action efforts,” said Schwartz. “With this leadership in place, we will be better positioned to reach our sustainability targets and keep sustainability at the forefront of our institutional priorities.”

On-campus solar array and virtual net metering program

CU Boulder has made strides in expanding solar energy capabilities through two projects. A new solar array will be built on East Campus, which is  a 1.1 megawatt (MW) ground-mounted solar array on a 2-acre site east of parking Lot 560.

In addition, the campus has enrolled in a virtual net metering solar program, which harnesses power generated off campus and, after entering the local grid, applies it to our campus portfolio to cost effectively reduce our Scope 2 carbon emissions. In partnership with Pivot Energy, the agreement involves the development of a 5 MW off-site solar array in Weld County.

The combination of on-site and off-site solar power will play a major role in the campus reduction of carbon emissions.

Looking forward: A greener future

With these projects now underway, CU Boulder is working to meet the ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals outlined in the CAP and making further investments to accelerate that progress. As Schwartz explained, “These initiatives represent just the beginning of a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. Our sustainability efforts are not only about achieving measurable results but also about instilling a mindset of sustainability among our students, faculty and staff.”

The collective impact of these projects will be felt across campus, from the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to the development of a more resilient, energy-efficient infrastructure.

Schwartz envisions CU Boulder taking a leadership position for the state, nation and globe in advancing climate actions—as well as rising in global university rankings, which recently placed CU Boulder No. 11 in the U.S. and No. 61 in the world for sustainability. He noted he is encouraged by the enthusiasm across campus for focusing on sustainability, including the possibility of additional educational opportunities for students.

“Together, we are building a future where sustainability is at the heart of everything we do—ensuring our campus not only meets the challenges of climate change but leads the way toward a more sustainable, environmentally responsible world,” Schwartz said. “As we look ahead to the coming years, our focus will remain on continuing to innovate, collaborate and drive change, keeping sustainability at the core of our mission and working together to create a more sustainable future for all.”

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In the ongoing march to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, CU Boulder has been awarded two separate grants totaling $3.4 million to support the expansion of the electric Buff Bus fleet. The funding, which comes from both state and federal environmental initiatives, will help reduce the campus’s carbon footprint and improve sustainable transportation options for students, faculty and staff. The four new buses will add to the four existing electric buses for a total of eight, accounting for 40% of CU Boulder’s 20-bus fleet.

“As an institution of higher learning, we have a responsibility to lead by example,” Chancellor Justin Schwartz said. “By integrating electric buses into our transportation system, we’re helping to safeguard our environment and demonstrating our commitment to our Climate Action Plan, which calls for the electrification of our entire fleet."

The first grant, valued at $1.6 million, was provided by the the  Clean Fleet Vehicle and Technology Grant Program, which is a statewide competitive application process for new fleet vehicles, vehicle conversions and clean fleet technology. This grant will go toward the purchase of two more 40-foot buses, which are expected to be in service by summer 2025.

The second grant, amounting to $1.8 million, was awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency, which supports the transition to electric vehicles nationwide as part of their mission to protect human health and the environment. This grant will help purchase two 60-foot buses, which are expected to be operational by early 2026.

Both grants will go toward the purchase of the buses, as well as the infrastructure needed to support them, such as charging stations, technician training and maintenance equipment. Once the new buses are put into service, CU Boulder will retire four diesel buses from its fleet.

The university has set ambitious goals for the next decade, including a reduction in campuswide greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. The electric bus initiative is an important component of these plans, which also include investments in additional transportation strategies, energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, sustainable building practices and waste reduction programs.

“We are thrilled to receive this funding, which will allow us to continue to advance our efforts in building a more sustainable and resilient campus,” Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Resilience Chris Ewing said. “This investment in electric buses is a key milestone for our long-term environmental strategy. It aligns with our commitment to reducing emissions and supporting green technologies that not only benefit our campus but also contribute toward the goals of our climate action plan.”

CU Boulder’s Transportation Services team will hold another bus naming contest ahead of their debut to bring attention to the electric buses and encourage students, faculty and staff to embrace cleaner transportation options.

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QS World University Rankings has named CU Boulder as one of the top universities in the world for environmental and social impact. CU is ranked 11th in the United States and 61st in the world for sustainability in .

The QS methodology is based on university performance across three assessment categories:

• Environmental Impact: Aggregating environmental sustainability, environmental education and environmental research
• Social Impact: Aggregating equality, knowledge exchange, impact of education, employability and opportunities, and health and well being
• Governance: Considering factors related to good governance: ethics, hiring practices, transparency, decision making, etc.

“CU Boulder has been a global leader in sustainability for many years, and I’m excited to see our faculty, staff and students earn recognition for their accomplishments,” Chancellor Justin Schwartz said. “We’re committed to investing more deeply in sustainability research, education and action efforts in the months ahead as we implement solutions on campus and across Colorado, the nation and the world.”

Through innovative research projects, interdisciplinary collaborations and a commitment to sustainable practices, CU Boulder is driving initiatives to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges. Some recent solutions-oriented research and projects include:

• Regional Innovation Engines program
• Next-generation solar cells
• Off-shore wind energy
• Power grid optimization

CU Boulder’s Climate Action Plan calls for a 50% reduction in carbon emissions (from a 2019 baseline) by 2030 and carbon neutrality by no later than 2050.

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The Campus Sustainability Leadership Team convened Wednesday, Nov. 20, to discuss the following topics:

Leadership updates

  Join the Sustainable Buffs community

  Share your sustainability ideas

Discussion: Chief Operating Officer Patrick O’Rourke shared that the search committee is working through the hiring process for the new vice chancellor for sustainability. The hiring committee will begin meeting candidates in December with the intention of hiring in early 2025.

O’Rourke will be leaving CU Boulder at the end of the year. Chancellor Schwartz will announce who will step into O’Rourke’s role leading the Sustainability Leadership Team in 2025.

Sustainability funding

Discussion: Associate Vice Chancellor for Public Policy Kirsten Schuchman and Senior Advisor for Sustainability and Climate Heidi Vangenderen gave an overview of the status of sustainability funding:

• A subgroup of the Sustainability Leadership Team has been reviewing funding ideas at the state, federal and donor levels while also exploring how other higher education institutions are paying for sustainability-related projects.
• A Masters of the Environment student and student-employee in the Office of Government and Community Engagement has identified state and federal funding opportunities that have come out of Senate Bill 230 with the recommendation that CU Boulder advocates for research funding and acts quickly on any programs or grants that may be at risk of discontinuation.
• CU Boulder is preparing for its first fundraising campaign which will feature sustainability as a major campus initiative.

Zero-waste proposal

Discussion: Josh Radoff, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Specialization Lead within the Masters of the Environment program, brought forth a zero-waste proposal from the campus Sustainability Council. 

The council proposes eliminating all single-use plastic from locations where CU Boulder serves food and beverages, expanding plastic film recycling and reinstating front-of-house composting through building-managed composting. 

The proposal, based on a 2013 waste audit, would include a site-by-site evaluation including cost and timeline of upgrading and renovating each facility to accommodate the goal of eliminating single-use plastics. 

The council would investigate the potential to eliminate or reduce single-use plastic cups and lids from cafes and encourage “bring-your-own-cup” outreach across campus. Radoff notes that we should be in the process of continual investigation to identify other ways to become a zero-waste campus.

Next steps: The Sustainability Council will vote to approve the proposal on Dec. 5, after which there will be a discussion with the Sustainability Executive Leadership Team to organize support and operationalize the strategies.

This is part of a series that covers the CU Boulder Sustainability Leadership Team (formerly known as the Sustainability Executive Council) meeting discussions and decisions. The Sustainability Leadership Team 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. 

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The holidays can be a time of celebration and connection with friends and family, often with the tradition of exchanging gifts. Here are a few things to consider for a more affordable and sustainable holiday season.

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Learn about the many on-campus dining options that make it easy to include more plant-based items in your diet.

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