Sustainability

SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education welcomes 13 faculty fellows

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 18:15:04 +0000

SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education welcomes 13 faculty fellows Megan M Rogers Thu, 01/22/2026 - 11:15

The SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education at CU ��ý�� has selected 13 faculty members as its inaugural SPIKE Faculty Fellows, launching a new initiative designed to strengthen and expand sustainability education across campus.

The SPIKE Faculty Fellows will play a central role in advancing sustainability-focused teaching and praxis at CU ��ý��. Together, they will build a cross-campus network of faculty committed to integrating sustainability into curriculum and applied learning, while providing critical faculty perspective to broader university initiatives connected to sustainability education.

During the program’s first six months—starting in January 2026—the fellows will focus on two primary objectives: developing and delivering an annual Sustainability Across the Curriculum training for CU ��ý�� faculty, beginning each May, and offering faculty voice and input into campuswide visions and initiatives that intersect with sustainability education.

In spring 2026, fellows on academic-year appointments will concentrate on teaching strategies responsive to the current moment, as well as foundational sustainability content. The theme for the spring 2026 cohort will be environmental and climate justice.

Advancing transformational learning

In coordination with administrators, staff, students and faculty colleagues across CU ��ý��, the inaugural class of SPIKE Faculty Fellows will work toward a range of outcomes that benefit both the Buckley Center and the campus community. These include:

Co-creating and coordinating a campuswide agenda for transformational learning related to sustainability (distinct from formal curriculum development, which will be supported through a separate ambassadors program)
Informing and illuminating best practices in sustainability education to guide campuswide efforts and reinforce CU ��ý��’s role as an international leader
Sharing experiences and challenges encountered in sustainability education and praxis
Advocating for innovative initiatives that energize and support pathways toward more sustainable futures
Cultivating networks of faculty support across campus, including serving as liaisons to centers and institutes
Collectively preparing and delivering a faculty training on sustainability education
Identifying, assessing and curating sustainability education materials for teaching and learning

Buckley Center renamed SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education

Through these efforts, the SPIKE Faculty Fellows program aims to deepen collaboration, elevate faculty leadership and embed sustainability more fully into the educational experience at CU ��ý��.

Spring 2026 SPIKE Faculty Fellows

The inaugural cohort of faculty fellows includes:

Thomas Andrews, Professor, History and Social Science
Karen Bailey, Assistant Professor, Environmental Studies and Natural Science
Dave Ciplet, Associate Professor, Environmental Studies and Natural Science
Azza Kamal, Associate Teaching Professor, Environmental Design and Communication
Gregor Macgregor, Assistant Teaching Professor, Environmental Studies and Natural Science
Cresten Mansfeldt, Assistant Professor, College of Engineering and Applied Science
James C. Rattling Leaf, Sr., Geography, Natural Science and CIRES
Esther Rolf, Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Engineering
Jonathan Skinner-Thompson, Associate Professor, Colorado Law
Seema Sohi, Associate Professor, Ethnic Studies and Social Science
Katharine N. Suding, Distinguished Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Natural Science, INSTAAR
Meghan Van Portfliet, Assistant Teaching Professor, Leeds School of Business
Steven Vanderheiden, Professor, Political Science and Social Science
Emily Yeh, Professor, Geography and Natural Science

Together, these faculty leaders represent a wide range of disciplines and perspectives, underscoring the SPIKE Center’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusive approaches to sustainability education at CU ��ý��.

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Buckley Center renamed SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:24:00 +0000

Buckley Center renamed SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education Megan M Rogers Wed, 01/21/2026 - 11:24

Left to right: Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock, alumnus and donor Spike Buckley, and Chancellor Justin Schwartz at the signing ceremony.

The Buckley Center for Sustainability Education at CU ��ý��, launched last summer with a transformative $10 million gift from alumnus Spike Buckley, has been renamed the SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education to reflect dynamism and its growing role as a hub for sustainability learning and leadership on campus and beyond.

Established with a $10 million, venture-style investment to accelerate sustainability education at CU ��ý��, the center was created to integrate sustainability concepts across courses and disciplines; support faculty innovation in sustainability teaching; and empower students with experiential learning, civic engagement and leadership opportunities. The center serves as an accelerator to expand sustainability curriculum, advance faculty impact and prepare students to address the urgent environmental challenges of our time.

“This support has allowed us to build a dynamic, collaborative space that will help students and faculty bring sustainability into every corner of campus,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability at CU ��ý��. “Renaming the center honors the vision and continued commitment of John ‘Spike’ Buckley as this work continues to grow.”

With the new name in place, the center is also unveiling updates to its suite of programs, which will now be branded under the SPIKE umbrella to strengthen identity and coherence across initiatives. These include:

SPIKE Faculty Fellows
SPIKE Curriculum Ambassadors
SPIKE Faculty Affiliates
SPIKE Student Emissaries
SPIKE Student Scholars

“Our SPIKE programs are designed to empower learners at every level, from first-year students to advanced scholars, to bring sustainability into their work, communities and careers,” said Max Boykoff, faculty executive director of the SPIKE Center. “By connecting teaching, curriculum and experiential learning through the SPIKE Center to partners in research and practice, we are helping CU ��ý�� not just respond to the climate crisis, but to transform how education equips people to shape a more just and resilient future.”

The renaming coincides with a phase of strategic expansion for the center as it deepens partnerships across campus units and with community, state, national and international collaborators. The SPIKE Center continues to advance CU ��ý��’s leadership in sustainability education by supporting course development, teaching collaborations, and new tools and modules that help integrate sustainability into curricula across academic programs.

CU ��ý��’s ongoing focus on sustainability education builds on a strong institutional legacy of environmental leadership, from early achievements like launching the nation’s first campus recycling program, to maintaining a STARS Gold rating for sustainability excellence.

Looking ahead, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Sustainability and the SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education invite faculty, students, staff and community partners to engage in shaping the next phase of sustainability education, helping to educate the climate leaders of the future and advance solutions for a thriving, equitable and sustainable world.

Get more details on programs and opportunities to get involved.

The Buckley Center for Sustainability Education has been renamed the SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education to reflect dynamism and its growing role as a hub for sustainability learning and leadership on campus and beyond. The center launched last summer with a transformative $10 million gift from alumnus Spike Buckley,

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CU ��ý�� earns platinum status for 'bicycle-friendly university'

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:44:43 +0000

CU ��ý�� earns platinum status for 'bicycle-friendly university' Megan M Rogers Thu, 01/15/2026 - 14:44

Big news for Buffs who love to ride: CU ��ý�� has been awarded platinum status as a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists. This is the highest honor in the program and recognizes our campus as one of the best places in the country to bike.

The league’s latest round of awards celebrates universities that are stepping up: listening to feedback, investing in infrastructure and building partnerships to make biking safer, easier and more accessible for everyone. And that’s exactly what CU has been doing.

CU ��ý�� is now one of only 10 platinum-level schools in the entire country out of 204 participating universities. That makes this achievement truly exceptional and hard to earn.

By the numbers

CU ��ý�� has more than 7,000 bike parking spaces across campus, making it easy for riders to find a spot and keep rolling.
On a typical day, thousands of bikes travel through campus—so many that bikes outnumber cars in most areas of campus!
Each year, the Environmental Center's Bicycle Program refurbishes around 100 abandoned or impounded bikes for re-use by students.

From miles of bike paths and secure parking to repair stations and education programs, CU ��ý�� has worked hard to make biking a core part of campus life. Efforts include:

Better infrastructure: Dedicated bike lanes, covered and secured bike parking, improved traffic crossings and more bike racks
Community support: Safety campaigns, events, trainings and partnerships with local organizations
Convenience: Buff Bike programs, free ��ý�� BCycle use and on-campus bicycle maintenance stations

Why does this matter?

Biking helps reduce carbon emissions, promotes health and keeps our campus moving. Earning platinum status shows that CU ��ý�� is leading the way in sustainable transportation.

“This award reflects our campus commitment to sustainability and mobility,” said Brandon Smith, assistant director for sustainable transportation at CU ��ý��. “Biking is not just a transportation option; it’s part of our culture and our vision for a greener future.”

Being recognized as a Platinum Bicycle Friendly University is a powerful example of how CU ��ý�� turns sustainability values into real-world action.

“Transportation is one of the biggest drivers of emissions, so shifting trips toward biking and transit is critical to meeting our climate goals and improving quality of life,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability at CU ��ý��.

Want to learn more about the Bicycle Friendly University program? Check out the full list of awardees at bikeleague.org.

Big news for Buffs who love to ride: CU ��ý�� has been awarded platinum status as a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists. This is the highest honor in the program and recognizes the campus as one of the best places in the country to bike.

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CU ��ý�� breaks ground on chilled water line project to support campus sustainability

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 22:16:44 +0000

CU ��ý�� breaks ground on chilled water line project to support campus sustainability Megan M Rogers Wed, 01/14/2026 - 15:16

CU ��ý�� has officially broken ground on a major infrastructure project to install a new chilled water line connecting the Main Campus to Code Talker Hall and the North ��ý�� Creek (NBC) neighborhood. This multi-phase project will enhance energy efficiency, support future campus infrastructure and help the university meet its long-term sustainability goals.

Project overview

The chilled water line will provide reliable, efficient cooling to Code Talker Hall and future buildings in the NBC area. The project is part of a broader utilities upgrade that includes improvements to heating water and medium voltage electrical systems. By electrifying chillers and centralizing cooling, CU ��ý�� is reducing its carbon footprint and preparing for future campus needs.

Construction timeline and phasing

Work begins Jan. 5 at the Code Talker Hall site, with the east side of Lot 145 serving as a staging area. Each phase of construction will be completed before the next begins, minimizing disruption and maintaining access wherever possible. The project will use a combination of open trenching and boring, including a major bore operation starting in March from Lot 177 on the south side of Newton Court.

As construction progresses, portions of Folsom Street near Colorado Avenue will be impacted, with equipment occupying the far-right southbound lane and turn lanes temporarily combined. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Colorado and Folsom throughout the project, and a portion of Lot 360 will be used for staging during later phases.

The current schedule anticipates completion of the main line by June 2026, with a temporary chiller in place to ensure uninterrupted cooling for Code Talker Hall until the new lines are completed.

What to expect

Parking: The east side of Lot 145 and portions of Lot 177 and Lot 360 will be used for construction staging. Some parking spaces will be temporarily unavailable.
Traffic: Expect lane shifts and combined turn lanes on Folsom near Colorado Avenue. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Colorado and Folsom.
Access: Construction will be phased to maintain access to campus facilities and minimize disruption.
Communication: Regular updates will be provided via the campus Cone Zone website and campus signage.

Sustainability and campus impact

This project is a key step in CU ��ý��’s commitment to sustainability, resource alignment and commitment to sustainability and resource alignment. By investing in modern, efficient infrastructure, the university is ensuring reliable utilities for current and future generations.

Stay informed

For more information, including detailed phasing plans and updates, visit the project website.

CU ��ý�� has broken ground on a new chilled water line project that will enhance campus sustainability and improve energy efficiency in the North ��ý�� Creek area.

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Chancellor advocates for building funding before state Capital Development Committee

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:09:28 +0000

Chancellor advocates for building funding before state Capital Development Committee Megan M Rogers Mon, 12/22/2025 - 06:09

CU ��ý�� leadership, including Chancellor Justin Schwartz, far left, and Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Business Todd Haggerty, far right, join CU system and UCCS leadership for a group photo after presenting to the Capital Development Committee at the capitol in Denver. Photo by Glenn Asakawa/University of Colorado.

On Dec. 17, CU ��ý�� Chancellor Justin Schwartz and other representatives from the CU campuses presented capital requests for the 2026–27 fiscal year to the Colorado General Assembly’s Capital Development Committee. The annual hearing continues a longstanding tradition of advocating for investments in the university’s historic buildings and infrastructure that have shaped both the campus and the state for generations.

During the presentation, Schwartz emphasized that CU ��ý��’s capital priorities are intended to benefit not only the university community but Colorado as a whole. “These projects will not only have a significant impact on CU ��ý�� faculty, staff and students but also in many ways on the broader Colorado economy,” he said, underscoring the university’s role as an economic and cultural driver for the state.

The annual presentation allows University of Colorado campuses and state agencies to outline requests for maintenance and construction funding, enabling the committee to make recommendations to the Joint Budget Committee. The state budget bill released in the spring ultimately determines which projects receive funding.

Capital requests: Preserving history, advancing opportunity

Macky Auditorium renovation

Macky Auditorium, a cornerstone of the Norlin Quadrangle Historic District, has weathered 103 years of use. The university proposes a three-phase renovation, providing 60% of the funding ($50.6 million in cash) and requesting just over $33.8 million from the state. Of the $84.4 million total project cost, $28.4 million addresses deferred maintenance.

Macky’s classrooms serve departments such as Cinema Studies, Theatre and Dance, and Germanic and Slavic Languages, supporting hundreds of students and faculty. The renovation will upgrade building systems, stabilize the structure, address drainage and moisture issues, restore historic elements and improve energy efficiency. Notably, state support for Macky Auditorium is linked to ��ý��’s selection as the new home of the Sundance Film Festival, amplifying its cultural significance.

CU ��ý�� Chancellor Justin Schwartz, center, talks with Chad Marturano, CU system vice president and chief financial officer, after presenting to the Capital Development Committee at the capitol in Denver. Photo by Glenn Asakawa/University of Colorado.

Guggenheim Geography building renovation

The Guggenheim Geography building, untouched by significant remodels since 1908, is slated for a comprehensive $53 million renovation over two phases, with the university providing 60% of funding and requesting $21.2 million from the state. The project will address health, life-safety and code improvements, including asbestos mitigation, fire safety upgrades, HVAC and electrical systems, and restoration of historic elements.

Guggenheim supports 114 faculty, staff and graduate students, delivering thousands of credit-hours, serving a broad swath of the student body. The renovation will create more energy-efficient, usable space, supporting up to 20 academic programs and helping students graduate on time.

Commitment to deferred maintenance and sustainability

CU ��ý�� faces a $1.64 billion deferred maintenance backlog. The university’s strategy integrates emerging needs into repairs, increases space utilization rates, improves efficiency and life-cycle costs, leverages sustainability improvements, and mitigates potential problems before they arise.

Meanwhile, the university remains committed to incorporating sustainable features into its operations and buildings. Recent sustainability milestones include the launch of the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education, elimination of single-use beverage plastics and groundbreaking on 5MW of solar power.

Accountability through results

Schwartz closed the presentation by thanking the committee and legislative partners for their support of the recently completed renovation of the Hellems Arts and Sciences building, which reopened this month after more than two years of work supported by university resources and state funding. He noted that the project preserved the building’s historic character while improving accessibility, energy efficiency and modern learning spaces, and highlighted its role in bringing students back to classrooms this spring.

CU ��ý�� Chancellor Justin Schwartz and other representatives from the four CU campuses recently presented capital requests for the 2026–27 fiscal year to the Colorado General Assembly's Capital Development Committee.

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CU ��ý�� to co-host Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

CU ��ý�� to co-host Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit Megan M Rogers Fri, 12/12/2025 - 05:00

On Dec. 10, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights); Saïd Business School, University of Oxford (Oxford Saïd); and the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (RHRN) announced a multi-year plan to host the Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit annually on UN World Environment Day, June 5.

The annual summit will be jointly hosted by Oxford Saïd and UN Human Rights, with co-hosting support from leading universities worldwide, including CU ��ý��. The summit will convene young leaders, scholars, policymakers, educators and innovators to advance human rights-based climate solutions.

Panelist Julieta Martinez addresses the audience during a youth panel at the 2022 Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit hosted by CU ��ý��. Photo by Casey Cass/CU ��ý��.

CU ��ý��’s support of the summit will be led by the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education (BCSE), which drives sustainability curriculum and experiential learning; the Center for African and African American Studies (the CAAAS—or “the cause”), which elevates equity and justice in global climate discourse; and the Conference on World Affairs (CWA), which offers a shared CU ��ý�� and community-based event platform for global dialogue and thought leadership.

“Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the drivers of positive climate solutions today,” said Max Boykoff, faculty executive director of the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education. “The Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit elevates youth voices at a moment when their leadership is absolutely essential to advancing collective climate initiatives that protect the planet and benefit generations to come.”

The summit will serve as a global touchpoint for collaboration and capacity-building related to human rights-based climate action across campuses and communities worldwide.

“The climate crisis is not only an environmental issue, it is a human rights issue that touches every dimension of social life,” said Reiland Rabaka, professor of African, African American, and Caribbean studies in the Department of Ethnic Studies and the founder and director of the CAAAS at CU ��ý��. “This summit centers the voices and leadership of young people who are already shaping new, more just futures, especially in frontline and historically marginalized communities.”

The theme for the 2026 Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit focuses on ensuring climate technologies for mitigation and adaptation are aligned with human rights obligations. It also emphasizes developing the tools needed to support a just transition to sustainable economies and societies that uphold human rights. The summit will explore the human rights risks and opportunities of current and emerging technologies, such as renewable energy systems, resilient infrastructure, data and early-warning tools and artificial intelligence, in the context of climate action and identify strategies to ensure these risks are mitigated and human rights are protected.

The summit will be hybrid, hosted physically at Oxford Saïd and livestreamed globally, enabling broad participation while limiting travel and associated environmental impacts. Young people from 12 regions will contribute through dialogues, case studies and presentations on the intersection of climate change, human rights and climate technology, highlighting scalable solutions that strengthen resilience and protect communities on the frontlines.

“CU ��ý��’s sustainability vision recognizes that climate change is a global challenge, and we need to act from the campus to the global level to address this challenge,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability at CU ��ý��. “By serving as a co-host of the Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit, we’re helping to elevate international dialogue, shared learning and collaborative problem-solving at a truly global scale.”

In December 2022, the inaugural Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit was held at CU ��ý��. The summit addressed the interconnectedness of human rights and climate change, bringing together some of the world’s foremost human rights, scientific, political, educational, cultural and industry leaders to outline and commit to specific actions addressing the harmful effects of climate change on human rights. In June 2025, CU ��ý�� supported the University of Oxford and United Nations Human Rights hosted during a four-day global summit on climate change and human rights, alongside the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance.

The annual Right Here, Right Now Summit will be jointly hosted by Oxford Saïd and UN Human Rights, with co-hosting support from leading universities worldwide, including the ��ý��.

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Waste not. Want? Yes

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:00:55 +0000

Waste not. Want? Yes Megan M Rogers Thu, 12/11/2025 - 12:00

At an annual holiday market, CMDI students again sold handmade, sustainably sourced gifts—along with the stories of how the materials were rescued from waste streams.

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Hellems to reopen: A new era of sustainability and learning

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:42:07 +0000

Hellems to reopen: A new era of sustainability and learning Megan M Rogers Wed, 12/10/2025 - 13:42

After more than two years, the historic Hellems Arts and Sciences building is ready to welcome faculty, staff and students back to campus life. This month, faculty and staff members will begin moving into their newly renovated offices, and when the spring semester kicks off in January, students will once again fill the halls of one of CU ��ý��’s most iconic academic spaces.

The renovation was made possible through a combination of university resources and partial funding from the state of Colorado, underscoring the shared commitment to preserving historic campus spaces while advancing sustainability and student success.

A thoughtful renovation for modern needs

Originally constructed in 1921, Hellems was the first building on campus designed in Charles Klauder’s signature Tuscan vernacular style and has long been a cornerstone of the university’s academic experience. The renovation project was designed not only to preserve its historic character but also to meet the needs of today’s learners and educators. The updated spaces feature improved accessibility, modernized classrooms and collaborative areas that foster connection and creativity.

The building also holds cultural significance as the home of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, which stages performances in the adjacent Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre each summer. The renovation ensures this beloved tradition continues in a space that reflects CU ��ý��’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.

Student-first design

From the earliest planning stages, the renovation followed a student-first process, incorporating feedback from students to ensure the building supports their academic success and well-being. Classrooms were reimagined to encourage active learning and collaboration, while study spaces and common areas were designed to promote comfort, flexibility and community. These changes aim to create an environment where students can thrive academically and socially within a historic setting that now meets modern expectations.

“The renovation of Hellems was guided by a student-first approach,” said Ann Stevens, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Every design decision, from flexible classrooms to collaborative spaces, was made with the goal of enhancing how students learn and connect. This reimagined building creates an environment that supports academic success, fosters community and reflects the values of a modern university.”

Sustainability at the core

One of the most significant aspects of the renovation is its commitment to sustainability. The project incorporated multiple strategies to reduce environmental impact, including:

Energy efficiency: Upgraded HVAC systems, LED lighting and enhanced insulation dramatically improve energy performance.
Water conservation: Low-flow fixtures and efficient plumbing systems help minimize water usage.
Material choices: More than 80% of original clay roof tiles were reused, and terrazzo and hardwood flooring were refurbished instead of replaced.
Smart design: Triple-pane windows, daylight-optimized layouts and improved ventilation create healthier, more efficient spaces.

These efforts will reduce the building’s energy use intensity (EUI) by nearly 68%, even with the addition of air conditioning.

“This project is truly setting the bar for what a building that is over 100 years old can achieve,” said Chris Ewing, vice chancellor for infrastructure and resilience. “We’re dramatically cutting energy use and emissions while creating modern, flexible spaces that support student success based on their input into the design process. These upgrades foster collaboration, comfort and well-being—key elements for learning—while reducing operating costs and improving efficiency.”

“This project reflects CU ��ý��’s commitment to climate action and sustainability leadership,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability. “Hellems is now a model for how we can honor our history, and create modern spaces for students and faculty, while building for a low-carbon future.”

The university is also targeting LEED Gold certification, a benchmark for sustainable building practices.

Looking ahead

With faculty returning in mid-December and students arriving for classes in January, the reopening of Hellems marks a milestone in CU ��ý��’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and academic excellence.

“Hellems is more than a building. It’s a symbol of CU ��ý��’s dedication to the liberal arts as the intellectual heart of the university,” says Daryl Maeda, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “A liberal arts education teaches us to think deeply, question critically and connect ideas across disciplines. In the reimagined Hellems, those connections become a lived experience.”

To celebrate this achievement, Arts and Sciences Donor and Alumni Relations, in partnership with Arts and Sciences academic leadership, is planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 10, 2026, aligning with the university’s 150th anniversary.

CU ��ý��'s historic Hellems building is reopening after a major renovation focused on student success and sustainability, with faculty moving in mid-December and students returning for spring classes in January. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for April to celebrate the building and the university's 150th anniversary.

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Prioritizing sustainability: A look back and ahead with Andrew Mayock

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:59:00 +0000

Prioritizing sustainability: A look back and ahead with Andrew Mayock Megan M Rogers Mon, 12/08/2025 - 04:59

As the fall 2025 semester comes to a close, CU ��ý�� continues to build momentum toward its long-term sustainability goals—one of the campus priorities recently discussed by Chancellor Justin Schwartz.

Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock

From advances in climate research and innovative curriculum to major operational improvements and new community partnerships, CU ��ý�� 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.

How has CU ��ý�� 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 ��ý��’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 ��ý�� 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 ��ý��’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.

More from campus leadership

Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock discusses what stood out this semester, why it matters and what's ahead in 2026.

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Small changes, big impact: Going zero waste

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:08:34 +0000

Small changes, big impact: Going zero waste Megan M Rogers Thu, 12/04/2025 - 09:08

Check out this guide from the Environmental Center for easy, practical steps to reduce waste and help make our community more sustainable.

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Sustainability

SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education welcomes 13 faculty fellows

Advancing transformational learning

Spring 2026 SPIKE Faculty Fellows

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