Green College Spotlight: University of Colorado at Boulder

The University of Colorado at Boulder has one of the top environmental studies programs in the country, and it’s also one of America’s greenest schools. One of few schools to achieve an A- on the College Sustainability Report Card (the highest grade given for 2009), The University of Colorado acts as a shining example of how sustainability should be integrated into curricula, campus operations and community outreach.

CU Boulder had a head start on going green: sustainability has been a priority for over three decades. Over a decade ago, in 1997, CU signed the Talloires Declaration committing itself to setting an example of environmental responsibility in teaching, research and operations – and they’ve done just that. Chancellor Peterson also signed the Presidents Climate Commitment, declaring that CU Boulder would become carbon neutral by the year 2020.

Among the efforts CU Boulder has put in place to meet that ambitious goal are the Buff Energy Star Program – which is a comprehensive competition among campus buildings to save energy and reduce waste – and a 1.5 megawatt solar array. About 10% of the university’s energy use has been offset by wind credits and local offsets since 2000.
Four of the buildings on the stunningly beautiful CU Boulder campus are LEED-certified, and the university has committed to achieving LEED status for all future construction projects. And, in fact, it was CU Boulder students who pushed for the first LEED building, the ATLAS building, to be built in 2007. Students are heavily involved in CU Boulder green initiatives, with more than 60 employed as Eco-Leaders and hundreds involved in sustainability-related student organizations.

Students get around campus on a free bus service, car sharing programs, a ride board, a carpool network and a bike rental program. The university also encourages students to go green in the dining facilities by providing each incoming freshman with a reusable shopping bag and an EcoMug. University dining facilities offer a number of local, natural and organic options and buy from five to eight local producers. A comprehensive recycling program is in place, and the university often competes in campus-wide and national recycling competitions.

As green as the University of Colorado at Boulder is, they’re not done. This College Sustainability Leader will continue to push toward excellence and we’re excited to see what they’ll do next. Maybe an A+ next year?

Link [University of Colorado at Boulder] + [Green Report Card]

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