CU Environmental Center's Legacy of Sustainability
The first officially celebrated “Earth Day” on April 22, 1970, marked the start of another green legacy: theCU Environmental Center.
A novel concept at the time, the center was founded by environmentally conscious students and acted as an on-campus organization for students to gather, develop and lead projects relevant to environmental issues. Since its inception, the “E-Center,” as it’s commonly known, has led sustainability initiatives, launched programs and partnered with green campus operations such as CU’s renewable energy campaign.
Financed by student fees since 1973, CU Boulder’s E-Center remains the largest student-led environmental center in the nation in terms of funding and employee support. Its innovative creation more than 50 years ago has inspired many other schools to model their student sustainability programs after CU’s.
“The E-Center is governed by students, funded by students and powered by students,” saidMarianne Moulton Martin, E-Center associate director. “Many of our current programs would not have been realized without student leadership and initiatives.”
Driven by passionate Buffs, the center offers a variety of programs that aid sustainability efforts, including acomposting program (started in 2004), acampus pollinator garden (installed in 2014) and theSustainable Buffs program — which invites students to explore how they can live, connect and lead sustainably. The center’s current priorities include developing sustainability leaders, identifying solutions to environmental issues that can be implemented beyond campus, helping CU Boulder reach zero waste and zero emissions, and promoting Buff pride through positive environmental impact.
From the recycling program created in 1976 to the firstCU Bike Station in 2004, the E-Center has a green legacy that generations of Buffs have carried forward — with its student employees at the helm. In addition to the programs and services the center carries out, its student employees help engage their peers in meaningful conversations about everything from climate justice to environmentally friendly practices in labs.
“As a key partner in sustainability on campus, the E-Center aims to support every student who wants to create a positive change in their community,” said student employeeMegan McLemore(IntlAf’26). “So we also act as a liaison, helping students join or start projects they are passionate about, and connecting them with the larger community of Sustainable Buffs here at CU Boulder.”
“The E-Center is governed by students, funded by students and powered by students.”