Engagement
Get involved. At CU Boulder there is a place for everyone in the eco-social justice movement. Through a combination of student activism, academic programmingÌýand faculty service, we reach out to the world in ways that enrich both the Boulder campus and the communities we serve around the globe.
Redefining Sustainable SportsÌý
CU Athletics is the nation’s first zero-waste, net-zero energyÌýand net-zero water athletics program in the nation. In the spirit of these achievements,ÌýÌýworks to increase sustainable behaviors in fans’ everyday lives. All sports events are zero-waste venues, so that nearly all trash generated in the stadium can be recycled, compostedÌýor reused. Ralphie’s Green Stampede also collaborates with sponsors to promote and reward fans for green behaviors regarding issues like water conservation and alternative transportation.
Grassroots ChangeÌý
Established in 1970 by the students who organized CU Boulder’s first Earth Day, theÌýÌýserves as a catalyst and facilitator for a culture of sustainability. The center leads campus initiatives involving energy efficiency and sustainable transportation, to student engagement community education.
Researching, SmarterÌý
Laboratories are a big part of campus ─ 20% of total square footage ─ and an even bigger consumer of campus energy; in 2010-2011 alone they were responsible for 43% of total energy use.ÌýCU Green LabsÌýwas created in order to minimize the use of energy, water, hazardous chemicalsÌýand material packaging. 40% of the university’s laboratories work with Green Labs to upgrade inefficient equipment, increase waste diversionÌýand utilize other smart behaviors.
Living GreenÌý
Ìý─ select students with a passion for sustainability ─ have the duty to work with their peers to create engaged and environmentally active residence hall communities. Alternative breaks, service work, peer educationÌýand specialized trainings are just some of the experiences that empower EcoReps to be active voices for environmental sustainability.
Ìý 1,200Ìýstudent households (3,800 student residents)Ìýreceived energy conservation visits from 2011 to 2017.
Ìý ÌýMore than 150 students are employed for work on sustainability efforts, in addition to the countless students that are involved with sustainability-related clubs, volunteering, and community service.
Ìý ÌýMore than 75 officeÌýEco-Leaders work with their departments to improve best practices including sustainable purchasing, recycling, transportation and energy use.
Ìý Ìý40% of campus labs participate in CU Green Labs to actively assess and reduce resource consumption.