Sustainability

Free BCycle memberships now available for CU employees

Megan Maneval — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 14:53:46 +0000

Free BCycle memberships now available for CU employees Megan Maneval Fri, 08/01/2025 - 08:53

Starting Aug. 1, all CU employees are eligible for a free annual BCycle membership, thanks to a partnership between CU Boulder's Environmental Center and BCycle. Previously, employees received a discounted rate.

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Folsom Field to feature new turf this football season

Megan Maneval — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 18:34:09 +0000

Folsom Field to feature new turf this football season Megan Maneval Wed, 07/30/2025 - 12:34

The Buffaloes will have a new field on which to roam this fall, as the CU Boulder Athletic Department has installed new artificial turf at Folsom Field. The month-long project was completed at the end of June and will be on full display for fans when CU hosts Georgia Tech in the football home opener on Aug. 29.

Folsom now features AstroTurf’s RootZone 3D3 system, a premium synthetic turf system known for its player safety, durability and natural look. The new surface features a stable playing surface designed to reduce field related wear and tear while meeting stringent safety standards.

The new field also includes a 20-millimeter shock pad manufactured by Brock, a Boulder-based company that also has created a revolutionary infill that is safer for athletes and the environment. Unlike the rubber infill that is commonly used in artificial fields, the product, BrockFILL, is composed of small pine pellets created through a patented process in a zero-waste U.S. factory.

The wood pellets provide better traction, help keep the field cooler and are substantially better for the environment than their rubber counterparts because the organic components are recyclable when the turf needs to be replaced. The wood pellets also don’t release chemicals into the air or leach into rainwater like crumb rubber can. Folsom’s BrockFILL field pellets contain approximately 40,000 pounds of sequestered carbon, which is the approximate equivalent of keeping 145,000 pounds of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.

“We are excited to update the playing surface at Folsom Field with a field that considers athlete safety and the environment through a partnership with Brock, which is a Boulder company,” said Athletic Director Rick George. “This new field will provide a consistent playing surface year-round, while also providing added opportunities to host more events like concerts at Folsom Field. It also looks great!”

Beyond the story

Our sustainability impact by the numbers:

First student-run campus environmental center in the U.S.
No. 11 university for environmental and social impact in the U.S.
First zero-waste major sports stadium in the U.S.

Follow CU Boulder on LinkedIn

"As a proud CU alumnus, it was a dream come true to be part of the Folsom Field renovation,” said Dan Sawyer, Brock Founder & CEO. “CU Athletics set out to create the next generation of artificial turf—one that considers both player safety and environmental impact. That vision aligned perfectly with Brock’s mission, and the collaboration inspired everyone involved. The result is a field that plays like natural grass, delivers the firmness and speed athletes need, and eliminates concerns about crumb rubber making its way into Boulder Creek."

The new turf will also have a significant reduction in maintenance impacts, including water use, fuel for equipment and fertilizer.

Folsom Field featured artificial turf from 1971 to 1998 before switching to natural grass. Nearly 70% of teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision play on an artificial surface. Most importantly, the new field has been approved by Ralphie, who will still perform her pre-game and halftime runs on the field every home game.

The new state-of-the-art surface combines safety, durability and eco-friendly features while providing the flexibility to host more events at the iconic stadium.

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CU Boulder eliminates single-use beverage plastics on campus

Megan Maneval — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:38:57 +0000

CU Boulder eliminates single-use beverage plastics on campus Megan Maneval Thu, 07/17/2025 - 09:38

CU Boulder has reached a major sustainability milestone with the finalization of a new 10-year pouring rights agreement with PepsiCo Beverages that will eliminate all single-use plastics from campus beverage services. The agreement aligns with the university’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) and supports advocacy from students, staff, faculty and administration. By joining just a handful of other pioneering schools in removing single-use plastics from campus beverage services, it further bolsters CU Boulder as a national leader in sustainable campus operations.

CU Boulder’s deal marks the first of its kind for Pepsi in its scope and commitment with a university. While other universities have launched non-plastic initiatives, many have included carve-out clauses or vending exceptions for select plastic-packaged beverages. CU Boulder distinguishes itself by fully committing to a 100% non-plastic beverage initiative with Pepsi without exceptions.

“This contract is a bold step forward in our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “By eliminating single-use plastics from our beverage services, we’re not only responding to the values of our campus community—we’re building on our legacy as one of the most sustainable campuses in the country.”

The agreement includes no out-of-pocket costs for the university. PepsiCo Beverages was selected for its strong sustainability practices, including the use of electric vehicles and product take-back programs. The contract also requires third-party vendors on campus to comply with the shift away from single-use plastics.

Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock emphasized the broader impact of the agreement: “This is more than a contract—it’s a systems-level change that supports our climate goals and demonstrates how operational decisions can drive meaningful environmental outcomes.”

PepsiCo Beverages anticipates that much of its shift away from single-use plastics on campus will be toward aluminum and glass beverage containers.

With the anticipated increase in discarded aluminum on campus due to the new pouring rights agreement, CU Boulder may see added financial benefit from recycling. While it is too early to estimate potential revenue gains, there is optimism that increased aluminum recovery could enhance returns—especially if CU Boulder is able to negotiate competitive pricing and optimize processing methods to reduce costs as volumes grow.

Beginning July 7, the new pouring rights agreement with PepsiCo Beverages initiated a campuswide transition away from single-use beverage plastics that will entail the re-stocking or replacement of beverage vending machines on campus. Cafes and other retail spaces will make the changeover as existing products are sold or replaced.

Beyond the story

Our sustainability impact by the numbers:

First student-run campus environmental center in the U.S.
No. 11 university for environmental and social impact in the U.S.
First zero-waste major sports stadium in the U.S.

Follow CU Boulder on LinkedIn

CU Boulder has finalized a 10-year pouring rights agreement with PepsiCo Beverages that will eliminate all single-use plastics from campus beverage services, advancing the university’s Climate Action Plan.

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CU Boulder shines on global sustainability stage

Megan Maneval — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 19:39:54 +0000

CU Boulder shines on global sustainability stage Megan Maneval Tue, 07/15/2025 - 13:39

At the recent Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress, held for the first time in the United States, CU Boulder made a powerful showing—solidifying its role as a global voice in sustainability research, education and skills training.

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Kale, yeah! CU Boulder's sustainable dining

Megan Maneval — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 16:47:08 +0000

Kale, yeah! CU Boulder's sustainable dining Megan Maneval Fri, 07/11/2025 - 10:47

Coloradan

At CU Boulder, innovative hydroponic farming and plant-based, locally sourced meals are transforming campus dining into sustainable, fresh and delicious food.

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CU Boulder selects Salas O'Brien to design campus decarbonization plan

Megan Maneval — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:03:54 +0000

CU Boulder selects Salas O'Brien to design campus decarbonization plan Megan Maneval Thu, 07/10/2025 - 07:03

CU Boulder has announced the selection of engineering firm Salas O’Brien to design its campus decarbonization plan, kicking off the signature project of the university’s commitment to achieve a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by no later than 2050.

Envisioned in CU Boulder’s 2024 Climate Action Plan (CAP), the comprehensive decarbonization project involves transitioning the campus heating system from steam to low-temperature hot water powered by clean energy. The project will unfold in multiple phases over the next decade, with significant milestones and investments planned to ensure a dependable and resilient energy source for the campus. The CAP is a vital element of our sustainability strategy, which encompasses local to global impact and integrates sustainability into our research and teaching missions.

“The kickoff of our campus decarbonization plan is a major step toward aligning our actions with our values,” CU Boulder Chancellor Justin Schwartz said. “I am grateful for the efforts of so many on our campus who helped drive our Climate Action Plan forward to get us to this point. And I am excited to partner with a company like Salas O’Brien that shares our values around sustainability and brings great expertise to this enormous undertaking.”

Salas O’Brien is an engineering and technical consulting firm of more than 3,800 employees operating out of 90 offices across North America. The firm provides decarbonization expertise, leadership, and support to plan, design and implement campus- and community-scale alternative energy systems. Salas O’Brien’s 450-plus geothermal projects completed to date provide over 90,000 tons of system capacity.

“We’re delighted to have been chosen by CU Boulder to realize their decarbonization goals,” said Rob McKenna, Salas O’Brien’s director of energy planning and the decarbonization project manager. “The Salas O’Brien team is impressed by the university’s enthusiastic engagement and clear commitment to a carbon-free future—essential components for a successful initiative.”

The decarbonization plan design effort is expected to be complete by spring 2026. While it will lay out the road map for converting the entire campus to low-temperature hot water, major initial focus will be placed on the first and second phases highlighted in the CAP, along with the conversion of Williams Village. Salas O’Brien will be responsible for refining the phased approach to implementing this work across the campus.

Those initial phases are vital to CU Boulder’s plan to reduce campus emissions by 50% by 2030.

“CU Boulder research leads the way in creating sustainable solutions for our planet, and our curriculum is shaping the leaders who will help create a world in which everyone enjoys access to clean air, fresh water, abundant food and a vibrant natural environment,” CU Boulder Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock said. “We’re decarbonizing our campus because we know our impact is greatest when we all participate, and this project helps demonstrate our commitment to sustainability across all three pillars of academics, research and operations.”

Beyond the story

Our sustainability impact by the numbers:

First student-run campus environmental center in the U.S.
No. 11 university for environmental and social impact in the U.S.
First zero-waste major sports stadium in the U.S.

Follow CU Boulder on LinkedIn

To help ensure the success of the project, campus leaders have established a high-level steering committee that includes faculty, students and other key stakeholders. This committee will play a crucial role in guiding the project, providing valuable insights, and ensuring the interests of the entire campus community are represented.

In addition to the steering committee, the Office of Infrastructure and Resilience is hiring a sustainability operations and decarbonization manager to oversee the project. This new role will be instrumental in coordinating efforts, managing resources and ensuring the project stays on track.

“One of the most significant challenges of this project is transitioning major campus buildings from steam to low-temperature hot water,” Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Resilience Chris Ewing said. “This process involves substantial construction work that is critical for us to achieve our goals. Salas O’Brien demonstrated proficiency in renewable energy solutions and a clear understanding of the university’s goals and challenges.

“It will be a heavy lift to identify how to avoid taking buildings offline and minimize impact to our campus mission of teaching and research. We have a great team that will collaborate to make it happen, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for the design work to begin.”

The university has launched a multiphase decarbonization project to transition its campus district heating system from steam to low-temperature hot water, selecting engineering firm Salas O'Brien to design the plan that will help CU Boulder achieve its carbon neutrality goals.

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CU Boulder breaks ground on chemistry and applied mathematics facility

Megan Maneval — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 20:09:53 +0000

CU Boulder breaks ground on chemistry and applied mathematics facility Megan Maneval Tue, 07/08/2025 - 14:09

Artist's rendering of the northwest side of the new CHAP facility

On June 16, CU Boulder began construction on its new chemistry and applied mathematics (CHAP) facility—a transformative project that marks a bold step forward in the university’s commitment to research excellence, sustainability and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Located on the southeast side of the Business School Field along Regent Drive, the CHAP building will span approximately 139,000 gross square feet. The facility will house the departments of Chemistry and Applied Mathematics, providing world-class facilities for two already highly regarded programs.

“This groundbreaking represents more than just the start of construction—it’s the beginning of a new era for STEM education and research at CU Boulder,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “The CHAP facility will empower our faculty and students with the tools and spaces they need to lead in fields like quantum research, environmental chemistry and computational mathematics.”

With space dedicated for future quantum research, the CHAP facility underscores CU Boulder’s strategic investment in advancing quantum science—solidifying its position as a national leader in this rapidly evolving field.

The CU Board of Regents approved the $175.43 million project in 2024.

The building will feature modern laboratories, a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic core facility, a 237-seat auditorium and space for future quantum research. It is also designed to be one of the most energy-efficient research buildings in CU Boulder’s history, with sustainability features including cross-laminated timber construction, provisions to accommodate CU’s future low-temperature hot water systems and alignment with the Buy Clean Colorado Act.

“This facility is a strategic investment in the future of our academic mission,” said Provost Russ Moore. “It will not only address critical space and safety needs but also foster the kind of interdisciplinary collaboration that drives innovation and discovery.”

Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences Daryl Maeda echoed those sentiments, stating, “The CHAP facility exemplifies our vision for the future of science education—where sustainability, innovation and collaboration converge. It will be a place where students and faculty push the boundaries of knowledge and where the next generation of scientific leaders will take shape.”

The CHAP project is also expected to alleviate pressure on existing campus facilities. Once the departments relocate, vacated spaces in Cristol Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Engineering Center will be repurposed to benefit other academic units, including the College of Media, Design and Information and the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

The CHAP facility is expected to be completed in summer 2027.

CU Boulder has begun construction on the new chemistry and applied mathematics facility—which will feature cutting-edge labs, a quantum research hub and more.

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The stories that sustain us: A unique approach to sustainability

Megan Maneval — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:10:33 +0000

The stories that sustain us: A unique approach to sustainability Megan Maneval Wed, 07/02/2025 - 09:10

Coloradan

Professor Phaedra Pezzullo aims to make sustainability issues more relatable by integrating storytelling into environmental communication.

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Farm-diversification research wins top international prize

Megan Maneval — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 19:11:14 +0000

Farm-diversification research wins top international prize Megan Maneval Wed, 06/18/2025 - 13:11

Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine

CU Boulder’s Zia Mehrabi is one of three researchers named international champions of the Frontiers Planet Prize for research that finds environmental and social benefits of agricultural diversification.

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Understanding light-driven production of hydrogen could unlock future insights for harnessing light for chemistry

Megan Maneval — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 14:52:09 +0000

Understanding light-driven production of hydrogen could unlock future insights for harnessing light for chemistry Megan Maneval Fri, 06/13/2025 - 08:52

Improved understanding of the light-driven production of hydrogen holds the promise not just to make the reaction more efficient in producing a fuel but also to offer a framework to better understand future light-driven chemistries.

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Sustainability

Free BCycle memberships now available for CU employees

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