Sustainability

3 takeaways from the Second Nature Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:40:57 +0000

3 takeaways from the Second Nature Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit Megan M Rogers Wed, 03/11/2026 - 13:40

On March 9, Chancellor Justin Schwartz spoke on the opening plenary panel, “20 Years In: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going?”, at the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in Chicago. Hosted by Second Nature, with support from the Intentional Endowments Network, the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit is the premier annual gathering of higher education leaders committed to addressing the climate crisis.

Here are three key messages from Schwartz.

Climate goals are being infused into everything in higher education, not just campus operations.

Twenty years ago, a campus sustainability office was considered innovative. Today, sustainability is increasingly embedded across the entire university system, from curriculum and research to campus operations and community partnerships.

Chancellor Justin Schwartz speaking at the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in Chicago.

At ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, that means integrating sustainability across academics, operations, research and community impact. The university’s first vice chancellor for sustainability, Andrew Mayock, is building on decades of campus leadership in sustainability to expand sustainability-focused degrees and programs and embed climate-related courses across the curriculum. Sustainability is also visible across campus operations, from energy-efficient building renovations to eliminating single-use plastic beverage containers and transitioning campus transportation toward electric buses.

Students are also driving this change. Surveys show sustainability is a major factor in where students choose to enroll, and today’s students expect clear climate targets, transparency and measurable progress.

Despite the current federal context, higher education institutions are stepping up on climate.

Universities have long operated across shifting political environments, but their core mission—to pursue knowledge and follow scientific inquiry—remains constant. Institutions continue to advance climate research and education, even amid policy uncertainty or fluctuating federal funding.

At ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, climate and environmental research remain central strengths, supported by world-class research institutes and partnerships with industry, government and local communities. These collaborations reinforce that climate research is not a political issue but one tied to workforce preparedness, innovation, resilience and economic opportunity.

New partnerships are accelerating climate innovation.

While funding disruptions and policy shifts create challenges, they are also prompting new partnerships and models for impact. Universities are increasingly collaborating with states, industry and philanthropy to accelerate innovation and collaborate on solutions to the most pressing challenge of our time: climate change.

At ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, for example, the university is working with partners across Colorado to support emerging industries like quantum technology and to help communities transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. Programs such as Boulder Climate Ventures are also helping students launch startups focused on climate solutions.

Ultimately, solving the climate crisis will require collaboration across institutions, sectors and disciplines. No single university can solve it alone, but by working together, higher education can help build the solutions and prepare the next generation to lead them.

Announcing the Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability

The chancellor also announced the opening of applications for the inaugural Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability, of which ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� is the host institution.

The Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability is designed to recognize and celebrate higher education institutions that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and climate action as integral to their academic missions. The classification provides a rigorous framework for assessing and advancing sustainability efforts across curriculum, research, operations and community engagement.

As host institution, ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� provides the operational home for the initiative, supporting program management, application review and the development of a nationwide community of practice around sustainability in higher education.

Applications are now open, and all institutions can submit applications to elevate their sustainability efforts. Learn more about the application process.

On March 9, Chancellor Justin Schwartz spoke as part of the opening plenary panel, "20 Years In: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going?" at the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in Chicago.

Zebra Striped

White

How grad students are supporting Colorado's decarbonization goals

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:45:07 +0000

How grad students are supporting Colorado's decarbonization goals Megan M Rogers Fri, 03/06/2026 - 10:45

In fall 2025, three ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� graduate students presented their findings and recommendations to the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority (CETA) board. Their presentation focused on the role of long duration energy storage in maximizing transmission utilization, strengthening grid reliability, flexibility and resilience, and improving renewable integration. The work would go on to inform CETA's investment and policy decisions supporting clean energy across Colorado and the Western grid.

Simultaneously, in partnership with Third Derivative, a program of the Rocky Mountain Institute, a student team set out to understand how new low-carbon building technologies move from the lab into real-world application. Through more than 40 interviews with leaders from architecture, engineering and development firms, along with city staff and policy leaders, the team combined firsthand experience with data on building rules and markets to see where new ideas are most likely to take hold.

This work produced two new databases: one showing which U.S. cities and architecture, engineering and construction firms are most open to trying new technologies and another explaining how key decisions about buildings are made. Together, these tools create a practical guide for clearing common roadblocks. Third Derivative will use these findings to shape its building sector investment thesis and guide work across its portfolio of more than 250 startup companies.

Meanwhile, a third capstone team partnered with Denver’s Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR) office to address decarbonization challenges by translating climate goals into actionable strategies for neighborhood-scale electrification. The team has provided CASR with foundational research to support its electrification strategy under Colorado House Bill 24-1370, which aims to reduce reliance on the natural gas system.

Their work includes analyzing state-level policies, utility proceedings and existing electrification programs across the Denver metro area; creating neighborhood profiles for five potential pilot sites; distributing a resident survey that generated over 200 responses to assess awareness of and interest in electrification; and producing a comprehensive report summarizing deliverables, recommendations and supporting research.

What do the three projects have in common? They are all a part of the capstone program within ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Masters of the Environment (MENV) program, and each contributes directly to Colorado’s decarbonization goals.

Colorado’s push for 100% renewable energy

Colorado has set one of the most ambitious clean energy goals in the United States: achieving 100% renewable energy by 2040. Gov. Jared Polis’s decarbonization roadmap outlines strategies for reaching that target, including expanding green jobs, modernizing the Public Utilities Commission, electrifying transportation, and promoting energy efficiency and zero-emissions buildings—all aimed at improving air quality, community health and the local economy.

Achieving these goals will require significant expansion of clean energy technologies, infrastructure and workforce, along with investments in climate solutions. ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� MENV program is playing a critical role in supporting this mission by training the next generation of renewable energy leaders and advancing decarbonization projects through hands-on projects and collaborations.

Training the next generation of leaders

MENV is a two-year professional graduate degree designed to prepare students for sustainability-focused careers. Students choose a specialization offered within the program to build expertise, with approximately 20–25 students entering each year in the renewable and sustainable energy (RSE) specialization and additional students declaring RSE as a dual specialization to complement their primary focus.

The rigorous RSE curriculum combines core courses, such as Energy Systems and Technologies and Sustainable Energy Policy, with electives including Renewable Energy Development and Project Finance; Energy Markets, Transactions, and Policy; and Microgrids and Distributed Energy Resources. Through collaboration with industry partners, MENV ensures the curriculum remains current and aligned with evolving workforce needs, equipping students with the technical, analytical and policy tools needed to tackle complex energy challenges.

Student Jim Hansley shared his experience in the RSE specialization:

“The RSE specialization within the Masters of the Environment (MENV) program at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the clean energy transition. The curriculum spans energy systems, policy, markets, finance, buildings and emerging technologies, enabling students to see how technical, economic and regulatory forces interact to shape the future of energy. Courses are taught by practitioners and industry partners who bring current market realities into the classroom. Graduates leave with analytical depth and practical insight, prepared to engage complex energy challenges with practical perspective and meaningful impact.”

Students also connect classroom learning to real-world applications through field trips, site visits and study abroad opportunities that allow students to see energy systems and technologies in action. For example, in 2024, a group of MENV students traveled to Japan to deepen their understanding of international energy and climate strategies through site visits to wind farms, wastewater treatment facilities and electric power plants, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on applied, globally informed sustainability leadership.

Josh Radoff, RSE specialization lead and director of campus climate action, sustainability and resilience, continues to keep the RSE curriculum up to date to ensure students have industry-relevant skills by the time they graduate. Recently, he connected his two campus roles by introducing a new “campus as a living laboratory” course, which allows students to apply climate action planning, emissions analysis and sustainability solutions directly on ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� campus.

Radoff explains:

“Our goal at MENV, with our courses and with the capstone program, is to introduce people to the dynamic field of clean energy and decarbonization and to have students work on real-world applications, which ranges from techno-economic analysis on solar and battery storage, to policy analysis on urban thermal energy networks. The idea is that by becoming an energy and decarbonization subject matter expert, MENV students become equipped to take on a wide range of careers and project types.”

Capstones to careers

Capstone team Annika Cederstrand, Casey Chabot and Kaylie Larson with capstone advisor Joshua Radoff

A recent capstone highlight is the 2025 project by students Annika Cederstrand, Casey Chabot and Kaylie Larson, who partnered with OneEnergy Renewables under the leadership of capstone partner lead Mikkela Blanton of OneEnergy Renewables and Radoff, their capstone advisor.

Over an 11-month period, the team analyzed alternative interconnection pathways for renewable energy developers, focusing on reducing project costs and decreasing development timelines. The team delivered actionable recommendations for innovative development approaches and identified potential customers for OneEnergy’s outreach efforts, demonstrating tangible results for both the industry partners and Colorado’s clean energy transition.

Blanton shared:

“The capstone team exceeded my expectations, delivering innovative, data-driven work on interconnection pathways that will help our company explore new opportunities to accelerate decarbonization. Mentoring the students while gaining such high-quality results was incredibly rewarding.”

Cederstrand, Chabot and Larson each aspire to build careers across different sectors of the clean energy industry, with a shared interest in driving scalable, real-world solutions. Through the capstone experience, they strengthened their skills in strategic and technical analysis, stakeholder engagement and decision-making, preparing them to step into leadership roles within the clean energy sector.

Following the project, Larson joined OneEnergy’s commercial strategy team, where she will play a key role in advancing solar development and accelerating the growth of clean energy across Colorado and beyond.

Scaling impact

Capstone 2026 (MENV's 10th year) just kicked off and features partnerships including the city of Moab, Invenergy, Leitner-Poma and returning partner OneEnergy Renewables—offering students continued opportunities to tackle real-world decarbonization challenges.

As Colorado works toward its 2040 renewable energy goal, ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� MENV program continues to serve as a key resource for talent and expertise needed to drive impactful change across the state’s clean energy landscape. With 25 capstone projects planned for 2026, the program demonstrates that its efforts are far from finished, and MENV students are only just beginning their journey in driving impact in decarbonization across Colorado and beyond.

Among the 2026 capstone programs, MENV students will be working with Mountain Towns 2030 (MT2030)—a movement of mountain, rural and ski resort communities working together to accelerate and scale systemic climate action. These students will help develop a community climate progress assessment tool to track municipal progress on emissions, renewable energy deployment, building decarbonization, sustainable transportation and waste diversion while engaging with local leaders, ski resorts and nonprofits to evaluate existing climate action plans. This project gives students hands-on experience in applying sustainability solutions to real communities, driving impact locally.

Alumni driving change

The MENV program develops future generations of sustainability leaders who actively contribute to Colorado’s clean energy transition across public and private sectors. Graduates now hold positions at organizations such as Scout Clean Energy, OneEnergy Renewables, Invenergy, the Colorado Energy Office, and the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, where they support renewable energy development, policy implementation and climate solutions.

Masters of the Environment students are advancing Colorado's decarbonization goals through projects that support clean energy innovation, policy development and real-world climate solutions.

Traditional

The Mountain Research Station is an interdisciplinary facility of INSTAAR, providing research and educational opportunities for scientists, students and the general public. Photo by Patrick Campbell/��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

White

Researchers collecting samples at the Mountain Research Station, an interdisciplinary facility of INSTAAR, providing research and educational opportunities for scientists, students and the general public. Photo by Patrick Campbell/��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

Hellems reopening: A new era of sustainability and learning

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:42:07 +0000

Hellems reopening: A new era of sustainability and learning Megan M Rogers Tue, 02/24/2026 - 13:42

Editor's note: This article was originally published on Dec. 10, 2025, ahead of the reopening.

After more than two years, the historic Hellems Arts and Sciences building is welcoming faculty, staff and students back to campus life. Faculty and staff members have moved into their newly renovated offices, and students have begun filling the halls of one of ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� most iconic academic spaces.

And on April 10, you can join alumni, friends and the campus community to celebrate the reopening of Hellems. From 2 to 4:30 p.m., be a part of the ribbon cutting ceremony and tour the newly renovated Hellems. Register here to be a part of this historic moment for ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

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 ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and academic excellence.

“Hellems is more than a building. It’s a symbol of ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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.”

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'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.

Traditional

White

Inaugural Sustainability Research Initiative fellows unveiled

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:16:09 +0000

Inaugural Sustainability Research Initiative fellows unveiled Megan M Rogers Mon, 02/23/2026 - 09:16

The Sustainability Research Initiative fellowship serves as a yearlong incubator, bringing together researchers from across academic units, disciplines and career stages to imagine, collaborate and conduct research in new ways. See who the pioneering fellows are.

Traditional

White

New SPIKE-CAAAS fellowship to support grad students

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000

New SPIKE-CAAAS fellowship to support grad students Megan M Rogers Fri, 02/20/2026 - 05:00

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education and Center for African and African American Studies (CAAAS) have partnered to support graduate students within the CAAAS in their study of sustainability and how it impacts the African and African American communities. This collaboration will support two CAAAS/SPIKE Graduate Fellows for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 academic years.

This partnership is focused upon two areas of top priority for the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� campus: African and African American communities and sustainability.

The CAAAS (often referred to as “the Cause”) was established May 2021 by Reiland Rabaka with a mission to uphold Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision of “the Beloved Community.” In the context of ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, the CAAAS creates a community of support for CU faculty and students conducting research in African, African American and African diasporan studies. Within sustainability, these communities face particular challenges that require new scholarship to develop responses and solutions.

The SPIKE Center was formed in fall of 2025 in response to Chancellor Justin Schwartz’s prioritization of sustainability at CU to accelerate sustainability education. A central objective of the SPIKE Center is to support scholarship around communities bearing disproportionate impact from sustainability disruption, and thus the SPIKE Center is grateful for the opportunity to partner with the CAAAS on this important initiative.

“The solutions to the challenges we face in sustainability are so often found at the intersection of creativity, inclusion and the diverse perspectives,” said Max Boykoff, faculty executive director of the SPIKE Center. “We appreciate this partnership with the CAAAS and opportunities to improve our collective work together centering critical elements of justice and equity.”

“Because the mission of the CAAAS is to foster research in African and African American studies, we see this as an exciting opportunity to explore the specific problems our communities face in sustainability,” said Rabaka, director of the CAAAS. “This initiative with the SPIKE Center will empower much needed additional scholarship on this critical issue.”

"At ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� we have a vision of sustainability that is not concentrated in a single school or sector but one that instead sees sustainability pervading every sector, every academic unit and, ultimately, every student," said Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock. "Thus in the spirt of that vision, we are so excited to partner with the CAAAS in supporting sustainability research within the African and African American communities."

The SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education is partnering with the Center for African and African American Studies to establish the CAAAS/SPIKE Graduate Fellows program.

Traditional

White

Showcase your sustainability work at the Campus Sustainability Summit

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:34:53 +0000

Showcase your sustainability work at the Campus Sustainability Summit Megan M Rogers Fri, 02/13/2026 - 11:34

The Expo Hall at this year's Campus Sustainability Summit on April 15 will feature projects that highlight innovative sustainability-focused research, creative work, programs and student organization initiatives. Whether it's a class project, a campus initiative or a hands-on demo, this is a great opportunity to share your impact.

Interested in participating? Fill out the interest form by March 31.

The Expo Hall at this year's sustainability summit on April 15 will feature projects that highlight innovative sustainability-focused research, creative work, programs and student organization initiatives. Whether it's a class project, a campus initiative or a hands-on demo, this is a great opportunity to share your impact.

Traditional

White

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� surplus store marks 1st year of major sustainability impact

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:32:44 +0000

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� surplus store marks 1st year of major sustainability impact Megan M Rogers Thu, 02/12/2026 - 07:32

Sustainability wins worth celebrating

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� commitment to sustainability took a major step forward this year as the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Surplus Store celebrated its first full year of operation—and the numbers show just how much progress the campus has made in waste diversion and reuse.

Opened in January 2025, the Surplus Store was created to give university-owned items a second life while offering affordable options for students, faculty, staff and the community. From clothing and office furniture to electronics and lab equipment, the store has quickly become a resource for those looking to save money, reduce waste and participate in a more circular campus economy.

A year of measurable impact

In its first full year, the Surplus Store saw dramatic growth in both the volume of items redistributed and the materials diverted from the landfill. Compared to the year prior to its soft opening, the number of items moved through direct sales, campus sales and donations increased by 311%—jumping from 3,427 items to 14,086. Total material tonnage diverted from disposal also rose sharply, growing by 262%, from 115.49 tons to 418.6 tons.

To put this impact into perspective, ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� generates nearly 5,000 tons of waste each year, diverting about half through recycling, composting and reuse. The Surplus Store plays a major role in that effort, helping to manage materials that make up nearly 10% of the campus’s total diversion by mass and 20% of the university’s overall waste‑diversion impact. And because reuse gives material a useful second life, it delivers on our goal to build a circular economy for our campus and the region.

“These results show what’s possible when we make sustainability simple and accessible,” said Walter O’Toole, assistant director of Distribution Services. “Every item reused saves resources and supports our campus community.”

“The Surplus Store is a great example of how ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� campus serves as a living laboratory for sustainability, turning everyday actions into meaningful impact,” said Andrew Mayock, ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� vice chancellor for sustainability. “By extending the life of university materials, we reduce waste, lower our environmental footprint and strengthen our culture of reuse. This progress moves our campus toward a more sustainable future and offers a model for other campuses and communities.”

By the numbers

14,086 items sold/donated—a 311% increase
418.6 tons of material diverted from disposal—a 262% increase

Circularity in action—at an accessible price

Beyond reducing waste, the Surplus Store also supports equity and affordability on campus. By reselling high-quality items at low cost—including sit-stand desks, Windows-11-ready laptops, dorm essentials and clothing—the store makes essential resources more accessible for both students and community members.

This model of reuse is central to ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� circularity efforts: keeping materials in use longer, reducing the need for new purchases and ensuring that valuable goods remain available within the campus community rather than ending up in the landfill.

Weekly walkthrough videos on the store’s website help shoppers preview what’s available before visiting in person.

“The growth we have seen is exciting because it shows people really want to participate in reuse,” said Denise Worthington, property services program manager. “Every item that finds a new home makes a difference.”

Supporting ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s zero waste goals

The store’s mission aligns closely with campuswide zero waste efforts led by the CU Environmental Center (E-Center) programs. To learn more about ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� recycling, composting and waste reduction initiatives, check out our zero waste website.

Getting there is easier than ever

Visitors can reach the Surplus Store by using Buff Ride, ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� on‑demand transit service, which includes a stop at the Distribution Center.

Celebrate the first year and see what's next

As the Surplus Store marks its one‑year anniversary, the campus community is invited to stop by, explore available items and learn how their purchases help support a more sustainable ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

For weekly walkthrough videos, store hours and location details, visit the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Surplus Store website.

Questions about the Surplus Store? Contact the store at 303‑735‑0655 or email cubouldersurplus@colorado.edu.

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s commitment to sustainability took a major step forward this year as the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Surplus Store celebrated its first full year of operation—and the numbers show just how much progress the campus has made in waste diversion and reuse.

Traditional

White

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� partners with state to support coal transition economic resilience strategies

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:56:20 +0000

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� partners with state to support coal transition economic resilience strategies Megan M Rogers Wed, 02/11/2026 - 09:56

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� is advancing the university’s commitment to sustainability, public impact and statewide engagement by partnering with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) on a new, cross-disciplinary project designed to analyze and identify economic development and employment opportunities in Colorado communities transitioning from a coal-driven economy.

The yearlong initiative brings together graduate students, faculty and researchers from the Business Research Division (BRD) in the Leeds School of Business and the Master’s of the Environment (MENV) program to deliver research-driven analysis; stakeholder engagement; and actionable, community-driven recommendations for coal transition communities in Northwest Colorado. Work began in January 2026 and will conclude in October 2026.

“This partnership reflects ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� responsibility as a public research university to offer our expertise in the service of Colorado communities,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability. “This capstone-based work allows our students to contribute directly to the diversification of local economies by listening to communities, meeting their needs, and incorporating community input into effective solutions to move forward in a strategic way.”

Capstone research and engagement

The state of Colorado is committed to supporting communities that have relied on coal mines and coal-fired power plants and now seek new sources of jobs and property tax income. This collective work requires up-to-date data and ongoing input to support coordinated planning and local strategies. OEDIT is partnering with ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� to help address this need for data through applied research embedded in graduate-level capstone coursework.

“Colorado’s rural communities are innovative and resilient, and when we align state resources with local priorities, we deliver better results. The research led by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Business Research Division and MENV graduate program and supported by Just Transition funding will help us hear directly from communities and turn those insights into real, measurable outcomes for rural Coloradans and their families,” said Eve Lieberman, executive director at OEDIT.

The project is being delivered through coordinated capstone and applied research efforts focused on regional economic and workforce analysis. A team of MENV capstone students, working in close collaboration with the Leeds Business Research Division, will lead a community-informed regional analysis. This work will include asset mapping, identification of workforce and industry gaps, and evaluation of opportunities for economic diversification.

MENV students will also design and implement a stakeholder engagement process to ensure perspectives from coal workers, residents, elected officials and economic development professionals inform the final recommendations.

“This capstone was intentionally designed to respond directly to community input and needs,” said Natalie Ooi, teaching professor and MENV director. “By centering community voices and aspirations, and ensuring student research complements OEDIT’s priorities and existing regional efforts, we can deliver work that is both academically rigorous and genuinely useful to communities navigating coal transitions.”

The MENV capstone team working on the project includes graduate students Alex Rudawsky, Peter Landis, Norman Kalen and Alec Waz, who will spend the academic year conducting research, engaging with regional stakeholders and developing final deliverables in partnership with OEDIT and communities across Northwest Colorado.

This project will result in a comprehensive regional analysis with achievable next steps, clear action items and a replicable framework that can be applied to other coal transition regions across the state.

Experiential learning

Embedding this work in the MENV capstone program creates a robust experiential learning opportunity for graduate students, allowing them to apply classroom learning to complex, real-world sustainability and economic development challenges. Students will work directly with state agencies, regional partners and community members while developing professional skills in research, data analysis and collaborative problem-solving.

“This project demonstrates how experiential education can deliver real value beyond campus,” Mayock said. “Our students are gaining hands-on experience while helping communities plan for a more sustainable and resilient future.”

The initiative will be coordinated through ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Outreach and Community Engagement office and external partnerships team, reinforcing the university’s role as a trusted partner to the state. Funding for the project will be shared between OEDIT and ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, with support from the chancellor’s office.

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� is advancing the university's commitment to sustainability, public impact and statewide engagement by partnering with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade to analyze and identify economic development and employment opportunities in Colorado communities transitioning from a coal-driven economy.

Traditional

White

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� establishes Tribal Sustainability Leaders Fellowship

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:09:46 +0000

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� establishes Tribal Sustainability Leaders Fellowship Megan M Rogers Mon, 02/09/2026 - 07:09

The SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� has partnered with the Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies (CNAIS) as it commits support for a new Tribal Sustainability Leaders Fellowship (TSLF). The fellowship will support graduate students at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� to become the next generation of tribal sustainability and environment leaders.

The Tribal Sustainability Leaders Fellowship will fund two master’s students from fall 2027 through spring 2029, with additional partnerships under discussion. The application deadline will be in fall 2026.

This partnership aligns around two areas of critical importance and significant focus for ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��: sustainability and the Indigenous communities. The SPIKE Center is a recently established entity at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� with a charter to enhance sustainability education at the university. Chancellor Justin Schwartz has identified sustainability as one of four key pillars for ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� moving forward, building on a long history of excellence at the school.

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� also has long prioritized Native American culture and issues, particularly through CNAIS, which was a key partner in the pilot Tribal Climate Leaders Program (2020–22) and will continue to lead the effort under this new partnership focused on sustainability. The two centers are consulting students from the pilot program, as well as current CU graduate students—especially those in STEM fields—in an effort to improve graduate student mentoring and support at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

The idea for the Tribal Sustainability Leaders Fellowship was developed in consultation with the CNAIS External Advisory Board, which consists of several notable leaders in the areas of Native law, Native community services, environmental and resource management, tribal land and water resources, and related issues. Also key in supporting and providing feedback was ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Associate Vice Chancellor for Native American Affairs Benny Shendo.

Native American communities face a host of unique and pressing sustainability challenges, and the fellowship provide opportunities for scholars to address challenges to Indigenous communities. Furthermore, Indigenous knowledge systems can make powerful contributions to sustainability and sustainability solutions globally, and the new fellowship also intends to facilitate such progress through its sponsored scholarship.

“The TSLF is a critical program to empower graduate students to research sustainability challenges and to develop their own capacities to drive solutions,” said Andrew Cowell, interim faculty director of CNAIS. “We appreciate the partnership from the SPIKE Center to facilitate the next chapter of TSLF that builds on our previous work.”

“Part of the focus of the SPIKE Center is to enable students of all backgrounds to access the training required to be the sustainability leaders of tomorrow and to drive transformative environmental impact,” said Max Boykoff, faculty executive director of the SPIKE Center. “We are honored to partner with CNAIS in support of this critical initiative.”

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education has partnered with the Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies, committing support for the new Tribal Sustainability Leaders Fellowship.

Traditional

White

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 ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. 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 ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, 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 ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

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 ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

Traditional

White

Sustainability

3 takeaways from the Second Nature Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit

Climate goals are being infused into everything in higher education, not just campus operations.

Despite the current federal context, higher education institutions are stepping up on climate.

New partnerships are accelerating climate innovation.

Announcing the Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability

Related Articles

How grad students are supporting Colorado's decarbonization goals

Colorado’s push for 100% renewable energy

Training the next generation of leaders

Capstones to careers

Scaling impact

Alumni driving change

Related Articles

Hellems reopening: A new era of sustainability and learning

A thoughtful renovation for modern needs

Student-first design

Sustainability at the core

Looking ahead

Related Articles

Inaugural Sustainability Research Initiative fellows unveiled

Related Articles

New SPIKE-CAAAS fellowship to support grad students

Related Articles

Showcase your sustainability work at the Campus Sustainability Summit

Related Articles

���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ surplus store marks 1st year of major sustainability impact

A year of measurable impact

Circularity in action—at an accessible price

Supporting ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������'s zero waste goals

Getting there is easier than ever

Celebrate the first year and see what's next

Related Articles

���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ partners with state to support coal transition economic resilience strategies

Capstone research and engagement

Experiential learning

Related Articles

���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ establishes Tribal Sustainability Leaders Fellowship

Related Articles

SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education welcomes 13 faculty fellows

Advancing transformational learning

Spring 2026 SPIKE Faculty Fellows

Related Articles

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� surplus store marks 1st year of major sustainability impact

Supporting ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s zero waste goals

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� partners with state to support coal transition economic resilience strategies

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� establishes Tribal Sustainability Leaders Fellowship