Announcements & Deadlines

Katherine Lininger named 2025–26 Fulbright Scholar

Megan Maneval — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 17:43:50 +0000

Katherine Lininger named 2025–26 Fulbright Scholar Megan Maneval Tue, 07/22/2025 - 11:43

The award will allow Lininger, an associate professor in the Department of Geography, to teach at the University of Trento and conduct research on the Tagliamento River floodplain in Italy.

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Caroline Conzelman named 2025–26 Fulbright Scholar

Megan Maneval — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 17:43:46 +0000

Caroline Conzelman named 2025–26 Fulbright Scholar Megan Maneval Tue, 07/22/2025 - 11:43

The award will allow Conzelman, a teaching professor in the College of Arts and Sciences Residential Academics Program, to teach and conduct research on sustainability in Murcia, Spain.

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Employee FAMLI coverage premiums lowered starting Aug. 1

Megan Maneval — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:43:08 +0000

Employee FAMLI coverage premiums lowered starting Aug. 1 Megan Maneval Mon, 07/21/2025 - 08:43

Starting Aug. 1, �� will reduce employee premiums for its Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) plan. Employee contributions will be lowered to 0.25%, and university contributions will remain at 0.45%.

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�� Boulder eliminates single-use beverage plastics on campus

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

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

�� 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 �� Boulder as a national leader in sustainable campus operations.

�� 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. �� 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, �� 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 �� 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 �� Boulder on LinkedIn

�� 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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CIRES' new pilot program emphasizes equity, engagement in research

Megan Maneval — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 18:09:55 +0000

CIRES' new pilot program emphasizes equity, engagement in research Megan Maneval Wed, 07/16/2025 - 12:09

CIRES

A �� Boulder impact grant supported the yearlong planning and development of a new toolkit for students and staff.

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Gregor Henze honored as fellow for building simulation research

Megan Maneval — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:58:58 +0000

Gregor Henze honored as fellow for building simulation research Megan Maneval Mon, 07/14/2025 - 10:58

College of Engineering and Applied Science

Gregor Henze was selected for his groundbreaking work on smart energy control systems, advanced building simulation tool and technologies that connect buildings to the power grid. He is also recognized for his global leadership in research and education.

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

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

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

�� 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 �� 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,” �� 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 �� 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 �� Boulder’s plan to reduce campus emissions by 50% by 2030.

“�� 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,” �� 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 �� 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 �� Boulder achieve its carbon neutrality goals.

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Wil Srubar named American Ceramic Society fellow

Megan Maneval — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 19:19:25 +0000

Wil Srubar named American Ceramic Society fellow Megan Maneval Wed, 07/09/2025 - 13:19

College of Engineering and Applied Science

Professor Wil Srubar is the principal director of the Living Materials Laboratory, where an interdisciplinary team develops nature-inspired concrete alternatives that can be produced without fossil fuels or significant carbon emissions.

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�� Boulder breaks ground on chemistry and applied mathematics facility

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

�� 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, �� 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 �� 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 �� Boulder’s strategic investment in advancing quantum science—solidifying its position as a national leader in this rapidly evolving field.

The �� 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 �� Boulder’s history, with sustainability features including cross-laminated timber construction, provisions to accommodate ��’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.

�� 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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Campus inclusive restroom signage receives update

Megan Maneval — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 18:07:33 +0000

Campus inclusive restroom signage receives update Megan Maneval Tue, 07/08/2025 - 12:07

�� Boulder is updating all single-stall public restroom signage on campus over the summer to reflect the university’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility, and to align with Colorado state law.

The updates will entail the conversion of all single-stall restrooms to all-gender facilities. Signage updates also will clearly mark any restroom equipped with a baby-changing station. Existing all-gender restrooms will also receive updated signage. The Planning, Design and Construction team developed the new signage standard in collaboration with multiple campus partners.

The changes align with Colorado House Bill 23-1057, which requires gender-inclusive signage and baby-changing station indicators in public buildings by July 2026.

This is a state-funded project for which initial funding has been received. Installation is intended to be complete before the start of the fall 2025 semester.

“This initiative is about more than compliance—it’s about community,” Chancellor Justin Schwartz said. “At �� Boulder, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every member of our community feels safe, respected and supported.”

The university has long been a leader in inclusive facility planning. �� Boulder has already made strides in converting many single-stall restrooms to all-user facilities and continues to incorporate gender-inclusive restrooms in new construction and major renovations.

To find all gender restrooms on campus, visit �� Boulder’s campus map.

�� Boulder is implementing inclusive restroom signage across campus to help ensure all-gender access and baby-changing station visibility.

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Announcements & Deadlines

Katherine Lininger named 2025–26 Fulbright Scholar

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Caroline Conzelman named 2025–26 Fulbright Scholar

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Employee FAMLI coverage premiums lowered starting Aug. 1

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�� Boulder eliminates single-use beverage plastics on campus

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Gregor Henze honored as fellow for building simulation research

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

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Wil Srubar named American Ceramic Society fellow

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Announcements & Deadlines

Katherine Lininger named 2025–26 Fulbright Scholar

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Caroline Conzelman named 2025–26 Fulbright Scholar

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Employee FAMLI coverage premiums lowered starting Aug. 1

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���������� Boulder eliminates single-use beverage plastics on campus

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Gregor Henze honored as fellow for building simulation research

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

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Wil Srubar named American Ceramic Society fellow

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Campus inclusive restroom signage receives update

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�� Boulder eliminates single-use beverage plastics on campus

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

�� Boulder breaks ground on chemistry and applied mathematics facility