Sustainability

Key takeaways from the Sustainability Town Hall

Megan Maneval — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 20:56:46 +0000

Key takeaways from the Sustainability Town Hall Megan Maneval Fri, 11/21/2025 - 13:56

On Nov. 5, more than 130 participants came together for a dynamic session focused on collaboration for campuswide sustainability initiatives. The aim was to update students, faculty and staff across campus on the latest sustainability work, while also providing an open forum for questions, discussion and feedback.

Sustainability leaders from across campus, including Vice Chancellor of Sustainability Andrew Mayock and Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Resilience Chris Ewing, opened by reaffirming �� Boulder’s commitment to a bold sustainability vision that positions the university as a leader in climate action and innovation. This vision is grounded in a four-pillar framework designed to guide every decision and initiative moving forward.

Here are the key takeaways from the event:

Campus sustainability vision

Mayock shared a roadmap for sustainability impact, an approach that reflects �� Boulder’s belief that sustainability is integrated into academics, operations and community engagement. The four-pillar framework emphasizes:

Equipping students with sustainability problem-solving skills so they graduate ready to lead
Transforming research into actionable solutions that address real-world challenges
Leading by example through operational excellence and climate-conscious practices
Partnering locally and globally to find sustainability solutions in this urgent moment

Buckley Center and research integration

The Buckley Center for Sustainability Education is advancing sustainability education and embedding it into research and operations. Faculty Executive Director Max Boykoff highlighted how the Sustainability Research Initiative leverages ��’s research strengths to scale solutions beyond the region. These efforts ensure sustainability is practiced and amplified through innovation in addition to being taught.

Student engagement

Environmental Center Director Chris Herr issued a call to action for students: Get involved and make an impact. The Environmental Center offers multiple ways to participate, including following on social media, joining the newsletter, volunteering, attending events and exploring applied learning opportunities. These opportunities empower students to turn passion into practice.

Join the Sustainable Buffs community

Share your sustainability ideas

Sustainability Council updates

The Sustainability Council, which fosters the integration of sustainability across all aspects of the university, launched a new proposal form to curate ideas and projects. This tool introduces two tiers—general ideas and specific proposals—with clear review windows and governance. It’s a streamlined way for the campus community to shape sustainability initiatives.

Operations: Newsworthy updates

Ewing and campus operations officials shared critical updates on progress toward �� Boulder’s operational goals, including the Climate Action Plan. This plan sets ambitious targets: 50% emissions reduction by 2030 and zero emissions by 2050.

One major piece of this effort is the steam-to-hot-water conversion, a process that began with hiring a consultant in July. Geothermal studies to investigate viability at the �� campus are also underway, signaling �� Boulder’s commitment to long-term energy transformation.

�� Boulder continues to expand its renewable portfolio with a new 1.1 megawatt solar array, alongside Virtual Power Purchase Agreement and Xcel partnerships. These investments accelerate the transition to clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

And efforts to close the loop are growing. Back-of-house food recovery and composting programs are scaling up, while the �� Surplus Store and Recycling Operations Center are driving approximately 50% waste diversion.

On Nov. 5, more than 130 participants came together for a dynamic session, updating students, faculty and staff across campus on the latest sustainability work, while also providing an open forum for questions, discussion and feedback.

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COP movement on climate change continues despite missing US delegation

Megan Maneval — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:27:00 +0000

COP movement on climate change continues despite missing US delegation Megan Maneval Thu, 11/20/2025 - 09:27

Max Boykoff, executive faculty director of the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education at �� Boulder, speaks on a panel at COP30 in Brazil.

As the annual United Nations COP30 enters its second week, international policymakers are discussing critical issues, including the rise in natural disasters worldwide and the next steps for global fossil fuel policy. With no official U.S. delegates in attendance this year, state representatives, academics and other U.S. nationals have stepped in to represent the country in new ways.

COP30 is being held in Belém, Brazil, and Max Boykoff, executive faculty director of the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education at �� Boulder, attended the first week. We sat down with him to hear about his experience, reflections on COP30 and his perspective on what it looked like without U.S. representatives at the table.

Max Boykoff

COP30's location in the Amazon carried enormous symbolic and political weight—how did this change the conversations?

Yes, Belem, Brazil, is a toughened, weathered city near the equator at the mouth of the Amazon River and edge of the Amazon Rainforest. This city hosts the event as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was determined to bring the eyes of the world and nearly 60,000 COP30 participants to Belem.

The placement of the event also lowered travel barriers for many Indigenous groups in the Amazon region. It has been reported there have been more than 900 Indigenous participants at this COP30, which is three times higher than the last meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan.

How did the absence of the US shape the tone of the negotiations and the conversations?

Yes, unfortunately, the Trump Administration chose not to send any U.S. delegates to COP30. This absence means missed opportunities to demonstrate moral and material leadership; engage in the clean energy transition; and discuss trade, security, energy and human rights issues.

The U.S. is nearly alone in missing the talks, with only three other countries—Afghanistan, Myanmar and San Marino—choosing not to participate. Notably, when the Trump Administration withdrew from the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international commitment to combat climate change and reduce global emission, the U.S. joined only Iran, Yemen and Libya on the short list of non-participants in the climate pact.

Did the lack of US engagement open space for other countries, regions or non-state actors to step forward, or did it create a vacuum that slowed momentum?

Yes, other countries and member states are stepping into the leadership vacuum left by the absence of U.S. negotiators. Notably, I have observed Brazil, China, Kenya and Malawi stepping forward in vocal roles. Also, I sat in on some of California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s visit here, demonstrating ongoing subnational U.S. engagement in the absence of national leadership at present. Additionally, it was reported that New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham also was in attendance last week.

There are many other U.S.-based subnational public officials as well as university faculty and students that are nonetheless continuing to work diligently despite the absence of the U.S. negotiating team. There is also an active "America is All In" coalition here (representing U.S. cities; states; tribal nations; businesses; schools; and institutions of faith, health and culture) that is hosting events and activities to demonstrate the stance of the U.S. Trump Administration is limited.

It is hard to say yet whether U.S. delegation non-participation is slowing momentum. Some here have expressed relief that Trump officials are not in the way or actively obstructing concerted action here. But looking at this through the lens of greenhouse gas emissions paired with capacity to constructively contribute to solutions, makes their absence unavoidably felt: Historically, the U.S. has been the largest emitter of CO2 globally and is the world’s richest country on planet Earth.

Key takeaways

While U.S. federal standing has diminished, challenges persist. Those most at risk from climate change often have the least power to influence solutions. However, youth and civil society mobilizations, including Indigenous-led movements, have been visible throughout COP30 and across Belém, advocating for deep decarbonization, opposition to extractive and exploitative industries, and support for environmental justice.

A landmark Declaration on Information Integrity on Climate Change was launched at COP30, establishing shared international commitments to address climate disinformation and promote evidence-based information. Thirteen countries have signed so far, pledging to support information integrity at international, national and local levels, in line with human rights and Paris Agreement principles.

What role did higher education institutions play at COP30, and how can they meaningfully contribute when official pathways feel gridlocked?

This has been dubbed the "mutirão meeting." This Portuguese word signifies coming together in collective efforts to achieve a common goal. This has also been referred to as "the truth COP" and "the implementation COP," as representatives of most nations around the world gather here to make progress on international climate policy to combat climate change.

With collaborators at Colorado State and Colorado College, we have leaned into our privileges and responsibilities as researchers and academics advising and mentoring students. With them I represented �� Boulder as we co-hosted and led a discussion with university graduate and undergraduate students and four former U.S. climate negotiators/delegates. �� 70 students participated and had the chance to ask questions ranging from how they themselves can become a negotiator to how they view the current state of negotiations.

This was a moment where students not only gathered to ask these questions but it was also a moment where we shared our perspectives— from hopes and ambitions to worries and concerns about the ongoing climate negotiations. It was a positive experience that we seek to continue providing in future COP meetings in collaboration with Colorado-based universities and colleges.

How did you and others from �� Boulder participate/show up at COP30 this year?

This year I spoke at four events, while attending several others and also observing parts of the ongoing negotiations.

Among them I spoke about media, advertising and public relations contributions to mis- and dis-information about climate change at one panel event called "Research and Evidence to Strengthen Information Integrity on Climate Change." In addition, I also spoke at another panel event focused on implementing new forest economies, climate finance, Indigenous digital sovereignty, and climate communications at the subnational level.

Max Boykoff, who attended the first week of the United Nations Climate Change Conference shares his experience, reflections and perspective on what COP30 looked like without United States representatives at the table.

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Plant-based dining center hacks

Megan Maneval — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:38:19 +0000

Plant-based dining center hacks Megan Maneval Fri, 11/14/2025 - 08:38

Are you curious about incorporating more plant-based meals and snacks into your diet? Check out these tips and ideas to try more plant-based options at campus dining centers.

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On Jane Goodall's legacy—a Q&A with Andrew Mayock

Megan Maneval — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 21:15:01 +0000

On Jane Goodall's legacy—a Q&A with Andrew Mayock Megan Maneval Thu, 11/13/2025 - 14:15

As �� Boulder deepens its commitment to sustainability and climate action, Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock brings a uniquely global perspective to campus. In addition to leading ��’s sustainability strategy, Mayock serves on the board of the Jane Goodall Institute, helping to carry forward the legacy of one of the world’s most influential environmental leaders.

Mayock recently returned from a board trip to Tanzania, where the board visited the Gombe Stream Research Centre, a living laboratory, home to the world’s most studied group of wild chimpanzees, and met with Roots & Shoots students in Kigoma and Arusha.

We spoke with him about what’s next for Goodall’s mission, how her philosophy aligns with �� Boulder’s vision, and what it will take to inspire the next generation of changemakers.

Goodall has inspired generations to care deeply about our planet. What’s next for her legacy? How is the institute evolving to meet today's global sustainability challenges?

Visiting Gombe, the birthplace of Jane’s groundbreaking research, was a profound reminder that her legacy began with careful observation, empathy, and a willingness to challenge convention. Jane was also passionate about empowering young people to become involved in conservation and humanitarian projects.

Today, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is about maintaining Jane’s momentum and deepening her work and legacy by combining rigorous science with community-centered conservation. This means not only protecting chimpanzees and other species and their habitats but also empowering the people who live alongside them. JGI’s work in forest restoration, sustainable livelihoods, and youth engagement continues to exemplify the shift from conservation for people and wildlife to conservation with people and wildlife. Further, it is about continuing to expand Roots and Shoots, the youth leadersship program, started over thirty years ago.

Goodall often emphasized hope and individual action as the foundation for change. How can large institutions like �� harness that same sense of agency?

Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock

Goodall’s message—that every individual makes a difference—translates powerfully into the context of a university like �� Boulder. Large institutions can sometimes feel impersonal or slow to move, yet they are made up of individuals whose daily choices shape culture and impact.

At �� Boulder, we’re working to embed agency into every level of sustainability engagement. That means creating pathways for personal connection—through participatory climate planning, faculty-led research that responds to community needs, and student projects that turn ideas into action. By linking global challenges to local solutions and celebrating visible progress, we nurture the same sense of purpose and hope that Jane has inspired in millions around the world.

The Roots & Shoots movement empowered young people to take action in their communities. What can universities do to cultivate that same spirit of curiosity, compassion and commitment?

Meeting Roots & Shoots students in Tanzania reminded me that curiosity, compassion and community are universal, and essential, for sustainable change. Universities can cultivate this spirit by reimagining education not as a transmission of knowledge but as a co-creation of solutions.

Programs that integrate experiential learning, civic engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration are key. When students see that their actions—whether restoring a local ecosystem, addressing food insecurity or developing new climate technologies—can tangibly improve their community, they experience the same transformative spark that Jane ignited in her young changemakers.

How can institutions balance the personal call to action with the systemic change required at the scale of higher education or government?

Jane recognized that stories move hearts, and data moves minds. Institutions need both. At �� Boulder, we’re learning that systemic change, whether achieving carbon neutrality or embedding sustainability into the curriculum, relies on connecting the personal to the structural.

By elevating personal narratives of action and aligning them with institutional goals, we humanize the systems we seek to transform. A student’s composting project, a researcher’s breakthrough in renewable energy or a staff member’s innovative waste solution—each story becomes part of a collective movement toward systemic transformation.

The balance lies in recognizing that systemic change starts with individual conviction, and individual conviction is sustained by belonging to something larger than oneself. That’s the essence of Jane’s message, and the opportunity before all of us.

In addition to leading ��'s sustainability strategy, Vice Chancellor of Sustainability Andrew Mayock serves on the board of the Jane Goodall Institute, helping to carry forward the legacy of one of the world's most influential environmental leaders.

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Masters of the Environment alums discuss trends, careers in sustainability

Megan Maneval — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:26:36 +0000

Masters of the Environment alums discuss trends, careers in sustainability Megan Maneval Mon, 11/10/2025 - 11:26

Nearly 200 current students, alumni and faculty from the Masters of the Environment (MENV) program at �� Boulder came together for the second annual Alumni Engagement Day—a dynamic gathering designed to foster connections, career development and collaboration within the sustainability sector.

Held in the Sustainability, Energy and Environment Complex (SEEC) on �� Boulder’s campus, the event provided current and former students the opportunity to share their work in the environmental and sustainability fields, explore career paths, expand their professional networks through interactive programming and relationship building.

"The sheer energy and breadth of impact in one space was incredible. Seeing current students starting their journeys alongside alums who are now leaders across every sector of sustainability truly reminded me of the power of the MENV network. It’s more than a degree; it’s a commitment to a collective purpose and community," said alum Jenna Batson, who serves as the outdoor water conservation coordinator on the Colorado Water Conservation Board.

The day featured seven panel discussions and three “lunch-and-learn” presentations, with alumni sharing their experiences and insights from various sectors such as environmental policy, corporate sustainability and renewable energy. They represented organizations including the Rocky Mountain Institute; Colorado Energy Office; and Denver Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency.

Each session was moderated by MENV faculty and staff who guided the conversations and incorporated their own expertise.

Josh Radoff—renewable and sustainable energy specialization lead and associate teaching professor within MENV, as well as ��’s director of campus climate action, sustainability and resilience—reflected on the event, saying, “It’s great to see how successful and how broadly impactful our students are when they get out in the field. The panelists this year were a great representation of the various careers and roles in the energy and decarbonization and sustainability space.”

In addition to formal programming, current students had the opportunity to engage in one-on-one coffee chats with about 40 MENV alumni. These informal conversations allowed students to gain advice from sustainability professionals on topics such as navigating the job market and expanding their professional networks.

Current student at MENV Stephany Correa-Diaz shared, “It was inspiring to see what MENV alumni have accomplished in their fields after finishing this program, and I really appreciated their advice, especially when I’m getting ready to graduate this spring.”

MENV Alumni Engagement Day event is co-organized by the MENV Capstone Program, led by Alice Reznickova; and the MENV Career and Professional Development program, led by Laura George; and their graduate student assistants Casey Chabot and Erin Bucchin. This allows for synergies in relevant sustainability and career-development content while ensuring students are directly involved in designing meaningful programs for their community.

George emphasized the value of the event, stating, “Alumni Engagement Day is designed not just to support career development for students but also to give alumni an opportunity to share their work; connect with other alumni who they may not have had the chance to meet; and learn new things about emerging trends, technologies and strategies beyond their current industry. The event convenes the MENV community in a way that reminds folks that their work is part of the greater network of sustainability initiatives across Colorado and beyond. It’s energizing and encourages interconnection and collaboration across industries.”

Alumni Engagement Day highlights the MENV's commitment to preparing students and alumni for impactful careers and leadership in sustainability. Events such as this are key to keeping the MENV network informed, engaged and inspired in a rapidly evolving sustainability landscape and offer a blueprint for other programs looking to build their ecosystems.

Nearly 200 students, alumni and faculty from �� Boulder's Masters of the Environment program gathered for the second annual Alumni Engagement Day to network, share experiences and build connections across the sustainability field.

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Campus wayfinding—Give your feedback at webinars Nov. 14, 20

Megan Maneval — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 21:42:25 +0000

Campus wayfinding—Give your feedback at webinars Nov. 14, 20 Megan Maneval Fri, 11/07/2025 - 14:42

Finding your way around campus shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle. Yet, outdated signage has made navigation challenging for visitors and even long-time campus members. That’s about to change.

The Campus Wayfinding Revamp Project is underway. The Phase 1 installation of light pole banners on Main Campus is complete and moving to Williams Village and East Campus. These banners serve as the first step toward a more intuitive campus experience.

Campus Wayfinding Revamp Project webinars

Friday, Nov. 14
10 a.m. (MT)
Register

Thursday, Nov. 20
1 p.m. (MT)
Register

Phase 2 will bring a full redesign of exterior building signage, including campus maps and wayfinding, led by AW-ARCH, a Massachusetts architecture firm, in partnership with �� Boulder’s core team.

The improved signage effort goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about functionality, safety and accessibility. Future signage is intended to address additional languages, enhanced accessibility, storytelling and the campus land acknowledgement.

Community input is central to this process. QR-coded billboards on light poles will link to a short survey asking about your wayfinding experience. Two campuswide webinars on Nov. 14 and Nov. 20 will introduce the project and invite feedback.

A second round of presentations and webinars in January will showcase design concepts.

Your voice matters. Help create a campus that’s easy to navigate and welcoming for all. Join a webinar and be part of shaping the future of campus wayfinding.

Campus navigation at �� Boulder is getting a major upgrade through the Campus Wayfinding Revamp Project.

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�� Boulder commits to green chemistry

Megan Maneval — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 17:14:29 +0000

�� Boulder commits to green chemistry Megan Maneval Fri, 11/07/2025 - 10:14

Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine

In May, campus leaders signed the Green Chemistry Commitment to practice and teach sustainable chemistry—an effort being encouraged and advanced by students.

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Sustainability Council advances proposal process, prepares for town hall and more

Megan Maneval — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 18:44:42 +0000

Sustainability Council advances proposal process, prepares for town hall and more Megan Maneval Tue, 11/04/2025 - 11:44

The Campus Sustainability Council convened on Oct. 10 to discuss the following topics:

Council proposal process improvements

The council reviewed work by a subgroup to strengthen the proposal-to-implementation process, focusing on clarity, predictable timelines and transparency.

A new web-based proposal form will be launched, featuring two tiers:

General sustainability ideas: Early-stage concepts for development and collaboration
Specific sustainability proposals: Fully developed ideas with costs, partners and implementation details

Proposals will be accepted each September and January, with reviews later in the semester. Submissions outside these windows will roll into the next review cycle.

The council will host informal office hours and update sessions between town halls to share progress and support proposers.

Proposal governance and sponsorship

Proposals will follow a formal pathway:

Sustainability Council → Senior Sustainability Leadership Team → Chancellor’s Cabinet

Each proposal will require a council sponsor, assigned after submission to align expertise and workload. Sponsor responsibilities include refining technical details, engaging stakeholders and guiding proposals through the Senior Sustainability Leadership Team process.

The council will formalize sponsorship in its bylaws for consistency and clarity.

Proposal template revisions

The revised proposal form will:

Broaden word limits and add a problem definition section
Include prompts for supporting evidence, co-benefits, references and cost estimates
Make several questions optional for flexibility
Add pre-submission checks and options to identify sponsors and support

A standardized response template will be developed to acknowledge submissions and communicate outcomes.

Sustainability Town Hall

The council is preparing for the Sustainability Town Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in UMC 235, featuring a vegan lunch with reusable serviceware. The event will expand from a public update to a broader town hall, sharing council initiatives and fostering campuswide dialogue.

Planning included confirming keynote speaker Andrew Mayock, inviting SSLT members and an interactive Q&A session.

Join the Sustainable Buffs community

Share your sustainability ideas

Spring food proposal update

Associate Professor Peter Newton, Department of Environmental Studies, updated the council on the Food Systems Proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by evaluating alternatives to lamb and beef in campus dining. Additional data from Paul Houle will be incorporated, and the proposal will be reformatted using the new template for council review.

Student representation

The council discussed challenges in maintaining consistent student participation from the Environmental Board and �� Student Government. Director Chris Herr will follow up with current representatives and consider broadening eligibility or inviting additional students if needed.

Next steps, upcoming meetings

Finalize and launch the web-based proposal form at the Nov. 5 town hall
Develop a standardized response process for proposals
Establish clear review windows and decision timelines
Schedule informal engagement sessions similar to “office hours” as a way to expand campus community engagement and coordinate communications
Upcoming meetings: Nov. 5 (town hall), Nov. 14 (tentative), Dec. 12

Find out what happened at the Sustainability Council's Oct. 10 meeting, covering campus efforts and engagement on a number of fronts.

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Norlin Library's lighting overhaul brightens campus sustainability goals

Megan Maneval — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:30:05 +0000

Norlin Library's lighting overhaul brightens campus sustainability goals Megan Maneval Thu, 10/30/2025 - 09:30

Norlin Library is getting smarter, greener and more comfortable. As one of 18 campus buildings undergoing upgrades, Norlin's changes deliver sustainability, savings and a better place to study and work.

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Join the Nov. 5 Sustainability Town Hall

Megan Maneval — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:16:59 +0000

Join the Nov. 5 Sustainability Town Hall Megan Maneval Thu, 10/30/2025 - 09:16

Plan to attend the Sustainability Town Hall—a free lunch event to learn, connect and share ideas on campus sustainability.

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Sustainability

Key takeaways from the Sustainability Town Hall

Campus sustainability vision

Buckley Center and research integration

Student engagement

Sustainability Council updates

Operations: Newsworthy updates

Related Articles

COP movement on climate change continues despite missing US delegation

COP30's location in the Amazon carried enormous symbolic and political weight—how did this change the conversations?

How did the absence of the US shape the tone of the negotiations and the conversations?

Did the lack of US engagement open space for other countries, regions or non-state actors to step forward, or did it create a vacuum that slowed momentum?

What role did higher education institutions play at COP30, and how can they meaningfully contribute when official pathways feel gridlocked?

How did you and others from ���������� Boulder participate/show up at COP30 this year?

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On Jane Goodall's legacy—a Q&A with Andrew Mayock

Goodall has inspired generations to care deeply about our planet. What’s next for her legacy? How is the institute evolving to meet today's global sustainability challenges?

Goodall often emphasized hope and individual action as the foundation for change. How can large institutions like ���������� harness that same sense of agency?

The Roots & Shoots movement empowered young people to take action in their communities. What can universities do to cultivate that same spirit of curiosity, compassion and commitment?

How can institutions balance the personal call to action with the systemic change required at the scale of higher education or government?

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Campus wayfinding—Give your feedback at webinars Nov. 14, 20

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���������� Boulder commits to green chemistry

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Sustainability Council advances proposal process, prepares for town hall and more

Council proposal process improvements

Proposal governance and sponsorship

Proposal template revisions

Sustainability Town Hall

Spring food proposal update

Student representation

Next steps, upcoming meetings

Related Articles

Norlin Library's lighting overhaul brightens campus sustainability goals

Related Articles

Join the Nov. 5 Sustainability Town Hall

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How did you and others from �� Boulder participate/show up at COP30 this year?

Goodall often emphasized hope and individual action as the foundation for change. How can large institutions like �� harness that same sense of agency?

�� Boulder commits to green chemistry