Sustainability

CU �鶹ӰԺ surplus store marks 1st year of major sustainability impact

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

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

Sustainability wins worth celebrating

CU �鶹ӰԺ’s commitment to sustainability took a major step forward this year as the CU �鶹ӰԺ 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, CU �鶹ӰԺ 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 CU �鶹ӰԺ’s campus serves as a living laboratory for sustainability, turning everyday actions into meaningful impact,” said Andrew Mayock, CU �鶹ӰԺ’s 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 CU �鶹ӰԺ’s 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 CU �鶹ӰԺ'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 CU �鶹ӰԺ’s 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, CU �鶹ӰԺ’s 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 CU �鶹ӰԺ.

For weekly walkthrough videos, store hours and location details, visit the CU �鶹ӰԺ Surplus Store website.

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

CU �鶹ӰԺ's commitment to sustainability took a major step forward this year as the CU �鶹ӰԺ 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.

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CU �鶹ӰԺ partners with state to support coal transition economic resilience strategies

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

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

CU �鶹ӰԺ 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 CU �鶹ӰԺ’s 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 CU �鶹ӰԺ 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 CU �鶹ӰԺ’s 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 CU �鶹ӰԺ’s 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 CU �鶹ӰԺ, with support from the chancellor’s office.

CU �鶹ӰԺ 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.

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CU �鶹ӰԺ establishes Tribal Sustainability Leaders Fellowship

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

CU �鶹ӰԺ establishes Tribal Sustainability Leaders Fellowship Megan M Rogers Mon, 02/09/2026 - 07:09

The SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education at CU �鶹ӰԺ 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 CU �鶹ӰԺ 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 CU �鶹ӰԺ: sustainability and the Indigenous communities. The SPIKE Center is a recently established entity at CU �鶹ӰԺ with a charter to enhance sustainability education at the university. Chancellor Justin Schwartz has identified sustainability as one of four key pillars for CU �鶹ӰԺ moving forward, building on a long history of excellence at the school.

CU �鶹ӰԺ 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 CU �鶹ӰԺ.

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 CU �鶹ӰԺ 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.”

CU �鶹ӰԺ'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.

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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 CU �鶹ӰԺ 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 CU �鶹ӰԺ. 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 CU �鶹ӰԺ 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 CU �鶹ӰԺ, 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 CU �鶹ӰԺ’s 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 CU �鶹ӰԺ.

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 CU �鶹ӰԺ.

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Buckley Center renamed SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:24:00 +0000

Buckley Center renamed SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education Megan M Rogers Wed, 01/21/2026 - 11:24

Left to right: Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock, alumnus and donor Spike Buckley, and Chancellor Justin Schwartz at the signing ceremony.

The Buckley Center for Sustainability Education at CU �鶹ӰԺ, launched last summer with a transformative $10 million gift from alumnus Spike Buckley, has been renamed the SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education to reflect dynamism and its growing role as a hub for sustainability learning and leadership on campus and beyond.

Established with a $10 million, venture-style investment to accelerate sustainability education at CU �鶹ӰԺ, the center was created to integrate sustainability concepts across courses and disciplines; support faculty innovation in sustainability teaching; and empower students with experiential learning, civic engagement and leadership opportunities. The center serves as an accelerator to expand sustainability curriculum, advance faculty impact and prepare students to address the urgent environmental challenges of our time.

“This support has allowed us to build a dynamic, collaborative space that will help students and faculty bring sustainability into every corner of campus,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability at CU �鶹ӰԺ. “Renaming the center honors the vision and continued commitment of John ‘Spike’ Buckley as this work continues to grow.”

With the new name in place, the center is also unveiling updates to its suite of programs, which will now be branded under the SPIKE umbrella to strengthen identity and coherence across initiatives. These include:

SPIKE Faculty Fellows
SPIKE Curriculum Ambassadors
SPIKE Faculty Affiliates
SPIKE Student Emissaries
SPIKE Student Scholars

“Our SPIKE programs are designed to empower learners at every level, from first-year students to advanced scholars, to bring sustainability into their work, communities and careers,” said Max Boykoff, faculty executive director of the SPIKE Center. “By connecting teaching, curriculum and experiential learning through the SPIKE Center to partners in research and practice, we are helping CU �鶹ӰԺ not just respond to the climate crisis, but to transform how education equips people to shape a more just and resilient future.”

The renaming coincides with a phase of strategic expansion for the center as it deepens partnerships across campus units and with community, state, national and international collaborators. The SPIKE Center continues to advance CU �鶹ӰԺ’s leadership in sustainability education by supporting course development, teaching collaborations, and new tools and modules that help integrate sustainability into curricula across academic programs.

CU �鶹ӰԺ’s ongoing focus on sustainability education builds on a strong institutional legacy of environmental leadership, from early achievements like launching the nation’s first campus recycling program, to maintaining a STARS Gold rating for sustainability excellence.

Looking ahead, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Sustainability and the SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education invite faculty, students, staff and community partners to engage in shaping the next phase of sustainability education, helping to educate the climate leaders of the future and advance solutions for a thriving, equitable and sustainable world.

Get more details on programs and opportunities to get involved.

The Buckley Center for Sustainability Education has been renamed the SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education to reflect dynamism and its growing role as a hub for sustainability learning and leadership on campus and beyond. The center launched last summer with a transformative $10 million gift from alumnus Spike Buckley,

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CU �鶹ӰԺ earns platinum status for 'bicycle-friendly university'

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:44:43 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ earns platinum status for 'bicycle-friendly university' Megan M Rogers Thu, 01/15/2026 - 14:44

Big news for Buffs who love to ride: CU �鶹ӰԺ has been awarded platinum status as a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists. This is the highest honor in the program and recognizes our campus as one of the best places in the country to bike.

The league’s latest round of awards celebrates universities that are stepping up: listening to feedback, investing in infrastructure and building partnerships to make biking safer, easier and more accessible for everyone. And that’s exactly what CU has been doing.

CU �鶹ӰԺ is now one of only 10 platinum-level schools in the entire country out of 204 participating universities. That makes this achievement truly exceptional and hard to earn.

By the numbers

CU �鶹ӰԺ has more than 7,000 bike parking spaces across campus, making it easy for riders to find a spot and keep rolling.
On a typical day, thousands of bikes travel through campus—so many that bikes outnumber cars in most areas of campus!
Each year, the Environmental Center's Bicycle Program refurbishes around 100 abandoned or impounded bikes for re-use by students.

From miles of bike paths and secure parking to repair stations and education programs, CU �鶹ӰԺ has worked hard to make biking a core part of campus life. Efforts include:

Better infrastructure: Dedicated bike lanes, covered and secured bike parking, improved traffic crossings and more bike racks
Community support: Safety campaigns, events, trainings and partnerships with local organizations
Convenience: Buff Bike programs, free �鶹ӰԺ BCycle use and on-campus bicycle maintenance stations

Why does this matter?

Biking helps reduce carbon emissions, promotes health and keeps our campus moving. Earning platinum status shows that CU �鶹ӰԺ is leading the way in sustainable transportation.

“This award reflects our campus commitment to sustainability and mobility,” said Brandon Smith, assistant director for sustainable transportation at CU �鶹ӰԺ. “Biking is not just a transportation option; it’s part of our culture and our vision for a greener future.”

Being recognized as a Platinum Bicycle Friendly University is a powerful example of how CU �鶹ӰԺ turns sustainability values into real-world action.

“Transportation is one of the biggest drivers of emissions, so shifting trips toward biking and transit is critical to meeting our climate goals and improving quality of life,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability at CU �鶹ӰԺ.

Want to learn more about the Bicycle Friendly University program? Check out the full list of awardees at bikeleague.org.

Big news for Buffs who love to ride: CU �鶹ӰԺ has been awarded platinum status as a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists. This is the highest honor in the program and recognizes the campus as one of the best places in the country to bike.

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CU �鶹ӰԺ breaks ground on chilled water line project to support campus sustainability

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 22:16:44 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ breaks ground on chilled water line project to support campus sustainability Megan M Rogers Wed, 01/14/2026 - 15:16

CU �鶹ӰԺ has officially broken ground on a major infrastructure project to install a new chilled water line connecting the Main Campus to Code Talker Hall and the North �鶹ӰԺ Creek (NBC) neighborhood. This multi-phase project will enhance energy efficiency, support future campus infrastructure and help the university meet its long-term sustainability goals.

Project overview

The chilled water line will provide reliable, efficient cooling to Code Talker Hall and future buildings in the NBC area. The project is part of a broader utilities upgrade that includes improvements to heating water and medium voltage electrical systems. By electrifying chillers and centralizing cooling, CU �鶹ӰԺ is reducing its carbon footprint and preparing for future campus needs.

Construction timeline and phasing

Work begins Jan. 5 at the Code Talker Hall site, with the east side of Lot 145 serving as a staging area. Each phase of construction will be completed before the next begins, minimizing disruption and maintaining access wherever possible. The project will use a combination of open trenching and boring, including a major bore operation starting in March from Lot 177 on the south side of Newton Court.

As construction progresses, portions of Folsom Street near Colorado Avenue will be impacted, with equipment occupying the far-right southbound lane and turn lanes temporarily combined. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Colorado and Folsom throughout the project, and a portion of Lot 360 will be used for staging during later phases.

The current schedule anticipates completion of the main line by June 2026, with a temporary chiller in place to ensure uninterrupted cooling for Code Talker Hall until the new lines are completed.

What to expect

Parking: The east side of Lot 145 and portions of Lot 177 and Lot 360 will be used for construction staging. Some parking spaces will be temporarily unavailable.
Traffic: Expect lane shifts and combined turn lanes on Folsom near Colorado Avenue. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Colorado and Folsom.
Access: Construction will be phased to maintain access to campus facilities and minimize disruption.
Communication: Regular updates will be provided via the campus Cone Zone website and campus signage.

Sustainability and campus impact

This project is a key step in CU �鶹ӰԺ’s commitment to sustainability, resource alignment and commitment to sustainability and resource alignment. By investing in modern, efficient infrastructure, the university is ensuring reliable utilities for current and future generations.

Stay informed

For more information, including detailed phasing plans and updates, visit the project website.

CU �鶹ӰԺ has broken ground on a new chilled water line project that will enhance campus sustainability and improve energy efficiency in the North �鶹ӰԺ Creek area.

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Chancellor advocates for building funding before state Capital Development Committee

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:09:28 +0000

Chancellor advocates for building funding before state Capital Development Committee Megan M Rogers Mon, 12/22/2025 - 06:09

CU �鶹ӰԺ leadership, including Chancellor Justin Schwartz, far left, and Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Business Todd Haggerty, far right, join CU system and UCCS leadership for a group photo after presenting to the Capital Development Committee at the capitol in Denver. Photo by Glenn Asakawa/University of Colorado.

On Dec. 17, CU �鶹ӰԺ Chancellor Justin Schwartz and other representatives from the CU campuses presented capital requests for the 2026–27 fiscal year to the Colorado General Assembly’s Capital Development Committee. The annual hearing continues a longstanding tradition of advocating for investments in the university’s historic buildings and infrastructure that have shaped both the campus and the state for generations.

During the presentation, Schwartz emphasized that CU �鶹ӰԺ’s capital priorities are intended to benefit not only the university community but Colorado as a whole. “These projects will not only have a significant impact on CU �鶹ӰԺ faculty, staff and students but also in many ways on the broader Colorado economy,” he said, underscoring the university’s role as an economic and cultural driver for the state.

The annual presentation allows University of Colorado campuses and state agencies to outline requests for maintenance and construction funding, enabling the committee to make recommendations to the Joint Budget Committee. The state budget bill released in the spring ultimately determines which projects receive funding.

Capital requests: Preserving history, advancing opportunity

Macky Auditorium renovation

Macky Auditorium, a cornerstone of the Norlin Quadrangle Historic District, has weathered 103 years of use. The university proposes a three-phase renovation, providing 60% of the funding ($50.6 million in cash) and requesting just over $33.8 million from the state. Of the $84.4 million total project cost, $28.4 million addresses deferred maintenance.

Macky’s classrooms serve departments such as Cinema Studies, Theatre and Dance, and Germanic and Slavic Languages, supporting hundreds of students and faculty. The renovation will upgrade building systems, stabilize the structure, address drainage and moisture issues, restore historic elements and improve energy efficiency. Notably, state support for Macky Auditorium is linked to �鶹ӰԺ’s selection as the new home of the Sundance Film Festival, amplifying its cultural significance.

CU �鶹ӰԺ Chancellor Justin Schwartz, center, talks with Chad Marturano, CU system vice president and chief financial officer, after presenting to the Capital Development Committee at the capitol in Denver. Photo by Glenn Asakawa/University of Colorado.

Guggenheim Geography building renovation

The Guggenheim Geography building, untouched by significant remodels since 1908, is slated for a comprehensive $53 million renovation over two phases, with the university providing 60% of funding and requesting $21.2 million from the state. The project will address health, life-safety and code improvements, including asbestos mitigation, fire safety upgrades, HVAC and electrical systems, and restoration of historic elements.

Guggenheim supports 114 faculty, staff and graduate students, delivering thousands of credit-hours, serving a broad swath of the student body. The renovation will create more energy-efficient, usable space, supporting up to 20 academic programs and helping students graduate on time.

Commitment to deferred maintenance and sustainability

CU �鶹ӰԺ faces a $1.64 billion deferred maintenance backlog. The university’s strategy integrates emerging needs into repairs, increases space utilization rates, improves efficiency and life-cycle costs, leverages sustainability improvements, and mitigates potential problems before they arise.

Meanwhile, the university remains committed to incorporating sustainable features into its operations and buildings. Recent sustainability milestones include the launch of the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education, elimination of single-use beverage plastics and groundbreaking on 5MW of solar power.

Accountability through results

Schwartz closed the presentation by thanking the committee and legislative partners for their support of the recently completed renovation of the Hellems Arts and Sciences building, which reopened this month after more than two years of work supported by university resources and state funding. He noted that the project preserved the building’s historic character while improving accessibility, energy efficiency and modern learning spaces, and highlighted its role in bringing students back to classrooms this spring.

CU �鶹ӰԺ Chancellor Justin Schwartz and other representatives from the four CU campuses recently presented capital requests for the 2026–27 fiscal year to the Colorado General Assembly's Capital Development Committee.

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CU �鶹ӰԺ to co-host Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ to co-host Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit Megan M Rogers Fri, 12/12/2025 - 05:00

On Dec. 10, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights); Saïd Business School, University of Oxford (Oxford Saïd); and the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance (RHRN) announced a multi-year plan to host the Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit annually on UN World Environment Day, June 5.

The annual summit will be jointly hosted by Oxford Saïd and UN Human Rights, with co-hosting support from leading universities worldwide, including CU �鶹ӰԺ. The summit will convene young leaders, scholars, policymakers, educators and innovators to advance human rights-based climate solutions.

Panelist Julieta Martinez addresses the audience during a youth panel at the 2022 Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit hosted by CU �鶹ӰԺ. Photo by Casey Cass/CU �鶹ӰԺ.

CU �鶹ӰԺ’s support of the summit will be led by the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education (BCSE), which drives sustainability curriculum and experiential learning; the Center for African and African American Studies (the CAAAS—or “the cause”), which elevates equity and justice in global climate discourse; and the Conference on World Affairs (CWA), which offers a shared CU �鶹ӰԺ and community-based event platform for global dialogue and thought leadership.

“Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the drivers of positive climate solutions today,” said Max Boykoff, faculty executive director of the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education. “The Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit elevates youth voices at a moment when their leadership is absolutely essential to advancing collective climate initiatives that protect the planet and benefit generations to come.”

The summit will serve as a global touchpoint for collaboration and capacity-building related to human rights-based climate action across campuses and communities worldwide.

“The climate crisis is not only an environmental issue, it is a human rights issue that touches every dimension of social life,” said Reiland Rabaka, professor of African, African American, and Caribbean studies in the Department of Ethnic Studies and the founder and director of the CAAAS at CU �鶹ӰԺ. “This summit centers the voices and leadership of young people who are already shaping new, more just futures, especially in frontline and historically marginalized communities.”

The theme for the 2026 Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit focuses on ensuring climate technologies for mitigation and adaptation are aligned with human rights obligations. It also emphasizes developing the tools needed to support a just transition to sustainable economies and societies that uphold human rights. The summit will explore the human rights risks and opportunities of current and emerging technologies, such as renewable energy systems, resilient infrastructure, data and early-warning tools and artificial intelligence, in the context of climate action and identify strategies to ensure these risks are mitigated and human rights are protected.

The summit will be hybrid, hosted physically at Oxford Saïd and livestreamed globally, enabling broad participation while limiting travel and associated environmental impacts. Young people from 12 regions will contribute through dialogues, case studies and presentations on the intersection of climate change, human rights and climate technology, highlighting scalable solutions that strengthen resilience and protect communities on the frontlines.

“CU �鶹ӰԺ’s sustainability vision recognizes that climate change is a global challenge, and we need to act from the campus to the global level to address this challenge,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability at CU �鶹ӰԺ. “By serving as a co-host of the Right Here, Right Now Global Youth Climate Summit, we’re helping to elevate international dialogue, shared learning and collaborative problem-solving at a truly global scale.”

In December 2022, the inaugural Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit was held at CU �鶹ӰԺ. The summit addressed the interconnectedness of human rights and climate change, bringing together some of the world’s foremost human rights, scientific, political, educational, cultural and industry leaders to outline and commit to specific actions addressing the harmful effects of climate change on human rights. In June 2025, CU �鶹ӰԺ supported the University of Oxford and United Nations Human Rights hosted during a four-day global summit on climate change and human rights, alongside the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance.

The annual Right Here, Right Now Summit will be jointly hosted by Oxford Saïd and UN Human Rights, with co-hosting support from leading universities worldwide, including the �鶹ӰԺ.

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Waste not. Want? Yes

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:00:55 +0000

Waste not. Want? Yes Megan M Rogers Thu, 12/11/2025 - 12:00

At an annual holiday market, CMDI students again sold handmade, sustainably sourced gifts—along with the stories of how the materials were rescued from waste streams.

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