It’s been a busy summer in the world of sustainability on ²ÊÃñ±¦µä’s campus. With Chancellor Justin Schwartz’s prioritization of sustainability, leadership is actively taking steps to meet goals set forth in the Climate Action Plan.
New vice chancellor for sustainability
In July, Chancellor Justin Schwartz announced that the campus would hire a vice chancellor for sustainability, a new position created to lead the university’s efforts to combine strides in academic, research and operational sustainability.Ìý​
Geothermal energy grants
²ÊÃñ±¦µä received two grants totaling nearly $700,000 through the statewide Geothermal Energy Grant Program (GEGP) to determine whether geothermal energy is feasible for the campus. The campus is currently working to finalize the grant contracts with the state, which will allow the studies to start in earnest this fall.
Be a Sustainable Buff
If you are looking for ways to get involved with sustainability at ²ÊÃñ±¦µä, the Environmental Center’s Sustainable Buffs program is a great place to start. Learn more.
East Campus solar array
Projected to be operational in January 2026, this project encompasses the construction of a 1.1 megawatt (MW) ground-mounted solar array on a two-acre site east of parking Lot 560.
Building efficiency projects
This project will conduct facilities improvement measures to 18 aging buildings on Main Campus, including lighting upgrades and installation of low-use water fixtures.
Off-site solar agreement
²ÊÃñ±¦µä is partnering with Pivot Energy for a 5 megawatt dc (MWdc) virtual net metering agreement to develop an off-site solar array in Weld County.
Clean technology innovation
CU was selected to take part in the inaugural Scalable Tech Track Adopters cohort this fall with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), a program that culminates with the opportunity to pitch ideas for up to $250,000 in grant funding to be used for clean technology transition.
