University of Colorado Visitors Guide - Flipbook - Page 6
Sustainability
1992
Recycling processing facility
At CU Boulder, sustainability is embedded
in our campus life. We were the first
university to:
The first recycling processing facility is built on campus.
1994
» Create a student-led Environmental Center
Campus Earth Summit
» Launch a student-led campus recycling program
The first annual Campus Earth Summit is held.
» Purchase renewable energy credits
» Fuel campus vehicles completely with biodiesel
» Provide students with a comprehensive bus pass
» Achieve a STARS Gold rating
» Be named a Sierra Club #1 greenest school (AAU)
» Claim a carbon neutral student government and
athletics program
1997
Talloires Declaration
CU Boulder signs the Talloires Declaration, committing
the university to set an example of environmental
responsibility in its teaching, research and operations.
1998
Campus Master Plan
1970
CU Boulder incorporates sustainability provisions for
facilities into the Campus Master Plan.
E-Center established
The nation’s first student-led Environmental Center is
established on Earth Day.
1976
Recycling program
The nation’s first collegiate student-led recycling
program begins. Student volunteers begin newspaper and
aluminum can recycling.
2000
Renewable energy credits
CU Boulder students purchase the nation’s first renewable
energy credits. Students vote to purchase renewable
wind-energy credits to match electricity used in all major
campus construction after 2000.
2001
Energy Education Campaign
1991
Recycling partnership
A student-administrative partnership between the CU
Boulder Student Union and Facilities Management is
created for recycling.
An Energy Education Campaign begins. A resource
conservation office position is created. Campus energy use
decreases for the first time in 10 years.
2004
Solar panels on campus
1991
Prepaid bus program
The nation’s first student prepaid bus program is
established.
6
University of Colorado Boulder • Visitors Guide • 2025
The first solar panels on campus are installed at the
University Memorial Center.
