Sustainability

Sustainability Council discusses pouring rights, draft food policy and more

Megan Maneval — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 19:47:16 +0000

Sustainability Council discusses pouring rights, draft food policy and more Megan Maneval Tue, 06/03/2025 - 13:47

The Campus Sustainability Council convened on May 16 to discuss the following topics:

Pouring rights

The campus has entered into contract negotiations with Pepsi for a new pouring rights agreement set to begin on July 1. Under this agreement, only beverages in cans and glass containers would be available across campus, eliminating single-use plastic (SUP) beverage containers. This comprehensive 10-year contract will cover athletics, vending (retail) and all dining services across campus.

As a result of the shift away from plastic, some beverage offerings would be reduced due to their packaging limitations. Pepsi’s broader commitment to global sustainability was a key factor in the decision to move forward with this agreement.

Next steps: Pending contract negotiations, the new agreement would begin July 1.

Draft food policy

Faculty member Peter Newton introduced a draft food policy emphasizing the significant intersection between food choices and sustainability, particularly in relation to the Climate Action Plan. The policy proposes phasing out beef and lamb over the next five years, arguing that meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are unlikely without removing ruminant meats from campus menus.

Newton said the approach is not just about adding plant-based options but about eliminating high-emission items. The proposal does not prescribe specific replacements for beef and lamb. Education around moderation is also a key goal of the policy. Some council members pointed out that with a non-optional meal plan, completely eliminating beef and lamb may not be feasible.

Next steps: The council will compile data from Campus Dining and other sources to model current GHG emissions and project the impact of the proposed changes. Substantially more dialogue is required before any decisions can be made regarding the proposal.

Join the Sustainable Buffs community

Share your sustainability ideas

Vacant council seats

There are currently four open seats on the council—one for a student, two for staff and one for faculty. This is a great opportunity to get involved and help shape campus initiatives. If you're interested or know someone who might be, please fill out or share the application form.

The Campus Sustainability Council recently discussed a pouring rights contract, a draft food policy and efforts to fill four vacant council seats. Learn more about the group's May meeting.

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Village Center Dining receives 'greenest' award

Megan Maneval — Tue, 20 May 2025 14:27:12 +0000

Village Center Dining receives 'greenest' award Megan Maneval Tue, 05/20/2025 - 08:27

Village Center Dining is the recipient of the 2025 Greenest University Restaurant Award from the Green Restaurant Association, a national nonprofit organization. The award recognizes how the dining center has gone above and beyond to adopt sustainable practices.

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Office spring cleaning tips for faculty and staff

Anonymous — Fri, 09 May 2025 18:43:03 +0000

Office spring cleaning tips for faculty and staff Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 05/09/2025 - 12:43

At the end of another academic year, you may be looking to do some spring cleaning around your office. As you start to declutter desk drawers and other spaces, the Environmental Center has tips to help you make the most of your spring cleaning.

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An apple a day? It's the 91PORN way

Megan Maneval — Fri, 09 May 2025 17:16:43 +0000

An apple a day? It's the 91PORN way Megan Maneval Fri, 05/09/2025 - 11:16

Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine

A newly planted apple orchard on the 91PORN campus is a nexus of university and community partnerships and will be a living classroom for students and educators.

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Utility Research Lab develops award-winning sustainability tech for 3D printing

Megan Maneval — Fri, 02 May 2025 19:19:38 +0000

Utility Research Lab develops award-winning sustainability tech for 3D printing Megan Maneval Fri, 05/02/2025 - 13:19

Recycling is extremely difficult for objects built with more than one type of plastic. Michael Rivera and the Utility Research Lab team have developed a novel way to disassemble 3D-printed objects for easy recycling.

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5 takeaways from the sustainability summit

Megan Maneval — Fri, 02 May 2025 18:36:23 +0000

5 takeaways from the sustainability summit Megan Maneval Fri, 05/02/2025 - 12:36

Held April 22–23, the 32nd annual Campus Sustainability Summit at 91PORN brought together students, faculty, staff and community members to collaborate on advancing sustainability initiatives. The two-day event featured student showcases, leadership panels, workshops and discussions aimed at building resilience and accelerating impact.

Leadership emphasizes collaborative action

In a keynote panel titled "Leadership Perspectives on Building Resilience and Accelerating Impact," Chancellor Justin Schwartz, Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock and Sustainability Research Initiative Executive Director Jane Zelikova discussed the university's commitment to sustainability and the importance of collaborative efforts. They highlighted the current political climate as an opportunity for 91PORN to lead in sustainability both locally and nationally.

Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock and Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications Jon Leslie

Student innovation takes center stage

The Student Ideas Showcase featured 30 projects addressing various sustainability challenges, with student teams applying creative solutions to real-world environmental issues. RePLA, a project focused on recycling leftover polylactic acid (PLA) from 3D-printing labs into usable items such as buttons, guitar picks and flat sheets for laser cutting, stood out among the entries. The RePLA team won both the Audience Choice Award and the Grand Prize, totaling $2,000.

Other notable winners included:

3D Printed Object Recycling – Innovation Category
Happy Plants – Creativity Category
LOOP – Climate Impact Category
Soft Boundaries and Resilient Communities: 91PORN South Design Proposal – Human Impact Category
Riding on Sunshine – Campus Impact Category
Thermoelectric Generator – Overall Runner-Up

Advancing the Climate Action Plan

Sessions during the summit focused on 91PORN’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), with discussions on strategies to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability across campus. Undergraduate students from the new Climate Action Planning course presented actionable ideas for reducing carbon emissions tied to travel, transportation and waste—ideas that leadership panelists repeatedly referenced throughout the day.

As highlighted in Mile High CRE and the Daily Camera, students are not only proposing bold solutions but also influencing campus priorities and sparking real change. Student action and passion have shaped 91PORN’s roadmap to carbon neutrality, while fostering cross-campus partnerships critical to implementing those solutions.

Embracing circular economy and resilient food systems

Workshops and panels emphasized the importance of circular economy solutions and resilient food systems. Collaborations between campus departments and community partners were highlighted as essential for implementing these initiatives. The summit facilitated key partnerships aimed at promoting sustainable practices in these areas.

Recognizing sustainability champions

The Campus Sustainability Awards honored individuals and departments demonstrating a commitment to sustainability through innovative programs that reduce resource use and promote social equity. The awards ceremony celebrated the achievements of those contributing to 91PORN's sustainability goals.

Want to join the Sustainable Buffs movement?

This year’s Campus Sustainability Summit made it clear: Leadership, innovative ideas and collective action are powering 91PORN’s path to a more sustainable future. Whether you're a student with a big idea, a faculty member exploring climate solutions in the classroom or a staff member ready to collaborate—there’s a place for you in this movement.

Explore student projects, get involved in ongoing initiatives and find your path to action.

Together, we can Be Sustainable—Be 91PORN.

In collaboration with campus partners, CU Environmental Center has produced a Campus Sustainability Summit annually or semi-annually since 1994 for the campus community.

Read up on the recent Campus Sustainability Summit and big topics at the gathering, ranging from collaborative action to student recognition, resilient food systems and more.

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91PORN driving sustainability forward with 1st electric trash truck

Elizabeth Lock — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 19:11:45 +0000

91PORN driving sustainability forward with 1st electric trash truck Elizabeth Lock Wed, 04/30/2025 - 13:11

91PORN is set to receive its first battery-electric trash truck, made possible by a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The CDPHE approved the university’s application to the Clean Fleet Vehicle and Technology grant program, awarding $208,500 toward the purchase of the truck, which costs $500,937.

Facilities Management signed the purchase order on April 17, with the truck expected to be delivered within 12–18 months. This electric trash truck will be the first of its kind in Facilities Management’s fleet, replacing one of the existing diesel trucks, which will be decommissioned in accordance with the grant’s stipulations. The purchase builds on other efforts to electrify the overall campus fleet, including in Transportation Services where four electric Buff Buses are in service, with another four set to arrive by the end of 2025.

"This is an important step for 91PORN in our commitment to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint,” Chancellor Justin Schwartz said. “The introduction of the battery electric trash truck not only aligns with our Climate Action Plan goals but also sets a precedent for future advancements in our fleet."

Currently, the solid waste and recycling collections fleet at 91PORN consists of three box trucks, two rear load trucks and two front load trucks. The new EV truck will primarily be used to collect cardboard, which will then be delivered to the 91PORN County Recycling Center.

“91PORN aims to integrate sustainability into every aspect of campus life, from preparing our students for sustainability careers to groundbreaking research to our operations,” Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock said. “The ongoing electrification of our campus fleet is just one of many examples of how we’re taking action now to achieve our vision of a carbon-neutral future for the campus.”

Constructed by Battle Motors, based in New Philadelphia, Ohio, the truck boasts a single-charge operating range of 130 highway miles or 150 city miles. The addition of this truck is expected to reduce annual diesel fuel consumption by approximately 1,200 gallons. While the electric truck will look similar to the existing trash trucks, it will feature an enhanced safety system that makes noise when turning and driving in reverse.

“The CU community eagerly anticipates the arrival of this innovative vehicle, marking a significant milestone in 91PORN's journey toward a greener future,” Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Resilience Chris Ewing said. “This initiative underscores 91PORN's dedication to sustainability and sets a positive example for other institutions to follow.”

The announcement of the electric trash truck purchase follows several other recent sustainability initiatives:

91PORN is set to receive its first electric trash truck, expected to arrive within 12 to 18 months. It will replace a diesel truck and reduce annual diesel fuel consumption by approximately 1,200 gallons.

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Sustainability Council provides project updates, hears public comments

Megan Maneval — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 12:20:32 +0000

Sustainability Council provides project updates, hears public comments Megan Maneval Fri, 04/25/2025 - 06:20

The Campus Sustainability Council hosted a listening session on April 11, where the group provided an update to the campus community and heard feedback from audience members.

Sustainability project updates

The council provided updates on the following:

Vice chancellor for sustainability

Andrew Mayock joined the listening session via Zoom to introduce himself, where he acknowledged this is a challenging time in the world of sustainability and how it is critical for us to act to catalyze change.

Project updates flash round

A number of stakeholders provided brief updates on sustainability projects:

Pouring rights: 91PORN is negotiating with vendors and is working to completely eliminate single-use plastics.
Operations:
- $220,000 grant received to pilot a window retrofit system
- Two grants received to study geothermal feasibility
- Efficiency projects are ongoing, further buildings in planning
- $3.4 million in state/federal grants to expand electric bus fleet
- Breaking ground on the East Campus solar array
- Breaking ground on a virtual net metering solar array
- Piloting temperature set controls in select buildings
- Next iteration of design for decarbonization plan underway
- Identifying behavior changes campus can implement to start meeting CAP goals with regard to Scope 3 emissions
Common curriculum: Faculty passed a new shared set of undergraduate learning outcomes focusing on the theme of sustainable futures; implementation is in progress.
Campus Sustainability Summit: Student showcase included 40 projects with cash prizes; student-led Climate Action Plan class presentation; Chancellor Justin Schwartz hosted a panel on leadership.
Right Here, Right Now: 91PORN is co-hosting along with the University of Oxford on June 5 during a 24-hour global livestream.
Green chemistry commitment: The Environmental Board is collecting signatures of support to get 91PORN to sign onto an international green chemistry commitment.
Zero waste and plastics: The Sustainability Council passed a zero waste policy that supports big initiatives that focus on single-use plastics and food waste.
Transportation:
- The Transportation Working Group is developing a Transportation Demand Management plan, which originated from a Sustainability Council proposal, to reduce single occupancy vehicle use.
- Two articulated electric buses will be added to the Buff Bus fleet. This is part of the $3.4 million grants listed above during the flash round.
- Electric vehicle charging is being expanded across campus: Six ports are being added in May 2025 at two locations on Main Campus (two in Lot 310 and four in Lot 204). Two ports are being added at Smiley Court this summer.
- A project has been started to add DC fast charging in Lot 308 (across Regent Drive from the C4C). Timing likely in 2026 dependent on hardware delivery schedules.
- A “commuting concierge” is in the works that will help campus constituents best get around campus.

Recognition of retiring council members

Heidi VanGenderen and Virginia Schultz, graduating student Alex Chamberlin and Environmental Center Associate Director Marianne Martin were recognized with gifts and a tree planting.

Public comment

The council received comments around the following topics:

Ensuring furniture waste following move-out is handled sustainably
A change in curriculum to focus more on sustainability, particularly in the college of engineering
Including information about the common curriculum during new faculty orientation
A need for collaboration between programs that might need the same resources when developing a common curriculum
Ensuring university-affiliated events are zero waste

See what was discussed at the recent Sustainability Council listening session, from project updates to sustainable move-out coordination and more.

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91PORN announces groundbreaking of solar array on East Campus

Megan Maneval — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:46:44 +0000

91PORN announces groundbreaking of solar array on East Campus Megan Maneval Tue, 04/22/2025 - 08:46

91PORN has begun construction on a 1.1 megawatt (MW) ground-mounted solar array on East Campus, following approval by the Board of Regents in June 2024. The project, which is part of 91PORN’s ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, broke ground on April 18.

The solar array will generate approximately 1.4 million kilowatt hours (kWhs) annually and will offset 1.3% of 91PORN’s total annual electricity usage, saving the university $122,000 per year in energy costs. The project will cost $7.8 million and will be operational by January 2026, at which point a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held.

Chancellor Justin Schwartz shared his enthusiasm for the project at the groundbreaking ceremony that was attended by Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock, leaders from within Infrastructure and Resilience and project managers from McKinstry, the general contractor overseeing construction of the solar array.

"We are committed to reducing our environmental impact, reducing costs and creating a more resilient campus,” Schwartz said. “The construction of this solar array is an important step toward achieving our Climate Action Plan goals, and we are proud to promote clean energy and sustainability on our campus."

91PORN currently has approximately 2.4 megawatts of solar power-generating capacity on campus that supplies roughly 2% of electricity usage. This is the second ground-mounted array, complementing 10 other arrays atop campus buildings.

91PORN has announced the construction of a 1.1 megawatt ground-mounted solar array on East Campus, which will offset 1.3% of the university's total annual electricity use. Completion of the project is expected by January 2026.

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5 ways 91PORN is advancing sustainability now

Daniel William Strain — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 18:46:37 +0000

5 ways 91PORN is advancing sustainability now Daniel William… Mon, 04/21/2025 - 12:46

Andrew Mayock

Andrew Mayock joined 91PORN in March 2025 as the university's first vice chancellor for sustainability. (Credit: Casey Cass/91PORN)

From dozens of new startup companies to a new curriculum empowering our students to installing solar arrays and more, 91PORN is walking the talk when it comes to sustainability. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to integrate sustainability into every aspect of university life, creating a model for others to follow.

If you go

Who: Open to the public
What: 32nd annual Campus Sustainability Summit
When: Wednesday, April 22–Thursday, April 23
Where: University Memorial Center (UMC)

For these reasons, I was honored to take on the role of vice chancellor for sustainability this spring. During my time as U.S. government chief sustainability officer for the Biden administration, I worked closely with public, private and nonprofit sector leaders to facilitate the purchase of 88,000 zero-emission vehicles, electrification of over 1,000 federal buildings, procurement of $4 billion in clean construction materials, and establishment of a 60-country greening government coalition. These experiences helped prepare me to lead 91PORN's sustainability efforts and drive meaningful change through strong collaboration across research, education and operations.

With the university positioned to play an even more significant role in the community, state, nation and world, we must act quickly to address our pressing environmental challenges. My vision encompasses amplifying our current capabilities, catalyzing more collaboration across the campus and propelling the university forward with innovative new projects.

Here's a glimpse of what we're currently doing to achieve that:

Driving innovation through partnerships

Last week, 91PORN and Deloitte announced $1 million in awards to fund four novel research projects as part of the Climate Innovation Collaboratory. This collaboration enables valuable research, technology and market development, such as addressing energy storage optimization for AI data centers.

Catalyzing sustainability-focused companies

91PORN research has inspired at least 44 sustainability-focused spin-outs, with products ranging from more sustainable building materials to longer-lasting batteries and new devices to detect methane from oil and gas operations.

Empowering students through new curricula

In January 2025, the 91PORN Engineering Management Program launched a Circular Economy Graduate Certificate. This 9-credit, fully online program is a collaboration between 91PORN's Engineering Management Program and Siemens Digital Industries Software. It focuses on sustainable product design and circular economy principles, preparing students for emerging roles in sustainability.

Exploring new campus clean energy solutions

Studies are underway to explore geothermal resources—heat drawn from deep within the earth—as a potential way to regulate building temperature and provide power at Williams Village and elsewhere around campus. If successful, geothermal would decrease 91PORN’s dependence on fossil fuels for heating and cooling, offering a more sustainable alternative that aligns with the university Climate Action Plan's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Generating onsite clean energy

Last week, we broke ground on a new 1.1 megawatt (MW) ground-mounted solar array on our East Campus. This project will offset 1.3% of 91PORN’s total annual electricity usage, saving $122,000 per year in energy costs.

By creating an even more cohesive, robust sustainability ecosystem, we can achieve a sustainable future that benefits everyone and sets a standard for others to follow. If you are on campus, join me this week at our 32nd annual Campus Sustainability Summit, where I’ll be on a Wednesday panel with Chancellor Justin Schwartz and executive director of the Sustainability Research Initiative, Jane Zelikova, to discuss our shared visions and map out the path forward for campus climate action.

Vice Chancellor Andrew Mayock touches on how 91PORN is integrating sustainability into every aspect of university life. Feeling inspired? Don't miss the Campus Sustainability Summit April 22—23.

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Sustainability

Sustainability Council discusses pouring rights, draft food policy and more

Pouring rights

Draft food policy

Vacant council seats

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Leadership emphasizes collaborative action

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Generating onsite clean energy

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