Emissions & Decarbonization
Understanding our emissions and reducing our campus carbon footprint
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a central component of CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï’s Climate Action Plan. The university has established a goal to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions 50% from a 2019 baseline by 2030 and reach zero emissions no later than 2050.
Meeting these goals will require action across campus, from improving building efficiency and modernizing energy infrastructure to expanding renewable energy and addressing emissions associated with transportation, purchasing, construction and other university activities.
Understanding Emissions
CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï measures greenhouse gas emissions to understand where they come from, track progress and identify opportunities for reduction. Emissions are organized into three scopes using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol framework.
Emissions generated directly from sources owned or controlled by CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï, including fuels used for campus heating, university-owned vehicles and equipment, and other direct sourcesÂ
Indirect emissions associated with purchased electricity and other energy used to power CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï buildings and operations. These emissions occur outside campus boundaries but result from the energy the university purchases and consumes.Â
Indirect emissions associated with university activities that occur from sources outside CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï’s direct ownership or control. These include purchased goods and services, construction, business travel, employee and student commuting, food, waste and other activities across the university’s value chain.
Greenhouse gas emissions are typically reported as carbon dioxide equivalents (COâ‚‚e), allowing different greenhouse gases to be compared using a common measure.Scope 1 | Direct Emissions
Reducing Our Emissions
Scope 1 & 2 | Decarbonizing Campus OperationsÂ
Reduce emissions from campus buildings and energy systems through energy efficiency, electrification, renewable electricity and modernization of campus infrastructure.
Scope 3 | Addressing Indirect Emissions
Address emissions associated with purchasing, transportation, construction, food, waste and other university activities through improved data, category-specific strategies and measurable reduction efforts.
Get Involved
Climate action at CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï is a campus-wide effort. Students, faculty and staff can contribute through everyday actions, campus programs, events and opportunities to help advance university sustainability efforts.
[Explore Ways to Get Involved - (coming soon)]
Related News & Research
Stay up to date on climate action across CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï, including campus projects, sustainability initiatives, research and other developments.
[View Climate News & Research  - (coming soon)]