Sustainability

Simple actions to reduce �Ǹ�Թ� Creek contamination

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 19:37:17 +0000

Simple actions to reduce �Ǹ�Թ� Creek contamination Megan M Rogers Wed, 10/07/2026 - 13:37

At CU �Ǹ�Թ�, we are fortunate to have beautiful waterways, including �Ǹ�Թ� Creek, integrated into our campus ecosystem. Keeping these waterways healthy requires our collective effort.

�Ǹ�Թ� Creek is considered an impaired waterway by the state of Colorado due to excess amounts of Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli). While �Ǹ�Թ� Creek is not currently considered impaired by nutrient pollution, raising awareness about nutrients is key to help prevent future impairment.

Nutrient pollution: What is it and why should we care?

Nutrient pollution occurs when excess compounds of nitrogen and phosphorus enter our waterways, often from sources like fertilizers, pet waste and improper disposal of organic material. These nutrients can be washed off lawns and gardens during rainfall or irrigation, flowing directly into storm drains and, ultimately, into our stormwater systems.

Once in the water, they can cause algal blooms, which deplete oxygen levels, harm aquatic life and degrade water quality.

How you can help reduce nutrient pollution

Fertilizer use: Avoid over-fertilizing lawns and gardens, and never apply fertilizers near storm drains.
Organic waste: Properly dispose of lawn clippings, leaves and other organic material instead of letting them wash into storm drains.
Pet waste: Always clean up after your pets. Pet waste contributes to both bacteria and nutrients that pollute stormwater.

E. coli contamination in �Ǹ�Թ� Creek

In addition to nutrient pollution, E. coli, a common bacterium from multiple sources, also impacts �Ǹ�Թ� Creek. Urbanization reduces the number of porous surfaces and increases contamination sources that wash into the storm sewer, promoting bacterial growth. The university actively monitors and mitigates against E. coli contamination of the creek from campus stormwater discharges.

Steps you can take to reduce E. coli loading

Pet waste: Clean up after your pets and dispose of waste properly. �Ǹ�Թ� ordinance requires immediate cleanup.
Trash disposal: Place all garbage in waste containers, and avoid feeding wildlife, which can increase waste in waterways.
Report issues: If you see illegal dumping or clogged storm sewer inlets on campus, contact Facilities Management at 303-492-5522.

A collective effort

As a large, eco-conscious community at CU �Ǹ�Թ�, we have a great opportunity to work together to protect our stormwater resources and embody the university’s sustainability values. By adopting simple habits like cleaning up after pets, properly disposing of waste, and being mindful of fertilizer use, each of us can make a positive impact.

No matter how small your actions may seem, they can make a big difference in preserving the health of �Ǹ�Թ� Creek and other local waterways. Together, we can change the way we look at water quality and ensure a cleaner, safer environment for everyone.

For more information, visit the Environmental Health & Safety stormwater guidelines webpage or contact 303-492-6025 or ehs@colorado.edu.

At CU �Ǹ�Թ�, we are fortunate to have beautiful waterways, including �Ǹ�Թ� Creek, integrated into our campus ecosystem. Keeping these waterways healthy requires our collective effort.

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5 things to know about sustainability at CU �Ǹ�Թ�

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:02:13 +0000

5 things to know about sustainability at CU �Ǹ�Թ� Megan M Rogers Fri, 10/02/2026 - 07:02

Sustainability at CU �Ǹ�Թ� is integrated into every aspect of our campus. From world-class climate science research and education to campus operations and partnerships with the broader community and state, sustainability is not only a campus priority but an integral and interdisciplinary part of day-to-day life as a Buff.

As Colorado—and the globe—face increasingly complex environmental challenges, CU �Ǹ�Թ� continues to invest in preparing the next generation of leaders and developing practical solutions for a sustainable future. Here are five things to know about sustainability at CU �Ǹ�Թ�.

CU �Ǹ�Թ� has a long history of prioritizing sustainability.

Sustainability has deep roots at CU �Ǹ�Թ�. In 1951, the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) became the first research center founded at CU �Ǹ�Թ�, establishing a legacy of environmental research that continues today. Nearly two decades later, in 1970, students founded the Environmental Center, now one of the nation’s oldest and largest student-run sustainability organizations.

Since then, sustainability has grown into an institution-wide priority. It is an integral part of the university's mission, shaping everything from academic programs and world-class research to campus operations and community partnerships. In 2025, CU �Ǹ�Թ� established the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Sustainability to bring together these efforts, and Chancellor Justin Schwartz has identified sustainability as one of the university's strategic priorities.

A student sorts through recycled materials in the Recycling Center in 2016

Sustainability is part of the student experience.

No matter what your chosen major, every student on campus has the opportunity to engage with sustainability at CU �Ǹ�Թ�. With more than 350 sustainability-related course offerings across schools and colleges, spanning subjects from engineering and business to the arts and humanities, there are numerous ways to graduate with a better understanding of how to live, spend, and grow sustainably.

The SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education, launched in 2025 with a $10 million gift from alum Spike Buckley, is helping expand sustainability curriculum, support faculty and create new learning opportunities so every student graduates with the knowledge and skills to help build a more sustainable future.

CU �Ǹ�Թ� research is helping solve the most pressing global challenges of our time.

From climate science and geothermal energy to water resources and environmental justice, CU �Ǹ�Թ� researchers are tackling some of the world's most pressing challenges. The university is home to 12 sustainability-focused institutes, including CIRES, INSTAAR and RASEI, along with more than 75 research centers advancing work across sustainability-related fields.

Through the Sustainability Research Initiative, faculty are building interdisciplinary partnerships that accelerate research and translate discoveries into real-world solutions. That work continues to earn global recognition, with CU �Ǹ�Թ� recently ranking eighth in the world for climate science research in Carbon Brief's latest analysis of the world's most highly cited climate research institutions.

Campus is a living lab for sustainability.

Sustainability is also reflected in how the university operates. CU �Ǹ�Թ� uses its campus as a living lab to pilot and demonstrate sustainable solutions, giving students opportunities to see innovation in action. From the electric Buff Bus fleet to campuswide recycling and composting programs and the renovation of Hellems—which is projected to reduce the building's energy use by nearly 68% while preserving one of campus's most iconic academic spaces—operational initiatives help reduce environmental impacts while creating hands-on learning opportunities that support the university's Climate Action Plan goals.

Sustainability extends beyond campus.

CU �Ǹ�Թ� partners with communities across Colorado to help address sustainability challenges beyond campus boundaries. Faculty, students and staff work alongside state agencies, the city of �Ǹ�Թ�, nonprofits and industry partners to advance practical solutions that strengthen communities. One recent example is the university's partnership with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) to support communities transitioning away from coal, helping connect research expertise with local needs and economic opportunity.

Sustainability goes beyond one office or one program at CU �Ǹ�Թ�. It is part of how the university educates students, conducts research, operates its campus and serves communities across Colorado and beyond. Whether you're new to campus or returning for another year, there are many ways to get involved—as a student, faculty, or staff member—and help shape a more sustainable future today.

From world-class research to student learning and campus operations, discover how sustainability is shaping life at CU �Ǹ�Թ� and creating impact across Colorado and beyond.

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Aeroponic garden in CU �Ǹ�Թ�'s Village Center Dining and Community Commons—the first in the nation to provide students, staff and faculty with fresh salad greens grown on site in a high-tech greenhouse attached to a dining hall.

Campuswide commitment and action earn CU �Ǹ�Թ� international sustainability award

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 14:57:38 +0000

Campuswide commitment and action earn CU �Ǹ�Թ� international sustainability award Megan M Rogers Tue, 09/22/2026 - 08:57

CU �Ǹ�Թ� has been awarded Sustainability Institution of the Year by the International Green Gown Awards, making it the first U.S. institution to receive the prestigious international honor recognizing universities that demonstrate a sustained, institution-wide commitment to sustainability and meaningful progress across their operations, academics and engagement with their communities.

Presented by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC), the Green Gown Awards celebrate sustainability leadership across higher education worldwide. Since 2014, the awards have recognized institutions and projects that are helping transform the role of higher education in addressing environmental and social challenges.

The judges recognized CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s holistic approach, which integrates sustainability into research, education, campus operations, governance and community engagement, along with its progress in tracking and reporting measurable outcomes.

“This recognition is a reflection of the fact that sustainability at CU �Ǹ�Թ� is a team sport,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor of sustainability at CU �Ǹ�Թ�. “It is the result of a community-wide commitment to making sustainability part of how we teach, how we conduct research, how we operate our campus and how we engage with the world around us.”

International Green Gown Awards 2026 Winner badge

This approach was showcased by CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s long history of sustainability leadership, from world-class climate science research to sustainability-focused curriculum across colleges and departments, accelerated by the SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education. CU �Ǹ�Թ� is also home to the nation’s oldest student-driven environmental center, is one of the most bike-friendly campuses in the nation, has eliminated single-use plastics in dining halls and campuswide and has a 50-year history of student-led campus recycling efforts.

More recent efforts include an ambitious climate action plan, �Ǹ�Թ� Climate Ventures and a growing portfolio of sustainability-related research, innovation and spinouts. CU �Ǹ�Թ� also partners with businesses, organizations and peers in �Ǹ�Թ�, Colorado, the U.S. and globally to develop collaborative approaches to climate change and sustainability-related issues. For example, CU �Ǹ�Թ� partners with the University of California, Los Angeles, on managing the Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force, which works in 11 countries, across 54 states and provinces, and covers one-third of the world’s tropical forests. (The GCF Task Force Secretariat is based out of UCLA, Los Angeles, in collaboration with CU �Ǹ�Թ�.)

The recognition comes during CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s 150th anniversary year, a milestone that Chancellor Justin Schwartz said makes the award particularly meaningful.

“Receiving the Green Gown Award during CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s 150th anniversary is especially meaningful because it honors our history and defines our future,” Schwartz said. “This recognition reflects the dedication of an entire community, our faculty, staff, students and partners—all who believe higher education must lead on the defining challenges of our time. I am grateful for their dedication and proud of how CU �Ǹ�Թ� continues to integrate sustainability into our teaching, research, operations and public mission.”

CU �Ǹ�Թ� joins past recipients such as McGill University and the University of Technology Sydney as an international leader in sustainability. This year’s Green Gown Award winners represent institutions and initiatives from 18 countries across six continents.

The Sustainability Institution of the Year award is determined through a two-stage application and judging process involving experts from leading sustainability and higher education organizations, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), International Association of Universities (IAU) and Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

CU �Ǹ�Թ� plans to build on its institutional foundation and history tied to sustainability, growing the university’s impact on campus and beyond by educating the climate leaders of tomorrow and investing in research, innovation and collaborative partnerships to drive real-time action and change.

The university was named Sustainability Institution of the Year by the International Green Gown Awards, making CU �Ǹ�Թ� the first U.S. institution to receive the prestigious international honor.

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14 institutions earn Carnegie sustainability classification through pilot program

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 13:07:15 +0000

14 institutions earn Carnegie sustainability classification through pilot program Megan M Rogers Tue, 09/22/2026 - 07:07

CU �Ǹ�Թ�, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education have announced the first 14 colleges and universities nationwide to earn the new Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability. The institutions participated in a yearlong pilot program that helped test and shape the classification before its broader launch.

CU �Ǹ�Թ� serves as the host institution for the classification, which is designed to recognize and celebrate higher education institutions that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and climate action as integral to their academic missions.

“The first group of inaugural institutions help bring this new classification to life,” said Timothy F.C. Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. “We’re proud to recognize their leadership and the many ways they are advancing sustainability across their campuses and communities.”

Institutions that took part in the 2025 pilot formed a community of practice, providing feedback that helped refine the classification’s application framework, process and review criteria. The pilot represented a range of higher education institutions, from research universities and liberal arts colleges to community colleges and minority-serving institutions.

“We’re grateful to the institutions that participated in the pilot and helped shape this classification,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability at CU �Ǹ�Թ�. “Their work demonstrates the breadth of sustainability efforts underway across higher education and the value of having a framework that can recognize and elevate that work.”

For the pilot institutions, the process provided an opportunity to assess their sustainability efforts and partner with CU �Ǹ�Թ� in shaping a classification designed to work across different types of campuses.

“Completing the application provided a self-study approach and a lot of opportunity to reflect on what we value and what we are accomplishing,” said Susan Powers, director and professor at Clarkson University. “We learned about activities we did not previously appreciate and found the themes, synergies and strengths of these overall efforts across campus.”

Carnegie Foundation Elective Classifications: Classification for Sustainability badge

14 pilot institutions receiving the classification

Bennett College
Carleton College
Clarkson University
George Mason University
Mt. San Antonio College
Pima Community College
Tohono O’odham Community College
Universidad del Sagrado Corazón
University of Arizona
University of California, Merced
University of Idaho
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire

Continuing the work

Applications for the first full classification cycle are currently underway, with a deadline of Dec. 18. The full inaugural cohort of classified institutions will be announced in June 2027.

Learn more about the Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability.

Fourteen colleges and universities from across the U.S. are the first to earn the brand new Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability, following a yearlong pilot program that helped test and shape the classification before its broader launch.

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CU �Ǹ�Թ� bringing sustainability expertise from American West to Climate Week NYC

Chloe Fischer — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:44:44 +0000

CU �Ǹ�Թ� bringing sustainability expertise from American West to Climate Week NYC Chloe Fischer Wed, 09/16/2026 - 08:44

From climate comedy with students to a conversation featuring Bill Nye (The Science Guy), CU �Ǹ�Թ� faculty and sustainability leaders will bring research, expertise and solutions from Colorado to one of the world’s largest climate gatherings this September.

Climate Week NYC, held Sept. 20–27 alongside the United Nations General Assembly, brings more than 100,000 people to New York City for more than 1,000 events focused on climate and sustainability. This year, CU �Ǹ�Թ� faculty and sustainability leaders will speak, host and collaborate across more than a dozen events focused on topics including climate communication, energy, forests, information integrity and the future of the electric grid.

For CU �Ǹ�Թ�, the week is an opportunity to connect the university’s research, education and experience with people making decisions about policy, investment, technology and communities, while building partnerships that can help move knowledge into action.

“CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s sustainability work has positive impacts that reach beyond Colorado from field research in the the Arctic to water systems in Africa to rainforests in South America and more,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability. “Engaging the international community through Climate Week gives us an opportunity to learn from others, strengthen partnerships and bring CU �Ǹ�Թ� expertise into conversations that can lead to further action in Colorado and beyond.”

Finding new ways to talk about climate

Climate communication will be one of the most visible parts of CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s presence in New York.

On Sept. 22, CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education and the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Science, Sustainability and the Media will host Breaking the Ice Before it Melts: Effective Climate Communication. The event will feature Bill Nye, “StarTalk” co-host Chuck Nice and National Geographic Explorer Asher Jay in a conversation moderated by climate scientist Michael Mann about how climate communication can help move people from information to action.

Climate Week NYC

Explore CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s full Climate Week schedule and find registration information for public events.

Learn More

Earlier in the week, the SPIKE Center, Penn and Hip Hop Caucus will bring students together for a Youth Climate Comedy Workshop & Showcase Competition at Fordham University. Students will work with professional comedians and climate communicators to turn climate issues into original comedy before taking the stage for a public showcase.

“Climate change touches every part of our lives, but the ways we communicate about it don’t always connect with people,” said Max Boykoff, professor of environmental studies and faculty executive director of the SPIKE Center. “Humor gives us another way in. By bringing students, scientists, communicators and comedians together, we can experiment with new ways to make climate conversations more relatable while giving students the opportunity to develop their own voices.”

Bringing CU �Ǹ�Թ� expertise into global conversations

Those events are part of a broader CU �Ǹ�Թ� presence throughout the week. Faculty and sustainability leaders will contribute to conversations about tropical forests, building electrification, artificial intelligence and the electric grid, climate solutions and data visualization.

Boykoff will also participate in a high-level United Nations dialogue on information integrity, bringing his climate communication expertise to a global conversation about misinformation, public trust and access to reliable information.

Together, these events reflect CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s broader approach to sustainability: connecting education and research, with action and partnerships beyond campus. Climate Week provides an opportunity to share what CU �Ǹ�Թ� is learning in Colorado while bringing new ideas and relationships back to that work.

From climate comedy with students to a conversation featuring Bill Nye, CU �Ǹ�Թ� faculty and sustainability leaders will bring research, expertise and solutions from Colorado to one of the world's largest climate gatherings this September.

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CU �Ǹ�Թ� announces inaugural Sustainability Research Summit Oct. 8–9

Chloe Fischer — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 20:18:26 +0000

CU �Ǹ�Թ� announces inaugural Sustainability Research Summit Oct. 8–9 Chloe Fischer Fri, 09/11/2026 - 14:18

In spring 2025, the Sustainability Research Initiative (SRI) started a mission to harness the collective expertise of CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s diverse academic community to address pressing sustainability challenges.

On Oct. 8–9, the SRI will host the inaugural CU �Ǹ�Թ� Sustainability Research Summit, a two-day event highlighting the diversity and depth of sustainability research across campus. Free and open to the public, the summit aims to foster connections among researchers and external partners and share CU �Ǹ�Թ� research with the Front Range community and beyond.

The summit will create opportunities for students to see what researchers are working on and explore undergraduate research opportunities. CU �Ǹ�Թ� researchers can identify potential interdisciplinary collaborations, while external partners can discover opportunities to work with CU �Ǹ�Թ� on a variety of sustainability challenges. Investors can gain insight into what CU �Ǹ�Թ� researchers are developing and what is in the pipeline, from discovery to implementation.

“The Sustainability Research Summit will highlight the amazing work our researchers and students are doing and create a space for new synergies to emerge,” Jane Zelikova, executive director of SRI said. “Connecting CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s world-class research capabilities with industry and public sector partners is also a priority.”

Register for the summit

Register for the keynote

Explore the agenda

The summit will provide space to hear from corporate, philanthropic, state and federal partners and will explore partnerships to leverage CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s research expertise and advance sustainability in practice.

“As we continue to navigate the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental stewardship, this summit is an exciting opportunity to connect like-minded researchers and partners to foster innovative solutions, inspire bold action and continue to lead the way in sustainability practices locally and globally,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability at CU �Ǹ�Թ�. “CU �Ǹ�Թ� is world-renowned for our outstanding research in climate science, and this summit will be a chance to showcase that work and allow for the kind of collaboration that translates academic research into real-world impact.”

CU �Ǹ�Թ� has long been recognized for its leadership in Earth and climate science, engineering, business and sustainability research more broadly, including a ranking in the top 10 for institutions participating in climate science research. Building on that foundation, the Sustainability Research Summit is expected to become a landmark event at the university, advancing CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s leadership in sustainability.

The full agenda is now available and features keynote addresses by Cassandra Brooks and Chris Winters, along with remarks from Chancellor Justin Schwartz and more.

The two-day event is designed to connect researchers with external partners and elevate sustainability research. Explore the program and register to attend.

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Meet Sustainable Buffs: Find your way to get involved at CU �Ǹ�Թ�

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 17:31:17 +0000

Meet Sustainable Buffs: Find your way to get involved at CU �Ǹ�Թ� Megan M Rogers Fri, 09/04/2026 - 11:31

Explore five pillars of sustainability—from zero waste and transportation to climate justice—and find a place to start that matches your interests.

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Ride smart: Tips for safe and sustainable campus cycling

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 16:27:43 +0000

Ride smart: Tips for safe and sustainable campus cycling Megan M Rogers Tue, 08/25/2026 - 10:27

Biking is one of the most popular ways to navigate campus and �Ǹ�Թ�. Here are some tips to help you maintain and protect your bike for a convenient and sustainable way to get around.

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Meet the Environmental Board: How students are helping shape a more sustainable CU �Ǹ�Թ�

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:25:53 +0000

Meet the Environmental Board: How students are helping shape a more sustainable CU �Ǹ�Թ� Megan M Rogers Mon, 08/24/2026 - 12:25

From funding innovative sustainability projects to connecting students with campus leaders, the CU Student Government (CUSG) Environmental Board plays an important role in advancing sustainability across CU �Ǹ�Թ�. Board co-chairs Jules Immonen and Piper Rausch discuss what the student-led board does, how it supports the campus community and why they're inviting more Buffs to get involved this fall.

What is the Environmental Board?

The Environmental Board is a student-led joint board within CUSG dedicated to supporting sustainability initiatives across campus. The board oversees funding for the Environmental Center, which was founded by students in 1970 as the nation’s first student-led environmental center and has since grown into one of the largest and longest-standing centers of its kind. The board also awards Sustainable CU Grants that help bring new sustainability ideas to life.

While the board works closely with campus partners, students lead the decision-making process, giving them a direct voice in shaping sustainability efforts at CU �Ǹ�Թ�.

What does the board do?

One of the board's biggest responsibilities is managing the Sustainable CU Grant program, which provides funding for projects led by students, faculty and staff. Applicants submit proposals each fall and spring, present their ideas to the board and participate in a multiple round review process.

This past academic year, the board awarded nearly $100,000 to projects across campus, including reusable takeout container pilots, reusable lab coat programs, and new and improved campus waste and recycling signage.

Beyond grant funding, board members collaborate with sustainability teams across campus, helping connect students with university leaders to advance ideas with lasting campuswide impact.

How does the board fit into CU �Ǹ�Թ�'s larger sustainability efforts?

According to Immonen and Rausch, the Environmental Board helps bridge student ideas with university action.

How to get involved

The Environmental Board is looking for new members this fall, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Meetings will be held Wednesdays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. throughout the semester and can be attended in person or via Zoom. To receive meeting information and join the Environmental Board mailing list, email eboard@colorado.edu.

Students from engineering and environmental studies to business, music and beyond bring their own interests and perspectives to the table. Whether someone is passionate about green chemistry, waste reduction or sustainable business practices, the board helps connect those ideas with the people and resources needed to move them forward.

The board also regularly collaborates with campus partners, including the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Sustainability, the SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education and others across campus to increase student involvement and collaboration on sustainability efforts.

Who can participate?

Anyone interested in sustainability is welcome to attend meetings and get involved.

The board currently has seven voting members, several open board positions and additional opportunities to participate through committees and project teams. Students who attend meetings can begin contributing right away, even before becoming voting members.

"We want sustainability to be something everyone feels connected to," said Piper. "No matter what you're studying, there's a place for your ideas."

What is the board's vision for sustainability at CU �Ǹ�Թ�?

For Immonen and Rausch, the goal is making sustainability a natural part of the CU �Ǹ�Թ� experience.

They envision a campus where sustainability is visible in everyday life, where students from every discipline see themselves as part of the solution and where innovative ideas can grow into lasting change. They also hope the board continues to connect students with leadership, real-world projects and future careers in sustainability.

The CU Student Government Environmental Board funds sustainability projects, connects students with campus partners and provides opportunities for Buffs from across the university to help shape a more sustainable campus.

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CU �Ǹ�Թ�'s Masters of the Environment capstone recognized for innovation in sustainability education

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:39:39 +0000

CU �Ǹ�Թ�'s Masters of the Environment capstone recognized for innovation in sustainability education Megan M Rogers Thu, 08/20/2026 - 08:39

Alice Reznickova, Masters of the Environment capstone lead and associate teaching professor, speaks during the National Sustainability Society conference awards ceremony. To the right of the podium are Natalie Ooi, MENV director and teaching professor; Laura George, MENV career and professional development program manager; and Myles Maland, director of department administration in the Department of Environmental Studies.

CU �Ǹ�Թ�'s Masters of the Environment (MENV) capstone program has been named a recipient of the Innovations in Sustainability Education Award by the National Sustainability Society at their third annual conference. The national award recognizes outstanding innovations in degree programs that prepare and empower learners to be agents of transformative change through inclusive, systems-oriented and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

This year's conference theme—courage, credibility and collective action—reflects values that sit at the core of what the MENV capstone program instills in all students.

“We are so proud of receiving this award. It celebrates the impact of our team, our students and our partner organizations over the last decade. That impact is a product of investment. When you commit real resources and time into students and into reciprocal partnerships, you get work that matters, for our community and for the partners we serve,” capstone lead Alice Reznickova shared.

The recognition affirms the capstone program as a leading model of sustainability work. The MENV capstone places all graduate students in direct partnership with external organizations to tackle real sustainability and climate challenges. Since its inception, MENV students have completed nearly 250 projects, and with each one, the program's network of partners, alumni and real-world impact continues to grow.

Just this past year, 78 students invested more than 46,800 hours across 26 projects with nonprofits, municipalities, private companies and state agencies, producing deliverables that informed policy, advanced organizational strategy and created measurable outcomes for communities across Colorado and beyond. By functioning as graduate-level consultants rather than traditional interns, MENV students bring prior professional experience and sustainability expertise to every project.

The capstone program's approach is rooted in the belief that meaningful progress on sustainability requires more than technical expertise—it requires the courage to engage in complex, real-world problems; the credibility that comes from rigorous, applied work; and the ability to collaborate across sectors and communities.

Read the 2025 MENV Capstone Impact Report (PDF)

Under the guidance of their faculty advisor and capstone partner, students have a real impact on their communities and leave equipped to contribute to the kind of collective action the sustainability field demands. What further distinguishes the program is how intentionally it weaves career development into the capstone experience, so that applied project work and professional growth advance hand in hand.

“Partnering with Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) has given me exactly the combination of experiences I hoped to get out of MENV: deep learning, strong professional connections and the chance to see my work create tangible impact. As I look toward full-time opportunities after graduation, this experience has become a genuine stepping stone and proof of what I can contribute in professional settings,” Norman Kalen, a second-year MENV student, shared.

As MENV enters its 10th year, this national recognition affirms the program's role as a global model for how professional graduate education can drive lasting, meaningful change.

The National Sustainability Society has honored the graduate capstone program with its Innovations in Sustainability Education Award, recognizing a decade of student-led projects that pair real-world impact with professional growth.

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Sustainability

Simple actions to reduce �Ǹ�Թ� Creek contamination

Nutrient pollution: What is it and why should we care?

How you can help reduce nutrient pollution

E. coli contamination in �Ǹ�Թ� Creek

Steps you can take to reduce E. coli loading

A collective effort

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5 things to know about sustainability at CU �Ǹ�Թ�

CU �Ǹ�Թ� has a long history of prioritizing sustainability.

Sustainability is part of the student experience.

CU �Ǹ�Թ� research is helping solve the most pressing global challenges of our time.

Campus is a living lab for sustainability.

Sustainability extends beyond campus.

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14 institutions earn Carnegie sustainability classification through pilot program

14 pilot institutions receiving the classification

Continuing the work

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Finding new ways to talk about climate

Bringing CU �Ǹ�Թ� expertise into global conversations

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CU �Ǹ�Թ� announces inaugural Sustainability Research Summit Oct. 8–9

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Meet the Environmental Board: How students are helping shape a more sustainable CU �Ǹ�Թ�

What is the Environmental Board?

What does the board do?

How does the board fit into CU �Ǹ�Թ�'s larger sustainability efforts?

Who can participate?

What is the board's vision for sustainability at CU �Ǹ�Թ�?

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CU �Ǹ�Թ�'s Masters of the Environment capstone recognized for innovation in sustainability education

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