Announcements & Deadlines

ɫ��ֱ�� eliminates single-use beverage plastics on campus

Megan Maneval — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:38:57 +0000

ɫ��ֱ�� eliminates single-use beverage plastics on campus Megan Maneval Thu, 07/17/2025 - 09:38

ɫ��ֱ�� has reached a major sustainability milestone with the finalization of a new 10-year pouring rights agreement with PepsiCo Beverages that will eliminate all single-use plastics from campus beverage services. The agreement aligns with the university’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) and supports advocacy from students, staff, faculty and administration. By joining just a handful of other pioneering schools in removing single-use plastics from campus beverage services, it further bolsters ɫ��ֱ�� as a national leader in sustainable campus operations.

ɫ��ֱ��’s deal marks the first of its kind for Pepsi in its scope and commitment with a university. While other universities have launched non-plastic initiatives, many have included carve-out clauses or vending exceptions for select plastic-packaged beverages. ɫ��ֱ�� distinguishes itself by fully committing to a 100% non-plastic beverage initiative with Pepsi without exceptions.

“This contract is a bold step forward in our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “By eliminating single-use plastics from our beverage services, we’re not only responding to the values of our campus community—we’re building on our legacy as one of the most sustainable campuses in the country.”

The agreement includes no out-of-pocket costs for the university. PepsiCo Beverages was selected for its strong sustainability practices, including the use of electric vehicles and product take-back programs. The contract also requires third-party vendors on campus to comply with the shift away from single-use plastics.

Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock emphasized the broader impact of the agreement: “This is more than a contract—it’s a systems-level change that supports our climate goals and demonstrates how operational decisions can drive meaningful environmental outcomes.”

PepsiCo Beverages anticipates that much of its shift away from single-use plastics on campus will be toward aluminum and glass beverage containers.

With the anticipated increase in discarded aluminum on campus due to the new pouring rights agreement, ɫ��ֱ�� may see added financial benefit from recycling. While it is too early to estimate potential revenue gains, there is optimism that increased aluminum recovery could enhance returns—especially if ɫ��ֱ�� is able to negotiate competitive pricing and optimize processing methods to reduce costs as volumes grow.

Beginning July 7, the new pouring rights agreement with PepsiCo Beverages initiated a campuswide transition away from single-use beverage plastics that will entail the re-stocking or replacement of beverage vending machines on campus. Cafes and other retail spaces will make the changeover as existing products are sold or replaced.

Beyond the story

Our sustainability impact by the numbers:

First student-run campus environmental center in the U.S.
No. 11 university for environmental and social impact in the U.S.
First zero-waste major sports stadium in the U.S.

Follow ɫ��ֱ�� on LinkedIn

ɫ��ֱ�� has finalized a 10-year pouring rights agreement with PepsiCo Beverages that will eliminate all single-use plastics from campus beverage services, advancing the university’s Climate Action Plan.

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CIRES' new pilot program emphasizes equity, engagement in research

Megan Maneval — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 18:09:55 +0000

CIRES' new pilot program emphasizes equity, engagement in research Megan Maneval Wed, 07/16/2025 - 12:09

CIRES

A ɫ��ֱ�� impact grant supported the yearlong planning and development of a new toolkit for students and staff.

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Gregor Henze honored as fellow for building simulation research

Megan Maneval — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:58:58 +0000

Gregor Henze honored as fellow for building simulation research Megan Maneval Mon, 07/14/2025 - 10:58

College of Engineering and Applied Science

Gregor Henze was selected for his groundbreaking work on smart energy control systems, advanced building simulation tool and technologies that connect buildings to the power grid. He is also recognized for his global leadership in research and education.

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ɫ��ֱ�� selects Salas O'Brien to design campus decarbonization plan

Megan Maneval — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:03:54 +0000

ɫ��ֱ�� selects Salas O'Brien to design campus decarbonization plan Megan Maneval Thu, 07/10/2025 - 07:03

ɫ��ֱ�� has announced the selection of engineering firm Salas O’Brien to design its campus decarbonization plan, kicking off the signature project of the university’s commitment to achieve a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by no later than 2050.

Envisioned in ɫ��ֱ��’s 2024 Climate Action Plan (CAP), the comprehensive decarbonization project involves transitioning the campus heating system from steam to low-temperature hot water powered by clean energy. The project will unfold in multiple phases over the next decade, with significant milestones and investments planned to ensure a dependable and resilient energy source for the campus. The CAP is a vital element of our sustainability strategy, which encompasses local to global impact and integrates sustainability into our research and teaching missions.

“The kickoff of our campus decarbonization plan is a major step toward aligning our actions with our values,” ɫ��ֱ�� Chancellor Justin Schwartz said. “I am grateful for the efforts of so many on our campus who helped drive our Climate Action Plan forward to get us to this point. And I am excited to partner with a company like Salas O’Brien that shares our values around sustainability and brings great expertise to this enormous undertaking.”

Salas O’Brien is an engineering and technical consulting firm of more than 3,800 employees operating out of 90 offices across North America. The firm provides decarbonization expertise, leadership, and support to plan, design and implement campus- and community-scale alternative energy systems. Salas O’Brien’s 450-plus geothermal projects completed to date provide over 90,000 tons of system capacity.

“We’re delighted to have been chosen by ɫ��ֱ�� to realize their decarbonization goals,” said Rob McKenna, Salas O’Brien’s director of energy planning and the decarbonization project manager. “The Salas O’Brien team is impressed by the university’s enthusiastic engagement and clear commitment to a carbon-free future—essential components for a successful initiative.”

The decarbonization plan design effort is expected to be complete by spring 2026. While it will lay out the road map for converting the entire campus to low-temperature hot water, major initial focus will be placed on the first and second phases highlighted in the CAP, along with the conversion of Williams Village. Salas O’Brien will be responsible for refining the phased approach to implementing this work across the campus.

Those initial phases are vital to ɫ��ֱ��’s plan to reduce campus emissions by 50% by 2030.

“ɫ��ֱ�� research leads the way in creating sustainable solutions for our planet, and our curriculum is shaping the leaders who will help create a world in which everyone enjoys access to clean air, fresh water, abundant food and a vibrant natural environment,” ɫ��ֱ�� Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock said. “We’re decarbonizing our campus because we know our impact is greatest when we all participate, and this project helps demonstrate our commitment to sustainability across all three pillars of academics, research and operations.”

Beyond the story

Our sustainability impact by the numbers:

First student-run campus environmental center in the U.S.
No. 11 university for environmental and social impact in the U.S.
First zero-waste major sports stadium in the U.S.

Follow ɫ��ֱ�� on LinkedIn

To help ensure the success of the project, campus leaders have established a high-level steering committee that includes faculty, students and other key stakeholders. This committee will play a crucial role in guiding the project, providing valuable insights, and ensuring the interests of the entire campus community are represented.

In addition to the steering committee, the Office of Infrastructure and Resilience is hiring a sustainability operations and decarbonization manager to oversee the project. This new role will be instrumental in coordinating efforts, managing resources and ensuring the project stays on track.

“One of the most significant challenges of this project is transitioning major campus buildings from steam to low-temperature hot water,” Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Resilience Chris Ewing said. “This process involves substantial construction work that is critical for us to achieve our goals. Salas O’Brien demonstrated proficiency in renewable energy solutions and a clear understanding of the university’s goals and challenges.

“It will be a heavy lift to identify how to avoid taking buildings offline and minimize impact to our campus mission of teaching and research. We have a great team that will collaborate to make it happen, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for the design work to begin.”

The university has launched a multiphase decarbonization project to transition its campus district heating system from steam to low-temperature hot water, selecting engineering firm Salas O'Brien to design the plan that will help ɫ��ֱ�� achieve its carbon neutrality goals.

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Wil Srubar named American Ceramic Society fellow

Megan Maneval — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 19:19:25 +0000

Wil Srubar named American Ceramic Society fellow Megan Maneval Wed, 07/09/2025 - 13:19

College of Engineering and Applied Science

Professor Wil Srubar is the principal director of the Living Materials Laboratory, where an interdisciplinary team develops nature-inspired concrete alternatives that can be produced without fossil fuels or significant carbon emissions.

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ɫ��ֱ�� breaks ground on chemistry and applied mathematics facility

Megan Maneval — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 20:09:53 +0000

ɫ��ֱ�� breaks ground on chemistry and applied mathematics facility Megan Maneval Tue, 07/08/2025 - 14:09

Artist's rendering of the northwest side of the new CHAP facility

On June 16, ɫ��ֱ�� began construction on its new chemistry and applied mathematics (CHAP) facility—a transformative project that marks a bold step forward in the university’s commitment to research excellence, sustainability and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Located on the southeast side of the Business School Field along Regent Drive, the CHAP building will span approximately 139,000 gross square feet. The facility will house the departments of Chemistry and Applied Mathematics, providing world-class facilities for two already highly regarded programs.

“This groundbreaking represents more than just the start of construction—it’s the beginning of a new era for STEM education and research at ɫ��ֱ��,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “The CHAP facility will empower our faculty and students with the tools and spaces they need to lead in fields like quantum research, environmental chemistry and computational mathematics.”

With space dedicated for future quantum research, the CHAP facility underscores ɫ��ֱ��’s strategic investment in advancing quantum science—solidifying its position as a national leader in this rapidly evolving field.

The CU Board of Regents approved the $175.43 million project in 2024.

The building will feature modern laboratories, a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic core facility, a 237-seat auditorium and space for future quantum research. It is also designed to be one of the most energy-efficient research buildings in ɫ��ֱ��’s history, with sustainability features including cross-laminated timber construction, provisions to accommodate CU’s future low-temperature hot water systems and alignment with the Buy Clean Colorado Act.

“This facility is a strategic investment in the future of our academic mission,” said Provost Russ Moore. “It will not only address critical space and safety needs but also foster the kind of interdisciplinary collaboration that drives innovation and discovery.”

Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences Daryl Maeda echoed those sentiments, stating, “The CHAP facility exemplifies our vision for the future of science education—where sustainability, innovation and collaboration converge. It will be a place where students and faculty push the boundaries of knowledge and where the next generation of scientific leaders will take shape.”

The CHAP project is also expected to alleviate pressure on existing campus facilities. Once the departments relocate, vacated spaces in Cristol Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Engineering Center will be repurposed to benefit other academic units, including the College of Media, Design and Information and the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

The CHAP facility is expected to be completed in summer 2027.

ɫ��ֱ�� has begun construction on the new chemistry and applied mathematics facility—which will feature cutting-edge labs, a quantum research hub and more.

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Campus inclusive restroom signage receives update

Megan Maneval — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 18:07:33 +0000

Campus inclusive restroom signage receives update Megan Maneval Tue, 07/08/2025 - 12:07

ɫ��ֱ�� is updating all single-stall public restroom signage on campus over the summer to reflect the university’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility, and to align with Colorado state law.

The updates will entail the conversion of all single-stall restrooms to all-gender facilities. Signage updates also will clearly mark any restroom equipped with a baby-changing station. Existing all-gender restrooms will also receive updated signage. The Planning, Design and Construction team developed the new signage standard in collaboration with multiple campus partners.

The changes align with Colorado House Bill 23-1057, which requires gender-inclusive signage and baby-changing station indicators in public buildings by July 2026.

This is a state-funded project for which initial funding has been received. Installation is intended to be complete before the start of the fall 2025 semester.

“This initiative is about more than compliance—it’s about community,” Chancellor Justin Schwartz said. “At ɫ��ֱ��, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every member of our community feels safe, respected and supported.”

The university has long been a leader in inclusive facility planning. ɫ��ֱ�� has already made strides in converting many single-stall restrooms to all-user facilities and continues to incorporate gender-inclusive restrooms in new construction and major renovations.

To find all gender restrooms on campus, visit ɫ��ֱ��’s campus map.

ɫ��ֱ�� is implementing inclusive restroom signage across campus to help ensure all-gender access and baby-changing station visibility.

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11 outstanding graduate peer mentors recognized

Megan Maneval — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 18:24:15 +0000

11 outstanding graduate peer mentors recognized Megan Maneval Wed, 07/02/2025 - 12:24

These graduate students, nominated by their mentees, went above and beyond in their roles as peer mentors.

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ɫ��ֱ�� biochemist wins prestigious fellowship

Megan Maneval — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 17:50:54 +0000

ɫ��ֱ�� biochemist wins prestigious fellowship Megan Maneval Wed, 07/02/2025 - 11:50

Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine

Postdoctoral researcher Nathan Bullen was announced as a 2025 Jane Coffin Childs fellow, supporting his research on how organisms survive when their RNA is under attack.

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ɫ��ֱ�� students win big at collegiate hydropower competition

Megan Maneval — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:42:40 +0000

ɫ��ֱ�� students win big at collegiate hydropower competition Megan Maneval Wed, 06/25/2025 - 10:42

College of Engineering and Applied Science

The CU Hydropower Team had a strong showing in this year's Hydropower Collegiate Competition, bringing home multiple awards including the best design award, the cybersecurity award, the best quick pitch award and the highly coveted first-place honor in the overall competition.

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Announcements & Deadlines

ɫ��ֱ�� eliminates single-use beverage plastics on campus

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ɫ��ֱ�� eliminates single-use beverage plastics on campus

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ɫ��ֱ�� breaks ground on chemistry and applied mathematics facility

ɫ��ֱ�� biochemist wins prestigious fellowship

ɫ��ֱ�� students win big at collegiate hydropower competition