Sustainable CU

 

The Environmental Improvement Initiative:

In the spring of 2005, students voted to dedicate a portion of student fees to implement on-campus projects incorporating renewable energy, energy efficiency, recycling and waste reduction, and other innovative projects to reduce the campus¹ impact on climate and environment.   Sustainable CU funds are used for: capital investment, the purchase of infrastructure necessary for the initiatives, installation of capital projects, educational displays related to the capital projects, and any other non-staff operating costs associated with the initiatives.  Particular attention is paid to initiatives created and led by students.  The Sustainable CU fund is administered by the Environmental Center.   Examples of previously funded projects are listed below.

Request for Proposals 2011-2012

For 2011-2012, approximately $125,000 is available for disbursement in two funding cycles depending on the size of the project.  Small grants program:  Monthly applications will be accepted for small scale projects (under $2500);  proposal submission deadlines are the first Friday of each month from October 2011 through March 2012.  Large grants program:  Applications for large scale grant proposals (over $2500) will be accepted and reviewed once per year;  the deadline for 2011-12 large scale proposal submissions is Monday, November 7th.

For application information, including eligibility, requirements, submission format, timeline, and evaluation criterea, see 2011-2012 Request for Proposals .

 

Funded Projects

2010-11

Small scale grants (under $2500)

Large scale grants (over $2500)  

 

2009-10

Small scale grants (under $2500)

Large scale grants (over $2500)

2008-09

swiss camp solar photo 1swiss camp solar photo 2

CU Swisscamp Photovoltaic Installation, funded by Sustainable CU 2008-09

mrs solar thank you

University of Colorado Mountain Research Station Solar Installation, funded by Sustainable CU 2008-09

2007-08

  • Bruce Campbell Art Project: Artist Bruce Campbell will create a recycled sculptural installation using salvaged materials from CU's construction and demolition process. The artwork will be displayed on campus, demonstrating CU's commitment to environmental protection and exemplifying closed-loop recycling. Award: $19,600.
  • Mobile Billboards: The blank space on the side of CU recycling vehicles will be used to promote recycling. These vehicles drive around campus all day, providing an opportunity to spread the word about the benefits of recycling. Award: $6,000.
  • Smart Strip Surge Protectors: This project is a pilot program testing the effectiveness of smart strip surge protectors inside dorm rooms. The surge protectors can be set to turn on and off at specific times, resulting in substantial energy savings. Award: $13,444.
  • Solar-Electric Recycling Vehicle Conversion: This project will transform an existing recycling vehicle into an educational, solar-electric vehicle that will continue to collect recyclable materials. Award: $15,193.
  • Composting and Recycling Containers: The capacity of the composting program in the UMC kitchen will be increased. Zero-waste Bins in Glenn Miller Ballroom Three permanent recycling structures will be installed in the Glenn Miller ballroom in order to facilitate zero-waste events and increase diversion rates in the UMC. Containers for cardboard will help with the recycling during student move-in. Award: $8,100.
  • Folsom Field Wind Project: Six wind turbines will be installed on the Folsom Field stadium as a highly visible demonstration project to show the viability of using wind turbines on the CU campus. Award: $90,195.
  • Occupancy Sensor Lighting Units: Occupancy sensors will be installed inside classrooms within the Hellems. Energy will be saved by ensuring lights are turned off when rooms are not in use. The engineering student group, SEVEN, will monitor the success of the program in order to determine the viability of developing similar projects in other buildings on campus. Award: $3,108

2006-07

2005-06