Getting to Zero

Making Choices to Shape Our Future

The University of Denver has accelerated our original timeline and pledged to be a carbon-neutral institution by 2030. It’s a bold goal, but we are not starting from square one. This commitment builds on the groundwork laid by our Center for Sustainability, the incredible energy and ideas of our students, our faculty’s paradigm-shifting research, and the efforts of countless community members over the years.  

Since we joined the American Colleges and Universities Presidents’ Climate Commitment in 2007, we have reduced our carbon footprint by 28% through: 

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    Installing solar panels on 18 rooftops, meeting approximately 8% of our electrical needs  

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    Improving energy efficiency through lighting and other updates 

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    Providing commuting options, including EcoPass and the campus shuttle 

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    Excel Energy’s efforts to source their electricity from renewable resources 

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    Intentional design in our new buildings, including the LEED Platinum and net-neutral Burwell Center for Career Achievement 

Our Approach

As an institution committed to making a difference, it is our responsibility to do all we can to ensure that our planet, our home, is a healthy place in which to live. A team of experts on sustainablity, energy and facilities leads the charge toward not only carbon neutrality but also a plastics-free and zero-waste University of Denver.

University Sustainability Officer

Reporting directly to Chancellor Jeremy Haefner, the University Sustainability Officer (USO) leads and oversees DU’s overall sustainability efforts. The USO also fosters a culture of sustainability—building energy and momentum across the University so individuals, teams, units and schools can see their own role in this important and time-sensitive work. 

Center for Sustainability Faculty Director

The Faculty Director advances the Center for Sustainability’s vision to realize truly just sustainability through the seamless integration of student learning, campus sustainability practices, and research. As a scholar and campus leader, the Faculty Director champions new ways to use the DU campus as a living laboratory for curricular and research projects that connect sustainability practices to faculty and student discovery and university goals. 

Facilities Partner

Our partner in facilities reviews how DU uses and sources energy while boldly and creatively seeking cleaner, carbon-neutral alternatives.  

University Sustainability Council

Comprised of administrators, faculty, students and staff, this council helps identify, develop, implement and promote collaborative sustainability strategies.  

Through our sustainability team’s efforts—and the efforts of the entire DU community—we will keep our commitment to create a truly sustainable environment at DU and secure the future tomorrow’s generations deserve.