Colorado State University

Colorado State University, established in 1870, is based in Fort Collins, CO, and is a top public research university. CSU campuses include over 13.4 million GSF of classroom, office, lab, athletic and mixed-use buildings. Currently, there are 48 LEED certified buildings, and the performance of 176 properties are tracked via an ENERGY STAR^® Portfolio Manager^® account. CSU has earned five consecutive Platinum ratings in the Sustainability Tracking Assessment & Rating System (STARS) from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

CSU adopted its first Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2010 with the goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. In 2021 CSU updated this goal to achieve climate neutrality by 2040. CSU also has a goal to utilize 100% renewable electricity by 2030. A 2022 update to the CSU CAP includes eight broad categories but highlights the importance of decarbonizing buildings and the energy used to operate them. The three most significant strategies to reduce emissions include 1) improve the energy efficiency of buildings, both existing and new 2) expand renewable electricity generated on CSU campuses and purchased from our utility providers, and 3) implement beneficial electrification projects alongside the conversion of a district heating system from steam to hot water.

Showcase Project

A Ground Source Heat Pump Solution for Colorado State University

Webinar

In Case You Missed It: 2024 Better Buildings & Better Plants Summit Sampler

Presentation

Telling Your Decarbonization Success Story

Implementation Model

Solar Power Purchase Agreement Advances RE at Colorado State University

Solutions

Leadership Commitments

Better Buildings Challenge

Goal

Commitment