Announcements & Deadlines

CU С��Ƶ driving sustainability forward with 1st electric trash truck

Elizabeth Lock — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 19:11:45 +0000

CU С��Ƶ driving sustainability forward with 1st electric trash truck Elizabeth Lock Wed, 04/30/2025 - 13:11

CU С��Ƶ is set to receive its first battery-electric trash truck, made possible by a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The CDPHE approved the university’s application to the Clean Fleet Vehicle and Technology grant program, awarding $208,500 toward the purchase of the truck, which costs $500,937.

Facilities Management signed the purchase order on April 17, with the truck expected to be delivered within 12–18 months. This electric trash truck will be the first of its kind in Facilities Management’s fleet, replacing one of the existing diesel trucks, which will be decommissioned in accordance with the grant’s stipulations. The purchase builds on other efforts to electrify the overall campus fleet, including in Transportation Services where four electric Buff Buses are in service, with another four set to arrive by the end of 2025.

"This is an important step for CU С��Ƶ in our commitment to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint,” Chancellor Justin Schwartz said. “The introduction of the battery electric trash truck not only aligns with our Climate Action Plan goals but also sets a precedent for future advancements in our fleet."

Currently, the solid waste and recycling collections fleet at CU С��Ƶ consists of three box trucks, two rear load trucks and two front load trucks. The new EV truck will primarily be used to collect cardboard, which will then be delivered to the С��Ƶ County Recycling Center.

“CU С��Ƶ aims to integrate sustainability into every aspect of campus life, from preparing our students for sustainability careers to groundbreaking research to our operations,” Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock said. “The ongoing electrification of our campus fleet is just one of many examples of how we’re taking action now to achieve our vision of a carbon-neutral future for the campus.”

Constructed by Battle Motors, based in New Philadelphia, Ohio, the truck boasts a single-charge operating range of 130 highway miles or 150 city miles. The addition of this truck is expected to reduce annual diesel fuel consumption by approximately 1,200 gallons. While the electric truck will look similar to the existing trash trucks, it will feature an enhanced safety system that makes noise when turning and driving in reverse.

“The CU community eagerly anticipates the arrival of this innovative vehicle, marking a significant milestone in CU С��Ƶ's journey toward a greener future,” Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Resilience Chris Ewing said. “This initiative underscores CU С��Ƶ's dedication to sustainability and sets a positive example for other institutions to follow.”

The announcement of the electric trash truck purchase follows several other recent sustainability initiatives:

CU С��Ƶ is set to receive its first electric trash truck, expected to arrive within 12 to 18 months. It will replace a diesel truck and reduce annual diesel fuel consumption by approximately 1,200 gallons.

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For faculty and staff awards, see who students chose

Megan Maneval — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:52:24 +0000

For faculty and staff awards, see who students chose Megan Maneval Fri, 04/25/2025 - 07:52

Twelve faculty and staff members were recognized at a special awards ceremony on April 10. Review this year's Marinus Smith Awards recipients.

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Farm-diversification research wins high kudos

Megan Maneval — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 20:52:59 +0000

Farm-diversification research wins high kudos Megan Maneval Thu, 04/24/2025 - 14:52

Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine

CU С��Ƶ’s Zia Mehrabi and an international group of researchers were named national champion of the Frontiers Planet Prize for research that finds environmental and social benefits of agricultural diversification.

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CU С��Ƶ team takes home 1st place in car competition

Megan Maneval — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 20:44:43 +0000

CU С��Ƶ team takes home 1st place in car competition Megan Maneval Thu, 04/24/2025 - 14:44

CU С��Ƶ took home first place in a competition that engages college students in designing and constructing a car powered by a chemical energy source. The team will go on to a national competition in Boston in November.

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Fennoyee Thomas named distinguished alumna

Megan Maneval — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 11:55:51 +0000

Fennoyee Thomas named distinguished alumna Megan Maneval Thu, 04/24/2025 - 05:55

College of Music

The CU С��Ƶ College of Music is pleased to announce that triple alumna Fennoyee Thomas has been named its 2025 Distinguished Alumna, honoring her lifelong contributions to the arts.

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College of Arts and Sciences names 2025 Van Ek С��Ƶs

Megan Maneval — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 20:12:34 +0000

College of Arts and Sciences names 2025 Van Ek С��Ƶs Megan Maneval Tue, 04/22/2025 - 14:12

Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine

Seventeen students have recently received one of the College of Arts and Science's most prestigious honors, recognized for their exemplary academic achievement and meaningful contributions to the campus and broader community.

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DOE announces research security training requirements, with other agencies to follow

Megan Maneval — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:07:31 +0000

DOE announces research security training requirements, with other agencies to follow Megan Maneval Tue, 04/22/2025 - 10:07

All principal investigators and key/senior personnel submitting new proposals to the Department of Energy from May 1 forward are required to complete research security training within 12 months before proposals can be submitted.

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CU С��Ƶ announces groundbreaking of solar array on East Campus

Megan Maneval — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:46:44 +0000

CU С��Ƶ announces groundbreaking of solar array on East Campus Megan Maneval Tue, 04/22/2025 - 08:46

CU С��Ƶ has begun construction on a 1.1 megawatt (MW) ground-mounted solar array on East Campus, following approval by the Board of Regents in June 2024. The project, which is part of CU С��Ƶ’s ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, broke ground on April 18.

The solar array will generate approximately 1.4 million kilowatt hours (kWhs) annually and will offset 1.3% of CU С��Ƶ’s total annual electricity usage, saving the university $122,000 per year in energy costs. The project will cost $7.8 million and will be operational by January 2026, at which point a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held.

Chancellor Justin Schwartz shared his enthusiasm for the project at the groundbreaking ceremony that was attended by Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock, leaders from within Infrastructure and Resilience and project managers from McKinstry, the general contractor overseeing construction of the solar array.

"We are committed to reducing our environmental impact, reducing costs and creating a more resilient campus,” Schwartz said. “The construction of this solar array is an important step toward achieving our Climate Action Plan goals, and we are proud to promote clean energy and sustainability on our campus."

CU С��Ƶ currently has approximately 2.4 megawatts of solar power-generating capacity on campus that supplies roughly 2% of electricity usage. This is the second ground-mounted array, complementing 10 other arrays atop campus buildings.

CU С��Ƶ has announced the construction of a 1.1 megawatt ground-mounted solar array on East Campus, which will offset 1.3% of the university's total annual electricity use. Completion of the project is expected by January 2026.

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Prestigious NSF fellowship awarded to 12 graduate students

Megan Maneval — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:30:23 +0000

Prestigious NSF fellowship awarded to 12 graduate students Megan Maneval Fri, 04/18/2025 - 10:30

The Graduate Research Fellowship recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in a wide variety of science-related disciplines.

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Open enrollment: Greater CU contributions prevent rate increases for 3 of 4 medical plans

Megan Maneval — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:14:46 +0000

Open enrollment: Greater CU contributions prevent rate increases for 3 of 4 medical plans Megan Maneval Fri, 04/18/2025 - 10:14

The University of Colorado is increasing its investment in quality health care for CU’s workforce by 5.9% overall for the new benefits plan year. It’s important for employees to examine plan premiums and cost structures, coverage and networks before choosing plans.

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Announcements & Deadlines

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