The Carnegie Foundation’s new Elective Classification for Sustainability recognizes colleges and universities that embed sustainability and climate action into their missions, research, operations, and community partnerships. The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) will serve as the operational host for this initiative—bringing institutional expertise, cross-campus coordination, and proven experience in sustainability education, research, campus operations, and community engagement to support the rollout, administration, and stewardship of the Sustainability Elective Classification.
Why CU Boulder?
CU Boulder is a recognized leader in sustainability research, campus action, and applied learning. The university combines world-class earth and environmental science research with campus-wide climate planning and hands-on sustainability programs. CU Boulder’s experience includes:
- Robust interdisciplinary research centers and programs that advance climate science and sustainability solutions
- A campus Climate Action Plan and an active institutional sustainability office focused on mitigation, resilience, and equitable approaches
- Longstanding student-facing applied sustainability initiatives, including learning hubs and campus programs that turn research into practice
This blend of research excellence, operational experience, and public engagement positions CU Boulder to manage the practical, technical, and convening responsibilities of the Carnegie Sustainability Elective Classification.
Carnegie Foundation + ACE + CU Boulder: A collaborative partnership
The Sustainability Elective has been developed through collaboration between the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education (ACE). CU Boulder’s role as operational host is designed to complement that leadership: The university will administer day-to-day functions, support outreach and technical assistance, and work closely with the Carnegie Foundation and ACE to ensure the classification’s integrity, inclusivity, and accessibility across diverse higher education institutions.
What the operational host will do
As operational host, CU Boulder will perform a range of administrative, programmatic, and convening functions to launch and sustain the Carnegie Sustainability Elective:
1. Program administration and application management:
- Maintain the application platform and manage submission workflows
- Coordinate receipt and processing of institutional materials, documentation, and evidence
- Handle routine applicant inquiries and provide timely guidance for institutions throughout the application cycle
2. Technical assistance and capacity building:
- Offer guidance materials, templates, and FAQs to help institutions prepare strong applications
- Host webinars, office hours, and workshops that explain the criteria, evidence expectations, and best practices for demonstrating campus-wide sustainability commitments
- Provide tailored assistance for institutions with limited capacity, helping expand participation and access
3. Review coordination and quality assurance:
- Convene and coordinate peer reviewers and expert panels in consultation with the Carnegie Foundation and ACE
- Manage review logistics, training for reviewers, and quality assurance checks to uphold the classification’s standards
4. Data management, transparency, and reporting:
- Aggregate and maintain program data to track participation, outcomes, and trends across applicants and recipients
- Produce periodic summaries and reports (e.g., annual program overviews) to inform the Carnegie Foundation, ACE, participating institutions, and the public
5. Outreach, communication, and convenings:
- Act as a central communication hub for announcements, timelines, and resources related to the elective
- Participate in and organize national convenings, regional workshops, and learning exchanges to share practices and catalyze institutional action
- Develop case studies and highlights that showcase exemplary practices and lessons learned from participants
6. Equity, accessibility, and partnership building:
- Prioritize outreach to a diverse range of institutions—including community colleges, rural institutions, minority serving institutions, and regional public campuses—to broaden engagement
- Partner with sector organizations, state systems, and networks to amplify the elective’s reach and ensure multiple pathways for recognition
What institutions will gain
Participating institutions will receive a clear, structured process for documenting and demonstrating how sustainability is embedded across teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. The classification will provide public recognition, guidance on continuous improvement, and access to peer networks and resources that accelerate campus and community climate action.
Timeline and next steps
CU Boulder will work with the Carnegie Foundation and ACE to publish application guidance, open enrollment for pilot cycles, and schedule technical assistance sessions. Interested institutions will be able to sign up for updates, attend informational webinars, and access templates and sample evidence to support applications. The first cycle is intended to open the first quarter of 2026.
Contact and get involved
Institutions interested in learning more, requesting technical assistance, or signing up for updates can contact [email protected]. The operational host team at CU Boulder will publish an FAQ, application timeline, and resource library to support applicants.
The Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability represents a collective effort to elevate institutional commitments to sustainability. With CU Boulder serving as operational host, the program will combine academic rigor, practical experience, and broad outreach to support institutions across the higher education landscape.
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