Students in the Environmental Sustainability LLC take three 2-credit academic courses during their first year at the University of Denver. All courses can go toward a minor in Sustainability which is offered through the Environmental Science program. Community engagement experiences are an important piece to the program and are incorporated throughout the first year. In each quarter, students explore a different aspect of environmental sustainability.

Regional and Local Environmental Issues (fall-2 credits)

In this course, students develop a sense of place by discovering the local environment of the front range of Colorado. This includes field trips to Lower Downtown Denver, Dinosaur Ridge National Monument, and Red Rocks. Students engage in the DU campus community by attending meetings of the DU Environmental Team and the Sustainability Council.

The Impact of Development on the Environment (winter-2 credits)

The winter quarter course examines issues of urban and suburban development and its impact on our environment.  Excursions outside of the classroom utilize Denver?s resources and experts in sustainable building practices, water quality and sewage treatment and green business design. Typically, the LLC visits a green company such as Patagonia during this quarter. The class also ventures to nearby Highlands Ranch to learn about suburban growth and the environmental impact.   

Energy in American Society (spring-2 credits)

The topics of sustainability and energy resources drive the Environmental Sustainability LLC spring quarter course. Students examine sustainability by investigating energy, population, agriculture, and the use of natural resources. During this quarter, the class may take a tour of a local power plant, visit a hybrid car dealership or experience the 3D visualization lab at the National Center for Atmospheric Research.