Environmental Stewardship

In 2008, the University of Denver joined what is now known as the President’s Climate Leadership Commitments, launching DU’s push to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Now, amid dire reports about the state of climate change, the University has moved the goalpost closer. 

“We at DU choose to be carbon neutral not in three decades, but in this decade,” Chancellor Jeremy Haefner said during his inauguration ceremony. “We choose to do so because of the challenge, because of our relentlessness, and because we are determined to do the right thing.” 

The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus opens new dimensions for the University of Denver to engage in environmental stewardship and sustainability.

panoramic photo of mountain lake on a sunny day

Rooted in Care

Environmental stewardship is the shared responsibility for environmental quality. It’s a value reflected in the choices of individuals, businesses, communities, and government organizations, shaped by various interests. This commitment involves continuous improvement of environmental performance, efficient use of natural resources, ecosystem protection, and compliance with environmental requirements. 

While not new, environmental stewardship has deep roots in our country, seen in activities like farming, hunting, conservation, and spiritual beliefs. It plays a vital role in preserving natural resources and fostering sustainability in our society.

As we consider and develop our presence at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus, we are thinking and engaging in best practices around: 

  • tree icon

    Land

    Support ecologically and culturally sensitive land management and development 

  • globe icon

    Ecosystems

    Protect and restore the ecosystem’s functions 

  • lightbulb icon

    Energy

    Generate clean energy and use it efficiently

  • air icon

    Air

    Sustain clean and healthy air

  • water icon

    Water

    Sustain water resources to ensure quality and availability

  • recycle icon

    Materials

    Consume less, reduce waste, and shift to environmentally preferable materials 

  • moon icon

    Dark Skies

    Protect the pristine night skies and starscapes

  • fire icon

    Wildfire Mitigation

    Reduce wildfire threats to life, property, and community 

  • laptop computer icon

    Technology

    Efficient and sustainable use of technology 

  • people icon

    People

    Health, wellness, and quality of work-life  

As a student, faculty, staff, department, alumni, or friend of DU, we challenge you to consider the many types of stewardship that you can engage with. The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus works to build education, activities, and projects that can address environmental issues and demonstrate quantifiable benefits.

It’s a different kind of classroom being outdoors. It opens up the outdoor world to people who haven’t had that much experience in the past. I think it gives them more of a commitment to do everything they can to preserve our environment.

James C. Kennedy, BSBA '70
James C Kennedy