Sustainability

How do we work together to solve environmental challenges? 

Environmental sustainability includes efforts to conserve natural resources and support healthy ecosystems. This LLC explores important local and regional environmental and ecological topics – including climate change, global energy issues and water in the West – to identify ways to work together for a more regenerative future.  

Students who participate in the Sustainability LLC will:

  • Live with up to 22 similarly interested students in Johnson-McFarlane Hall and have access to specially crafted events to learn and build community including retreats, speakers, dinners, and student-led events.

  • Learn together by enrolling one 2-credit seminar for the Fall, Winter, and Springs quarters.

  • Receive support from an LLC staff program coordinator who provides day to day and quarter to quarter co-curricular programming and support including retreats, dinners, speakers and active learning excursions.

  • Learn from and work with Dr. Don Sullivan the Faculty Mentor for this LLC.

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Sustainability LLC Breakdown

Academic Connections:

  • Use of Mt. Evans Field Station
  • Sustainability Minor (Geography partnership)

DU Campus Partnerships:

  • USG Sustainability Committee 
  • Sustainability Council 
  • Center for Sustainability Internships 
  • DU Backpacking Club 
  • Divest DU Club 
  • DU Pollination Association 
  • Pio Clean Club 
  • Mycology Club 

Examples of Programming:

  • Field trip to the Alliance Center in Denver
  • Eco-anxiety workshop from the Center for Sustainability at DU 
  • Light Rail field trips 
  • Participation in Earth Week @ DU 
  • Participation in City Nature week 
  • South Platte Renew field trip 
  • Overnight camping retreats

Class Topics:

  • Fall quarter: Local and Regional Environmental Issues
  • Winter quarter: Impact Development on the Environment
  • Spring quarter: Energy in American Society

The three courses associated with the Sustainability LLC can be applied to the Natural/Physical Science Elective for the Sustainability Minor through the Department of Geography and the Environment.   

View the Undergraduate Bulletin for more details about the minor.

Sarah Brinkmann, a female-presenting person, smiles for the camera

Student Spotlight

Sarah Brinkmann

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Major: Geographic Information Science

Minor(s): Chemistry, Sustainability, and Mathematics

What is your favorite LLC memory?  

My favorite LLC memory was the spring white water rafting trip, I loved getting to spend a weekend with some of my favorite people and rafting through Brown's Canyon was so fun and exciting. I remember running through one of the rapids and we all got soaked and couldn't stop laughing for a long time. 

What else are you involved with on campus?  

On campus, I'm also a tour guide, a member of the women's club lacrosse team, DU Alpine club, and DU backpacking club.

Why did you choose to apply to the Sustainability LLC? 

I chose the Sustainability LLC because I was involved in sustainability efforts in high school and wanted to find a similar community here at DU. 

Ready to Apply to Sustainability?

Apply Today!

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