Strategic capital deployment: CU Boulder's integrated approach to academic space shortages, building repurposing, and decarbonization

This session scopes out CU Boulder's comprehensive strategy for addressing critical academic space needs while simultaneously advancing decarbonization and cost reduction goals through coordinated capital investments. D’Andre Willis and Wayne Northcutt demonstrate decision-making frameworks that align construction of a world-class Chemistry and quantum research building, adaptive reuse of a WWII-era laboratory into a digital communications hub, and deployment of innovative energy technologies to decarbonize the campus utility grid. They chart the metrics, costs, and timelines for CU Boulder's "rising tide" planning model that breaks down departmental silos, optimizes capital efficiency across multiple projects, and creates flexible space supporting recruitment and enrollment growth. They share lessons learned on coordinating parallel initiatives to maximize institutional value while positioning the campus for long-term financial sustainability and operational resilience.