Sustainable Cities Case Studies

The University of Colorado Boulder, founded in 1876 and set against the Rocky Mountains, is a major research university serving more than 37,000 students with nearly 3,000 international learners. CU Boulder is recognized for academic excellence, expansive research programs and a sustainability-driven campus culture. Students benefit from an array of undergraduate, graduate and professional offerings that encourage innovation across science, engineering, business, arts and humanities.

Research, entrepreneurship and experiential learning are central to the CU Boulder experience, with extensive laboratory facilities, innovation labs and co-op or internship pathways that connect students to industry and civic partners. The university supports cross-disciplinary projects and provides robust advising, career services and student organizations that help translate academic interests into practical outcomes and start-up ventures.

Boulder's outdoor lifestyle and proximity to tech hubs create strong opportunities for networking, recreation and balanced living. International students are supported by dedicated offices for admissions, orientation and visa guidance, making the transition smoother. With a large program portfolio and a campus culture that values sustainability, creativity and collaboration, CU Boulder is well suited to students seeking high-impact research experiences and an active campus community.

The Sustainable Cities Case Studies program is a non-degree course offered by the University of Colorado Boulder, focusing on urban sustainability and resilience. This course is designed for anyone interested in creating sustainable and resilient cities, and it builds upon foundational concepts developed in previous courses. The course duration is several weeks, and it is taught in English.

The curriculum includes case studies on significant events and locations, such as the August 2023 wildfire on Maui, transit-oriented development in Washington DC, bicycle infrastructure in Copenhagen, and urban agriculture in Singapore. You will gain insights into practical strategies for urban sustainability and resilience, and you will develop a vision for creating sustainable and resilient cities in the future.

After completing this course, you can pursue careers such as an Urban Planner, Sustainability Consultant, or Climate Resilience Specialist. You may also find opportunities as a Transportation Planner, Urban Agriculture Specialist, or Green Infrastructure Designer, working with cities and organizations to create more sustainable and resilient urban environments.