CESR’s Colorado by Bus Trek: Insights from Four Sustainability Students
This fall, when students from the Leeds School of Business set out on the CESR Colorado by Bus Trek, they were journeying into the heart of our state’s sustainability movement. From Aspen to the Colorado River, this year’s trek brought together students eager to understand how climate change is shaping businesses, and how business can, in turn, shape our response to climate change.
We heard from four of those students (Elina Hjelmaker, Sam Siegal, Alex Radz, and Maren Clay) about what they learned, what inspired them most, and how the experience is shaping their outlook on sustainability and its connection with business.
What was your favorite part of the trip?
Elina:
“My favorite part of the trip was learning about Aspen One’s approach to sustainability. Their fully sustainable restaurant was especially inspiring, not only because it shows how environmental responsibility can be seamlessly woven into everyday experiences, but also because it sets a powerful example for other ski companies to follow in their footsteps.”
Sam:
“My favorite part of the trip was speaking with Pete McBride about the western water crises. I enjoyed how personal the presentation was. The photos McBride takes truly paint a descriptive picture of the water crises. McBride was also just a really cool person, and I loved hearing about his time with National Geographic and all the expeditions he has been on.
Maren:
“My favorite part of the trip was being able to talk with professionals in the sustainability industry and see what that really looks like in a business environment. In Leeds, I learn a lot about different techniques for increasing sustainability in a business, but seeing it in practice really opened my eyes to what businesses can achieve.”
What did you learn that really stuck with you?
Elina:
“On our EcoFlight tour over the Colorado River Valley, I witnessed firsthand how climate change is reshaping Colorado’s landscape. The severe drought and its impact on the surrounding land were striking, and I was also surprised by the sheer number of gas developments and plants scattered throughout the area.”
Sam:
“I learned the severity of the water crises and how the constrained water is already affecting communities. We spoke with a local farmer, and it was interesting to hear the politics behind who has the rights to the water on his own property. I also found it interesting to hear how the water crisis affects the ecosystem. Especially how though we had a strong snowfall last year in the valley, the amount of water that made it to the river was much less. Depicting the plants sucking more water than average because of the previous droughts.”
Alex:
“I never realized just how important the Colorado River is for so many people across the U.S. and how badly it’s been managed as the country has grown. In some places, the river has even run completely dry in some areas, leaving communities without water and devastating ecosystems.”
Maren:
“Something that I learned on this trip that really stuck with me is that in order to make businesses become more sustainable, you have to work on finding root issues and solving them. Sustainability isn't just replacing lightbulbs to save electricity; it's getting involved in local political environments, and advocating for making communities as a whole more sustainable. Without legislation, sustainability will not be able to be fully actualized.”
You learned about how climate is impacting businesses but also about business opportunities that can make a difference - what are you most excited about and why?
Elina:
“There are many opportunities for businesses to make a difference with sustainable practices. One example of this is how Holy Cross Energy is transforming the way communities access power by investing in renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Their goal of reaching 100% clean energy by 2030 shows how a company can lead with ambition while also inspiring other businesses to adopt similar commitments. I’m most excited about opportunities like this because they prove that sustainability isn’t just good for the planet, it can also drive innovation, build trust with communities, and set a new standard for the future of business.”
Sam:
“Some of the biggest opportunities I found was how creating a reliable, clean and constant energy source could make one of the biggest impacts. If we are able to harness all the energy that happens naturally, we can desalinize water (solving some of the water crises), energy cost would be minimal (allowing everyone access to energy), and would stop the current oil and gas production (solving the warming climate).”
Alex:
“I think many businesses are beginning to realize that they do not have to sacrifice profit to make a positive impact. Oftentimes, making business decisions with the environment in mind can lead to future savings.”
Presumably, you care about this issue and/or see the opportunities. Where do you want to put your efforts? How do you want to use your power and your talents to make an impact?
Elina:
“In my future career, I want to approach sustainability in the same innovative ways as many of the companies we visited on this trek. There are countless opportunities to create positive change, and I believe staying optimistic is key to driving progress. I also hope to use my skills to educate others on the importance of sustainable practices, helping to spread awareness and inspire action that extends beyond my own work.”
Alex:
“I just want more people to realize that protecting the environment isn’t only about being socially responsible, it’s also a smart business move. Once people see that connection, there’s more potential for innovation, investment, and real change. I want to use my voice and platform to help more people understand this.”
Maren:
“Currently, I see that my "lever" is volunteer work. Time and energy are valuable things, and if I am able to donate my time and energy to organizations, small or large, that are working to make the business world more sustainable and profitable, I will be helping contribute to that cause. Additionally, it communicates to others around me that the sustainability cause is one worth investing time (and money) to, and will encourage others to volunteer their time to causes they feel passionately about.”
Why this trip matters:
The CESR Bus Trek is more than just a trip; it’s an outdoor classroom where students embrace ethical leadership while learning about environmental impact and business innovation. Students witnessed how sustainability challenges and business opportunities intersect across Colorado’s landscapes, from flying over drought-ridden valleys to dining with conservationists and entrepreneurs.
As Elina, Sam, Alex, and Maren show, these experiences spark action, optimism, and leadership. CESR’s Colorado by Bus Trek reminds us that the business leaders of the future will be tackling more than spreadsheets and numbers, but will focus on ideas of impact, such as leadership, sustainability, and innovation.