CARBON COUNTDOWN:
An Interactive Sustainability Game
Carbon Countdown is an educational and engaging board game designed to make sustainability concepts tangible and accessible by bringing Colorado State University’s Climate Action Plan to life. Developed at CSU with the support of the President’s Sustainability Commission, this game is perfect for anyone interested in learning about emissions reduction, sustainable practices, and climate action planning on campus.
The instruction manual provides step-by-step instructions to ensure an easy and enjoyable Carbon Countdown experience.
Carbon Countdown can be checked out for use on campus from the President's Sustainability Commission.
Four to eight people can play the game (either four individuals or four teams of two) and we have six copies of the game, allowing up to 48 people to play at one time. To reserve, email vpsa@colostate.edu.
- Interactive Learning: Carbon Countdown transforms complex sustainability concepts into an interactive and fun experience.
- Strategic Thinking: Players must strategize and make decisions that reflect real-world challenges in emissions reduction.
- Collaborative Effort: The game highlights the importance of collective action in achieving sustainability goals.
- Emissions Reduction Strategies: Understand different projects and actions that can help reduce emissions in sectors like energy, transportation, and waste management.
- Impact of Choices: Explore how individual and collective decisions affect the overall sustainability efforts and the reputation of CSU.
- Planning and Implementation: Learn the importance of planning, funding, and implementing projects effectively to achieve desired sustainability goals.
- The Power of Collaboration: Achieving sustainability goals will take all of us and through this game, players will understand the rewards of effective collaboration.
- Turn-Based Actions: Each player takes turns to strategize and implement projects, simulating a continuous cycle of action and reflection.
- Project Cards: Players draw project cards that require specific actions, impacting the game’s emissions and reputation metrics.
- Reputation Tracker: Players monitor their institution’s reputation based on their actions, learning the impact of balancing public perception and economics in sustainability efforts.
- Emissions Tiles: Visual representation of emissions reduction helps players grasp the tangible outcomes of their decisions.
Innovative Game Mechanics:
The unique mechanics of Carbon Countdown ensure that learning is dynamic and engaging. Players are constantly challenged to think critically and adapt to new scenarios.
Educational focus
Each element of Carbon Countdown is designed to provide players with a deep understanding of sustainability. From the project cards to the emissions tiles, every component serves an educational purpose and is inclusive of environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability.
- Diverse Scenarios: Encounter various real-life events that affect emissions and sustainability efforts.
- Customizable Gameplay: Adapt the game to different difficulty levels and learning objectives. Use the ‘Paths of Play’ guide in the instruction manual provided to set up Carbon Countdown for different levels of difficulty.
- Team Play: Encourage teamwork and collective problem-solving among players.
Attention to Detail: Every aspect of Carbon Countdown, from the design of the components to the scenarios presented, is crafted to enhance the learning experience.
- “Carbon Countdown made me realize how important every small action is in the bigger picture of sustainability.” – CSU Student
- “A fun and educational game that truly captures the complexities of emissions reduction.” – Sustainability Enthusiast
- “Playing Carbon Countdown gave me a new perspective on how we can all contribute to a sustainable future.” – Community Member
The creation of Carbon Countdown involved extensive research, playtesting, and collaboration with sustainability experts, educators, and students. This comprehensive approach ensures that the game is both informative and enjoyable.
Aidan Lawton: Lead Developer and Sustainability Specialist
President’s Sustainability Commission: Key Supporters and Contributors
Playtesters and Advisors: CSU Students, Professors, and Industry Professionals
Acknowledgements: Special thanks to Carol Dollard, Stacey Baumgarn, and Tonie Miyamoto for their invaluable support throughout the development process.
- Instruction Manual: Download the comprehensive guide to playing Carbon Countdown.
- Workshops and Events: Participate in events and workshops to learn more about sustainability and how to use Carbon Countdown as an educational tool.
- Reserve the Game for your CSU class or group: To reserve, email vpsa@colostate.edu.
Join the Movement: Be part of a growing community at CSU dedicated to sustainability. Learn, play, and make a difference with Carbon Countdown. And, if you are interested in applying the concepts from the game to the real world, check out the ways to get involved below.
How Students and Staff Can Get Involved with Sustainability at Colorado State University:
- Join a Sustainability-Focused Student Organization or Group
CSU has several student organizations dedicated to sustainability, such as:
- President’s Sustainability Commission
- Eco Leaders
- Student Sustainability Center
- Zero Waste Team
- Food Recovery Network
- Sierra Student Coalition
These organizations provide opportunities for students/staff to learn about sustainability, advocate for change, and get involved in hands-on projects.
- Take Sustainability Courses
CSU offers a variety of sustainability-focused courses across different disciplines. These courses cover topics such as climate change, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental policy. Students can find sustainability courses by searching the course catalog for keywords such as “sustainability,” “environment,” and “climate.”
- Participate in Sustainability Research
CSU faculty members are conducting cutting-edge research on sustainability-related topics. Students can get involved in this research through internships, independent study projects, and graduate programs.
- Work for Sustainability on Campus
CSU employs students in a variety of sustainability-related positions, such as:
- Sustainability Ambassadors
- Green Labs Interns
- Food Recovery Network Coordinators
- Climate Reality Project Campus Coordinators
- Zero Waste Student Coordinators
These positions are posted on Handshake and provide students with hands-on experience in sustainability and help them develop their leadership skills.
- Attend Sustainability Events
CSU hosts a variety of sustainability events throughout the year, such as:
- Earth Day Month and Celebration
- Climate Change Teach-In
- Sustainable Food Fair
These events provide opportunities for students and staff to learn about sustainability, meet with sustainability experts, and get involved in sustainability initiatives.
- Live Sustainably on Campus
Students can make a difference by living sustainably on campus. Here are some ways to live sustainably:
- Reduce energy use by turning off lights when you leave a room, unplugging electronics when you’re not using them, and using energy-efficient appliances.
- Conserve water by taking shorter showers, fixing leaky faucets, and watering your lawn less often.
- Recycle and compost to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills.
- Eat less meat and more plant-based foods to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Get involved in sustainable transportation by walking, biking, or taking public transportation instead of driving whenever possible.
By getting involved with sustainability at CSU, students and staff can make a positive impact on the environment and help create a more sustainable future.