University of Texas at Austin
PRE-2: Points of Distinction
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
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N/A |
Jim
Walker Director of Sustainability, Financial, and Administrative Services University Operations |
Name of the institution’s featured sustainability program, initiative, or accomplishment:
A brief description of the institution’s featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
The University is partnering with a new regional energy center, the HyVelocity Hub, to help bring the benefits of hydrogen energy to local communities vulnerable to pollution, the University announced on Oct. 13, 2023.
The University will work with seven core industry partners and over 90 other partners across fields to ensure HyVelocity decreases fossil fuel reliance in several sectors of the economy. UT researchers will make sure future projects are economically viable and have positive impacts on surrounding areas.
Funded by the Department of Energy’s $7 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investment, the hub will build on existing hydrogen infrastructure in Texas and Louisiana. As part of the Biden administration’s overarching Justice 40 initiative, 40% of the overall benefits from the hub will reach vulnerable communities.
Which of the following impact areas does the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Public Engagement
Air & Climate
Energy
Optional Fields
STARS credit in which the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the featured program, initiative, or accomplishment:
Second Point of Distinction
A brief description of the second program/initiative/accomplishment:
The Texas Exes Sustainability Alumni Network serves to activate a global community among The University of Texas at Austin alumni to work towards a more sustainable future for all. Their central aim is to foster inclusive and open dialogue and build meaningful connections across different disciplines and sectors, linking and amplifying the diverse perspectives of alumni, students, faculty, and members of the wider sustainability community. Key dialogue themes include but are not limited to ESG (environmental, social, governance), climate, biodiversity, water, circularity, Just Transition, sustainable food and agriculture, social impact and justice.
The Network builds on the past work of dedicated students and faculty to elevate sustainability on campus. This includes the establishment of sustainability focused degrees, beginning nearly 20 years ago, and the formation of the Campus Environmental Center in 2001, a campus organization connecting like minded students engaged with environmental issues on campus. Work to start the network began in 2023, and was officially launched on Feb. 15, 2024.
Which impact areas does the second program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Public Engagement
Website URL where more information about the second program/initiative/accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the second program/initiative/accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the second program/initiative/accomplishment:
Third Point of Distinction
A brief description of the third program/initiative/accomplishment:
The initial vision for this project in the historic Hogg Memorial Auditorium (built in 1934) was to bring the restroom count to code and ADA accessibility for all the new restrooms. With a final vision to create a safe space for all, the initial scope snow-balled to a fullblown renovation, focused on enhancing student life and community events on campus, and earning UT Austin’s first LEED Platinum rating for a renovation, reflecting the University’s commitment to holistic sustainability.
Judges’ Comments:
“Taking valuable buildings on the UT campus and restoring them is an incredible accomplishment, and establishes an important cultural, historical, architectural legacy.”
“This was an outstanding design effort and a beautiful result, with great efforts spanning equity, engagement, and materials. The team took every opportunity to make the project better, and checked every box of what they could influence.”
“This is what historical preservation should be. The team brought clarity to what was important and was
ready to shift because of discoveries along the way. There are only a handful of LEED Platinum renovation projects around this country. This one is special that people will want to read about.”
Which impact areas does the third program/initiative/accomplishment most closely relate to?:
Buildings
Coordination & Planning
Website URL where more information about the third program/initiative/accomplishment may be found:
STARS credit in which the third program/initiative/accomplishment is reported (if applicable):
A photograph or document associated with the third program/initiative/accomplishment:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.