Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
---|---|
Overall Score | 65.21 |
Liaison | Gary Cocke |
Submission Date | Sept. 11, 2019 |
Executive Letter | Download |
The University of Texas at Dallas
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
Status | Score | Responsible Party |
---|---|---|
3.75 / 4.00 |
Gary
Cocke Sustainability Director Office of Sustainability |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Published Plans That Address Sustainability
Strategic Plan
Yes
A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
UT Dallas adopted a strategic plan in 2019 which explicitly identifies sustainability as 1 of the 6 goals for the institution and 1 of the 9 strategic themes. Several other goals and themes advance sustainability-related aspirations for the university. The strategic plan was crafted with the input of over 50 students, faculty, and staff participating in the process and reflects the vision for the future of the university. This vision guides the work of departments, faculty, and staff across the university and is supplemented by plans, policies initiatives, and metrics at lower levels.
Goal 5 - The University of Texas at Dallas aspires to be a responsible global citizen that enthusiastically attends to our duty to create a sustainable environment.
STRATEGIC THEME 9
Ensure a Sustainable, Rewarding Campus Environment
Take Care of Our People, Our Campus and Our Environment
UT Dallas strives to foster a culture that values the development and gratification of its staff and remains strongly committed to providing an environment that supports diversity and sustainability.
To improve work-life balance, the University will study the best practices at other institutions, while emphasizing the principles of public service, human dignity and productivity. UT Dallas will provide opportunities to ensure that the staff’s skills are consistent with the needs of their jobs.
The University will ensure that all staff are highly valued members of the community by reinforcing its ideals of inclusion and professionalism. The University will create a workplace in which both well-being and productivity coexist.
A diversity of people, ideas and perspectives is crucial to UT Dallas’ vision and mission. The University will maintain and expand the community in which faculty, staff and students collaborate to create a warm, inclusive and physically safe environment. UT Dallas will be a place where students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds are welcomed, treated fairly and encouraged in their pursuit of excellence.
The University will continue to embrace sustainability through resource conservation, composting, care of the natural environment and recycling. As the campus grows, UT Dallas will pursue additional measures to minimize its environmental footprint.
Supporting Initiatives
Enhance employees’ work environment and sense of belonging.
Ensure that the working environment is in harmony with other obligations of life.
Ensure a sustainable future for the campus and the environment.
Ensure that UT Dallas builds on its nimble, service-oriented, caring culture.
A copy of the strategic plan:
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The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Sustainability Plan
Yes
A copy of the sustainability plan:
---
The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
Climate Action Plan
No
A copy of the climate action plan:
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The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
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Other Published Plans
Yes
A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
UT System 169 Sustainability Practices
https://www.utsystem.edu/sites/policy-library/policies/uts-169-sustainability-practices
Campus Master Plan 2018
https://www.utdallas.edu/masterplan/
UT System 169 Sustainability Practices
https://www.utsystem.edu/sites/policy-library/policies/uts-169-sustainability-practices
Measurable Sustainability Objectives
Curriculum
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UTD's Strategic Plan addresses sustainability in curriculum through the 2 themes below.
Strategic Theme II and IX: Enrich Student Experience and Ensure a Sustainable, Rewarding Campus Environment
UT System 169 Sustainable Practices Sec. 15 Curricula Integration
The institutions will strive for excellence in sustainability education by integrating sustainability concepts into curricula, increasing faculty and student awareness of sustainability issues, and producing graduates who will carry the mission of sustainability into the state, the nation, and the world
Research
No
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Campus Engagement
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UT System 169 Sustainable Practices Sec. 17 Student Involvement
U. T. System will support student participation in sustainability decision making, including the Sustainability Steering Committee. Each institution will support student volunteer programs to increase environmental awareness.
The University of Texas at Dallas Goals by 2022-23
Strategic Theme IX: Ensure a sustainable, rewarding campus environment (Language Below)
UT Dallas strives to foster a culture that values the development and gratification of its staff and remains strongly committed to providing an environment that supports diversity and sustainability.
To improve work-life balance, the University will study the best practices at other institutions, while emphasizing the principles of public service, human dignity and productivity. UT Dallas will provide opportunities to ensure that the staff’s skills are consistent with the needs of their jobs.
The University will ensure that all staff are highly valued members of the community by reinforcing its ideals of inclusion and professionalism. The University will create a workplace in which both well-being and productivity coexist.
A diversity of people, ideas and perspectives is crucial to UT Dallas’ vision and mission. The University will maintain and expand the community in which faculty, staff and students collaborate to create a warm, inclusive and physically safe environment. UT Dallas will be a place where students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds are welcomed, treated fairly and encouraged in their pursuit of excellence.
The University will continue to embrace sustainability through resource conservation, composting, care of the natural environment and recycling. As the campus grows, UT Dallas will pursue additional measures to minimize its environmental footprint.
Supporting Initiatives
Enhance employees’ work environment and sense of belonging.
Ensure that the working environment is in harmony with other obligations of life.
Ensure a sustainable future for the campus and the environment.
Ensure that UT Dallas builds on its nimble, service-oriented, caring culture."
Furthermore - The Office of Sustainability is preparing for Sustainability Master Planning, the scope of which will include academics, engagement, operations, and administration to continue to advance sustainability according to the standard provided by AASHE STARS.
Public Engagement
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The University of Texas at Dallas Goals by 2022-23
Strategic Theme III: Engage Globally
Goal 4 - The University of Texas at Dallas aspires to be a synergistic partner with local industry, government and cultural organizations as well as local K - 12 schools, community colleges and universities.
Goal 5 The University of Texas at Dallas aspires to be a responsible global citizen that enthusiastically attends to our duty to create a sustainable environment.
UT System 169 Sustainable Practices Sec. 18 Community Outreach
Institutions will share with outside communities the knowledge generated from sustainability research, education, and practices, with the goal of promoting a global culture of sustainability.
UTD is fulfilling these commitments in many ways throughout the university. UTD is the co-founder and co-leader for the North Texas Regional Centre for Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development, recognized by United Nations University in February of 2019. This places UTD at the forefront of advancing SDGs in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex region. RCE North Texas has over 100 stakeholders and has formalized committees and goals in order to leverage resources and bridge silos so that we can begin speaking in a concerted voice and taking local action to advance sustainability issues in our community.
UTD has also aggressively expanded course offerings focused on community-engaged learning. A link to Community-Engaged learning is provided below. A course not mentioned in the article is "Sustainability Leadership and Global Impact". Students in this course learn about SDG in lecture each week and participate in facilitated discussions about each SDG, and they also work with community partners through the RCE to collaborate to propose solutions to real-world sustainability issues.
Community engaged learning article - https://www.utdallas.edu/news/campus/new-service-learning-classes/
Air & Climate
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UT System 169 Sustainability Practices
Sec. 9 Climate Protection Practices (Plan Language Below)
Institutions will pursue the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while maintaining enrollment accessibility for every eligible student, enhancing research, promoting community service, and operating campus facilities more efficiently.
UT Dallas is submitting its first-ever Greenhouse Gas Report with the 2019 AASHE STARS submission in order to establish a baseline for future reductions.
Buildings
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UT System 169 Sustainability Practices
Sec. 13 High Performance Buildings (Language Below)
Each institution will strive to achieve a high performance building comparable to a U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Certified rating or higher whenever possible, excluding laboratory and acute care and patient care facilities, within the constraints of program needs and budget parameters. U. T. System recognizes and commends the early leadership and accomplishments of LEED® as a green building certification program; however, that certification currently comes with a significant cost in documentation. Therefore, U. T. System strives for a high-performance building standard comparable to LEED® for new major capital projects. Money for certification documentation is better spent obtaining more energy-efficient building systems. Further study will be conducted before similar sustainable design policies for laboratory and acute care and/or patient care facilities are adopted.
Campus Master Plan Update 2018
Supporting UTD’ s Strategic Plan Campus Planning Principles
Supporting Initiatives:
1. Promote Smart Growth
• Build a compact campus to
allow for future flexibility
• Strengthen existing campus
grid and street network
• Minimize impacts on nearby
residential neighborhoods
•LEED Certified Building
2. Increase Efficiency
• Optimize campus entrance
connectivity and accessibility
• Locate parking on perimeter
of campus
• Enhance internal pedestrian
campus mobility
3. Enhance the Campus Experience
• Enhance pedestrian safety
• Create more open space
typologies that improve
campus life and experience
• Limit vehicular circulation in
campus core
Energy
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UT System 169 Sustainability Practices
Sec. 7 Energy and Water Efficiency Practices
Each institution will update Energy and Water Management Plans to reflect energy consumption reduction goals as of FY 2011 over the baseline levels established by the Energy Utility Task Force in 2001. The institutions will report annual progress on their Energy and Water Management Plans by means of the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) template. Any new capital or major renovation project will apply, as a minimum, the energy efficiency design and construction principles of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 90.1 or the International Energy Conservation Code as established by SECO. The institution planning and design process will include consideration of life cycle cost along with other factors in the project planning and design process, recognizing the importance of long-term operations, maintenance, total cost of ownership of U. T. System facilities, budgetary constraints, and programmatic requirements. A measurement and verification plan will be prepared prior to the completion of construction of a new building or major renovation, directed toward establishing an energy service consumption baseline during the first 12 months of occupancy. Subsequent energy consumption audits every three years will document 20% variances to the baseline levels. Institutions will require rainwater and gray water harvesting systems for non-potable use for new buildings where practical and within program budgets.Resource Efficiency: Provide functional, adaptable, and sustainable building and site designs that use water, energy, and material resources effectively and efficiently.
Sec. 8 Alternative Energy Practices
With a goal of reducing U. T. System’s nonrenewable energy consumption, each institution will evaluate alternative energy designs for new major capital projects.
Food & Dining
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The University of Texas at Dallas Goals by 2022-23
Strategic Theme IX: Ensure a Sustainable, Rewarding Campus Environment (See language specific to composting and resource conservation)
UT Dallas strives to foster a culture that values the development and gratification of its staff and remains strongly committed to providing an environment that supports diversity and sustainability.
To improve work-life balance, the University will study the best practices at other institutions, while emphasizing the principles of public service, human dignity and productivity. UT Dallas will provide opportunities to ensure that the staff’s skills are consistent with the needs of their jobs.
The University will ensure that all staff are highly valued members of the community by reinforcing its ideals of inclusion and professionalism. The University will create a workplace in which both well-being and productivity coexist.
A diversity of people, ideas and perspectives is crucial to UT Dallas’ vision and mission. The University will maintain and expand the community in which faculty, staff and students collaborate to create a warm, inclusive and physically safe environment. UT Dallas will be a place where students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds are welcomed, treated fairly and encouraged in their pursuit of excellence.
The University will continue to embrace sustainability through resource conservation, composting, care of the natural environment and recycling. As the campus grows, UT Dallas will pursue additional measures to minimize its environmental footprint.
Supporting Initiatives
Enhance employees’ work environment and sense of belonging.
Ensure that the working environment is in harmony with other obligations of life.
Ensure a sustainable future for the campus and the environment.
Ensure that UT Dallas builds on its nimble, service-oriented, caring culture
Fulfilling Commitments
UTD has diverted over 5,000 lbs of food to feed hungry people through a student-run chapter of Food Recovery Network
UTD collects all food waste (pre-consumer and post-consumer)from the only campus dining hall. Over 100,000 lbs collected in AY 19.
UTD has an opt-in compost program for student apartments.
Dining Services hosts a website dedicated to sustainability in their Green Restaurant Certified Dining Hall, which features the corporate social responsibility report from the campus dining vendor.
https://www.dineoncampus.com/utdallasdining/sustainability
Grounds
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Campus Master Plan (Language Below)
Pg 25
Open Space
Primary & Secondary Areas
To stay relevant as the campus evolves, the plan is designed
to be flexible. In the near-term, the Campus Framework
identifies strategic, open-space opportunities in key
catalytic projects.
The goal of the open space strategy framework is to create
enduring campus places that improve outdoor comfort and
contribute to campus ecology. The following strategies were
integrated in the Master Plan Update, and will be further
explored in the related landscape plan:
• Creation of new open spaces to support growth and further link
areas of campus
• Reduction of hard-surface areas to mitigate heat island effects
• An overall increase in pervious surface areas to improve ground
water recharge and stormwater management
• Creation of a new stormwater detention basin within the south
campus to manage stormwater within this area of the campus
• Integration of elements such as parking gardens, bio-swales and
filter strips to capture and filter rainwater
• Protection and enhancement of habitats and natural systems, with
enhanced connections to broader regional systems
Pg 27
Landscape
• Establish buffers to mitigate stormwater runoff.
• Diversify uses throughout the campus to encourage
walking and increased quality of campus life.
• Continue to build additional tree cover for relief against
the heat.
• Enhance existing creek areas to create a campus amenity.
Furthermore - UTD is certified as a Tree Campus USA throgh the Arbor Day Foundation and as a Bee Campus USA through the Xerces Sociedty. These certifications give further structure to sustainability in landscape management through the commitments and plans accociated with those certifications.
Purchasing
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UT System 169 Sustainability Practices
Sec. 12 Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Practices
Institutions will encourage suppliers to demonstrate environmental stewardship. Within the parameters of reasonable business justification and applicable laws and regulations, each institution will (a) utilize its purchasing power to advance the development of sustainable technologies; (b) evaluate the total cost of ownership, including purchase prices, operating costs, maintenance, collection, recycling, and disposal; and (c) encourage environmentally preferable practices when selecting suppliers.
Sustainability Guideline - 201802
Sustainable Procurement
1. Electronics Purchasing
•The University of Texas at Dallas is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) oriented institution of higher education. Therefore, electronics represent a high cost product to university departments. To reduce potential long-term costs and encourage energy efficiency, at a minimum, The Office of Sustainability recommends reviewing Energy Star Certified products. Taking environmental preferable purchasing one-step further, consider EPEAT registered electronics.
2. Office Paper Purchasing
•The University of Texas at Dallas is comprised of numerous departments and offices. Throughout the workday, paper is a high use product in producing reports, plans, programs and many other uses. To reduce the overall cost of paper purchasing, The Office of Sustainability recommends evaluating the feasibility of utilizing digital documents and shared drives when practical and possible. If this is not
possible, please consider purchasing post-consumer recycled office paper. Most office supply retailer’s offer recycled paper products.
3.Chemical Products & Services
•The University of Texas at Dallas Facilities Management manages custodial and grounds services that includes the purchasing and utilization of cleaning and pest control products and services. To reduce UT Dallas’s overall footprint, The Office of Sustainability recommends the prioritizing of mechanical methods of cleaning and/or the purchasing of chemical products that have a third party designation as a “green”
and/or “organic” based product.
4. Transportation
•The University of Texas at Dallas accommodates many thousands of vehicles on a semester basis in addition to a campus fleet. To encourage sustainable practices and to reduce our overall footprint, The Office of Sustainability recommends evaluating the feasibility of departments purchasing fuel-efficient, low-emission generating, hybrid, and/or electric vehicles when deliberating on the needs of a department
and/or university vehicle and/or golf cart.
5. Garments
•The University of Texas at Dallas accommodates many thousands of students, staff, faculty, alumni, and visitors throughout the year. Many departments, offices, and university stores purchase garments such as shirts, sweaters, and graduation gowns. To reduce our overall footprint and environmental impact, The Office of Sustainability recommends evaluating the feasibility of purchasing garments that are made of
recycled materials and/or supplied by suppliers who adhere to the Fair Labor Association’s Code of Conduct.
6. Furniture & Renovations
•The University of Texas at Dallas accommodates thousands of staff and faculty and is a growing campus. With growth comes new buildings, offices, and furniture. To reduce our environmental impact and help support sustainable efforts to make buildings more “green”, The Office of Sustainability recommends purchasing furniture or furnishings that are made of recycled material and/or reused from surplus if
feasible.
Transportation
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Campus Master Plan Update 2018
Supporting UTD’ s Strategic Plan Campus Planning Principles
In the Fall of 2008, the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), the City of Richardson and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) embarked upon a collaborative effort aimed at creating a new transit-oriented development (TOD) near the proposed UTD DARTStation and the University campus.The purpose of this project is to create a master development plan for the integration of the DART Cotton Belt station into the UTD environment and the Richardson community and to accommodate and promote w transit-oriented development (TOD) as an element of the existing campus, planned campus expansion and adjacent private development.
Stakeholder Objectives
1.Connect the University to the community, the
DFW region, the nation and beyond
2. Incorporate a UTD Station into the campus
development plan
3. Sustainability
•This UTD Station Area Plan is consistent with the elements of sustainability as defined by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) in their Development Excellence program. These ten principals provide a guide for development and energy use in new and infill developments. The sustainable elements include the following:
4. Development Options:
•Provide a variety and balance of development options and land use types in developments and communities throughout the region.
5. Efficient Growth
•Foster redevelopment and infill of areas with existing infrastructure and promote the orderly and efficient provision of new infrastructure.
6. Pedestrian Design
•Create more neighborhoods with pedestrian oriented features, street spaces, and public spaces.
7. Housing Choice
•Sustain and facilitate a range of housing opportunities and choices for residents of multiple age groups and economic levels.
8. Activity Centers
•Create mixed use and transit-oriented developments that serve as centers of
neighborhood and community activity.
9. Environmental Stewardship
•Protect sensitive environmental areas, preserve natural stream corridors, and create developments that minimize impact on natural features
10.Quality Places
•Strengthen community identity through use of compatible, quality architectural and landscape designs and preservation of significant historic structures.
11. Transportation Efficiency
•Develop land uses, building sites, and transportation infrastructure that enhance the
efficient movement of people, goods, and services.
12.Resource Efficiency
•Provide functional, adaptable, and sustainable building and site designs that use water, energy, and material resources effectively and efficiently.
13. Implementation
•Adopt plans and ordinances that support
•Development Excellence and involve citizens and stakeholders in all aspects of the planning process.
UT System 169 Sustainability Practices
Sec. 10 Sustainable Transportation Practices
To the extent practical, each institution will encourage and develop sustainable transportation practices such as carpooling, use of public transportation, use of fuel-efficient or alternative fuel fleet vehicles, flex schedules, and telecommuting.
Waste
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UT System 169 Sustainable Practices Sec. 11 Waste and Recycling Management
Each institution will record and monitor annual waste and recycling quantities, implement procedures to reduce campus waste, and set a goal to increase campus recycling each year
Water
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
UT System 169 Sustainability Practices
Sec. 7 Energy and Water Efficiency Practices
7.1 Each institution will update Energy and Water Management Plans to reflect energy consumption reduction goals as of FY 2011 over the baseline levels established by the Energy Utility Task Force in 2001. The institutions will report annual progress on their Energy and Water Management Plans by means of the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) template.
7.2 Any new capital or major renovation project will apply, as a minimum, the energy efficiency design and construction principles of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 90.1 or the International Energy Conservation Code as established by SECO. The institution planning and design process will include consideration of life cycle cost along with other factors in the project planning and design process, recognizing the importance of long-term operations, maintenance, total cost of ownership of U. T. System facilities, budgetary constraints, and programmatic requirements. A measurement and verification plan will be prepared prior to the completion of construction of a new building or major renovation, directed toward establishing an energy service consumption baseline during the first 12 months of occupancy. Subsequent energy consumption audits every three years will document 20% variances to the baseline levels. Institutions will require rainwater and gray water harvesting systems for non-potable use for new buildings where practical and within program budgets.Sec. 7 Energy and Water Efficiency Practices
7.1 Each institution will update Energy and Water Management Plans to reflect energy consumption reduction goals as of FY 2011 over the baseline levels established by the Energy Utility Task Force in 2001. The institutions will report annual progress on their Energy and Water Management Plans by means of the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) template.
7.2 Any new capital or major renovation project will apply, as a minimum, the energy efficiency design and construction principles of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 90.1 or the International Energy Conservation Code as established by SECO. The institution planning and design process will include consideration of life cycle cost along with other factors in the project planning and design process, recognizing the importance of long-term operations, maintenance, total cost of ownership of U. T. System facilities, budgetary constraints, and programmatic requirements. A measurement and verification plan will be prepared prior to the completion of construction of a new building or major renovation, directed toward establishing an energy service consumption baseline during the first 12 months of occupancy. Subsequent energy consumption audits every three years will document 20% variances to the baseline levels. Institutions will require rainwater and gray water harvesting systems for non-potable use for new buildings where practical and within program budgets.
Diversity & Affordability
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The University of Texas at Dallas Goals by 2022-23
Strategic Theme I: Attract Talent
Strategic Theme VI: Become an Economic Engine for the Region
Strategic Theme VII: Develop Financial and Administrative Systems that Sustain Excellence
The University will continue to be one part of a larger educational system that requires collaborating with K-12 schools, community colleges and other UT System universities to enhance national and global development.
The University must generate other outside revenue sources, so that it is less dependent on income from enrollment. When UT Dallas adjusts its distribution of resources, the University must continue to be transparent to ensure that its top priorities are sufficiently financed.
Supporting Initiatives
1. Recruit the best and brightest students from around the globe.
2. Improve the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students.
3. Increase matriculation from Texas community colleges.
4. Recruit excellent faculty members across all University disciplines.
5. Recruit outstanding staff to support University operations.
6. Recruit women and underrepresented groups for faculty, staff and administrative positions.
Investment & Finance
No
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
---
Wellbeing & Work
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The University of Texas at Dallas Goals by 2022-23
Strategic Theme IX: Ensure a Sustainable, Rewarding Campus Environment
UT Dallas strives to foster a culture that values the development and gratification of its staff and remains strongly committed to providing an environment that supports diversity and sustainability. To improve work-life balance, the University will study the best practices at other institutions, while emphasizing the principles of public service, human dignity and productivity. UT Dallas will provide opportunities to ensure that the staff’s skills are consistent with the needs of their jobs.
The University will ensure that all staff are highly valued members of the community by reinforcing its ideals of inclusion and professionalism. The University will create a workplace in which both well-being and productivity coexist.
A diversity of people, ideas and perspectives is crucial to UT Dallas’ vision and mission. The University will maintain and expand the community in which faculty, staff and students collaborate to create a warm, inclusive and physically safe environment. UT Dallas will be a place where students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds are welcomed, treated fairly and encouraged in their pursuit of excellence.
Supporting Initiatives:
1. Enhance employees’ work environment and sense of belonging.
2. Ensure that the working environment is in harmony with other obligations of life.
3. Ensure a sustainable future for the campus and the environment.
4. Ensure that UT Dallas builds on its nimble, service-oriented, caring culture
Other Impact Areas
Yes
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
The University of Texas at Dallas Goals by 2022-23
Strategic Theme IV: Enrich the Arts
As an expression of human intellect and creativity, the arts play an important role at UT Dallas by enhancing the University’s focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.But to ensure that UT Dallas develops versatile individuals, the University must integrate the arts fully into its vision and the experience of its students. UT Dallas will develop multidimensional students who have the opportunity to express their creativity through the arts. The University will ensure that students gain an appreciation for the elements of the human experience that deepen that experience and enrich lives.
UT Dallas must create a vibrant, artistic environment commensurate with its aspirations and become a hub for the arts in North Texas.
Supporting Initiatives
1. Improve student access to the visual and performing arts.
2. Expand and enhance visual and performing arts facilities and infrastructure at UT Dallas.
3.Establish cultural outreach functions to support University efforts to advance the arts.
Optional Fields
No
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
---
The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
Mission Statement
The Office of Sustainability’s mission is to engage the UT Dallas community as a catalyst and champion for environmental stewardship and social responsibility while fostering a culture of sustainability that permeates all aspects of the campus experience. We believe that sustainability is a collaborative, interdisciplinary field to which all members of the UT Dallas community contribute. The Office of Sustainability collaborates with stakeholders across the university to facilitate the integration of sustainability principles and practices into operations, academics, research, student engagement, and administration. We strive to exemplify sustainability leadership as we contribute to the education of the next generation of leaders.
Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
Yes or No | |
The Earth Charter | No |
The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) | No |
ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter | No |
Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | No |
The Talloires Declaration (TD) | --- |
UN Global Compact | --- |
Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | Yes |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
The University of Texas at Dallas is pleased to co-found and co-lead the North Texas Regional Centre for Expertise for Education onSustainable Development as designated by the United Nations University’s Institute for Advanced Studies in Sustainability.
The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) strives to be a leader in the field of sustainability by minimizing the environmental footprint of our campus while building a culture of sustainability on our campus and beyond. We believe that the role of our university is to model sustainable practices, to educate students that will affect a positive change, and to inspire leaders to take actions that make the world a better place.
• UTD is building a culture of sustainability through a standing Sustainability Committee comprised of students, faculty, and staff which allows the university’s sustainability efforts to match the wishes of its community while complementing the efforts of the Office of Sustainability.
• Students lead the way through the efforts of the Student Government’s Green Initiative Committee which provides funding to student projects that improve stewardship, through volunteerism with the UTD Sustainability Club, and through peer to peer education from the UTD Eco Reps.
• Earth Week is celebrated each April with events and activities that garner participation and engagement from students, faculty, staff, and community members and showcases the passion for the environment and the diverse talents in our community
• UTD integrates sustainability in the built environment with 7 LEED certified buildings, a net zero parking garage, and plans to seek LEED certification for 2 buildings in design and construction.
• UTD is addressing UN and EPA food waste reduction goals by composting pre consumer food waste from dining locations and partnering with the Food Recovery Network to donate leftover food to food insecure communities.
• UTD provides a sustainable habitat conducive for student learning and a thriving ecosystem. Service learning has contributed greatly to UTD’s Tree Campus USA certification, Monarch Waystations, and Blackland Prairie Restoration.
• UTD is minimizing its carbon footprint through solar installations on campus by utilizing reflective roofing, through energy efficiency retrofits, and through promoting a green commute by providing free electric vehicle charging stations.
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The campus master plan is included as a sustainability plan above because of the emphasis on sustainability that is included in the plan. The Campus Master plan also calls for a sustainability master plan, which is being planned for AY 21.
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.