University of Texas–Dallas

College Sustainability Report Card 2009

The University of Texas at Dallas has no policy relating to campus-wide sustainability initiatives, with the exception of recycling. There are six employees engaged part-time in defined sustainability positions. In addition, a number of employees have various sustainability-related responsibilities.

Many campus traffic control devices and emergency call boxes are solar powered. The university is currently planning to invest in two new chillers and install variable frequency drives for all chillers located at the central energy plant. The university has adopted the University of Texas system-wide energy conservation program.

Leaf debris and landscaping waste is converted to mulch, compost, and bedding material in order to reduce the university's dependency on outside sources for these materials. Mixed paper, aluminum, plastic, ink cartridges, cardboard, and wood pallets are recycled.

The UT System’s high-performance building standards include meeting a minimum of 60 percent of the requirements needed for LEED-equivalent certification. In addition, all buildings are designed and constructed to meet rigorous Texas state energy codes. A new student services building is expected to achieve LEED Platinum certification.

Students for Environmental Awareness (SEA) is a student organization that receives support and assistance from facilities management. SEA has embarked on a student-centered initiative on campus to increase awareness of environmental issues and to encourage sustainable action in support of those issues.

The university offers subsidized bus service in cooperation with the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Authority. Campus buses are equipped with bicycle racks.

The University of Texas Investment Management Company makes a list of investment holdings available online, and proxy voting records are sent to individuals upon request, as per open records laws.

The University of Texas Investment Management Company aims to optimize investment return and has not made any public statements about investigating or investing in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.

The University of Texas Investment Management Company has not made any public statements about active ownership or a proxy voting policy.