↓ Having trouble viewing this message? View it in your web browser.

Sustainability Newsletter

April 2024

Celebrate Earth Week!

Join us for Earth Week

Each year, the UT Dallas community comes together to celebrate sustainability through a week of interactive and educational events around Earth Day. Mark your calendars for the 13th annual Earth Week from April 22-27 hosted by the Office of Sustainability and Office of Student Volunteerism. The theme is “Green UTD”, highlighting campus sustainability efforts and all the ways you can get involved. From pollinator activities and garden workshops to a movie screening and Earth Fair, there will be something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the exciting events planned!

Eco Reps for Hire! Sustainable Communities & Outreach Positions Open

Are you enthusiastic about sustainability and looking to increase your impact? Join the Office of Sustainability as a paid, part-time Eco Rep starting in Fall 2024 (with optional Summer 2024 start date) in the positions of Outreach or Sustainable Communities. The Outreach Eco Rep plans and executes events, provides graphic design, and social media marketing. The Sustainable Communities Eco Rep promotes sustainability through education, outreach, and action, organizing various activities while leading the Sustainable Communities Collective to drive impactful initiatives on campus and in the community. Written applications for Outreach and Sustainable Communities are due April 14 at midnight.

Single-Use Plastic Pilot Study Expands

As an extension of UTD’s commitment to sustainability, the Sustainability Committee has expanded the pilot study on plastic-free beverage vending machines. The first vending machine in the pilot study is located on the lower level of the Student Union across from the pool tables, and a second machine was recently placed in the corridor outside of room 11.120 in the JSOM Building. Stop by the vending machines to grab a refreshing plastic-free beverage and fill out the pilot study feedback survey.

Dr. Michael Gregor: “How Not to Age” Live at UT Dallas

New York Times best-selling author behind the book, “How Not to Age”, Dr. Michael Greger M.D. FACLM presents his entertaining and informative talk on the science behind how to have a longer, healthier life. Join us at 7:00 p.m., Friday April 5 in the SSA Auditorium, the event is free and open to the public. Proudly presented by Animal Connection of Texas and the UTD Sustainability Committee.

The Greenhouse

Updates to the UT Dallas Eco Rep Blog

Unraveling the True Cost
of Fast Fashion

What is the environmental cost of fashion trends! Gargi shares how to make sustainable fashion choices.

Head to the Greenhouse! >

Honeybee Communication

Did you know bees dance to show where to find nectar and pollen? Buzz over to Eve’s post.

Head to the Greenhouse! >

Sustainability in Operations Highlight

Each month, we highlight sustainable features of campus operations
including energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management,
and green building practices.

In a bold stride towards sustainable architecture, both the Engineering and Computer Science West Building and the Sciences Building feature Sage Glass smart glass on their South and West facing exteriors. This cutting-edge technology dynamically adjusts tint levels in response to sunlight, not only reducing glare but also curbing HVAC costs. Sage Glass eliminates the need for blinds or shades, fostering a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, enhancing their visual allure from both inside and out.

Sage Glass also boasts impressive energy efficiency credentials. Despite its advanced features, the power needed to operate it is remarkably low —less than that required to power a typical home internet modem. By reducing energy loads by 10-20% and peak energy demands by 26%, Sage Glass significantly lessens the carbon footprint of both buildings. UT Dallas exemplifies a commitment to sustainability in its campus infrastructure. From innovative building materials to energy-efficient design, each structure reflects a dedication to environmental responsibility.

— Utilities and Energy Management Team