Past the environmental impact of cities, many social inequalities are also often
represented in cities. When analyzing cities, we also must contemplate where waste is
disposed of, the quality of schools in different regions of the city, and who is forced
out of their homes due to gentrification. In building Sustainable Cities and Communities,
we must find a way to develop transportation infrastructure, house everyone in a safe
and sanitary living environment, and provide essential services —all in a
sustainable way.
Academic Courses
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 15: Life on Land
In our coursework, UT Dallas offers numerous opportunities for students to
learn about urban planning, policy, and building sustainable communities. Taught by Dr.
John McCaskill, PA 3382 Sustainable Communities focused on the
interconnectedness of natural and man-made systems, as well as the impact our actions
can have on those systems. The projects in these classes count for roughly 30% of
the grade, where 3-6 students work together for 3-4 weeks. In Urban Planning and Policy,
students explore substantive areas and concepts in the field of urban and regional
planning, as well as current urban planning policy issues and debate. Topics include
forces that have historically guided US urbanization, land use, growth management,
transportation and traffic congestion, economic development, housing and community
development, environmental planning, and governmental contexts.
Institute for Urban Policy Research
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Directed by Timothy Bray, the Institute for Urban Policy Research is a research
center headquartered at the University of Texas at Dallas’s School of Economic,
Political, and Policy Sciences
(EPPS [School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences] ).
The mission of this institute is to improve decision making in the critical areas that
influence economic growth and the distribution of income and wealth in regional and
sub-regional economies. The center aims to integrate the tools and theories of economics
and decision science with those from psychology, sociology, public health, and other
social sciences in order to better understand the dynamic and spatial structure of the
Metroplex. The institute helps Dallas-area businesses, governments and nonprofits identify
opportunities for investments, volunteer activities, philanthropic giving and public
policies that positively affect the economic condition of neighborhoods and the region.
It provides an institution where bankers, investors, real estate brokers, policy makers,
students and community leaders can go to seek answers to questions that directly impact
local economic development.
Read more about the Institute’s work.
DART Station Coming to UTD Campus
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
September 19, 2020 marked the beginning of
construction for the UT Dallas station on the new DART Silver Line. The DART, or
Dallas Area Rapid Transit System, is a 93-mile light rail that connects areas across
the metroplex. The line is expected to be operational in 2026 and will connect UTD
students to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The new DART station
will open at Northside. In our pursuit of expanding sustainable transportation options,
the DART will provide an affordable and accessible option for many UTD community members.
Currently, UTD offers free DART Transit Passes for students upon request. Staff and
faculty also have access to discounted DART Transit passes.
Emissions Inventory and Disclosure
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
SDG 13: Climate Action
For submission of our 2023
AASHEAssociation of Advancement in Higher Education
report, UT Dallas conducted a comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions inventory.
Student Eco Reps were a critical part of collecting and analyzing the data for the report.
From the performance year of 2018 to 2023, UTD reported a 19% reduction in greenhouse
gas emissions output, compared to a 0% reduction from the baseline year of 2017 to 2018.
The Office of Sustainability hopes that this inventory will serve as a baseline and motivator
for future emissions action.
View full data from the emissions inventory on our AASHE report.
Commute Modal Split & Support for Sustainable Transportation
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
In a survey conducted for our 2023
AASHEAssociation of Advancement in Higher Education
report, the Office of Sustainability found that 57.3% of students and 16.1%
of employees use more sustainable commuting options as their primary means of transport.
To further support sustainable transportation on campus, the University of Texas
at Dallas has introduced several initiatives. UT Dallas has partnered with
Zipcar to bring self-service, on-demand car sharing to the campus. The University Zipcar
fleet includes a variety of vehicles which have reserved parking spaces at several
locations on-campus. Special membership rates are provided to students, staff, faculty,
alumni, and members of the community. UT Dallas also has eight Electric Vehicle
(EV) charging stations located on-campus. The stations are open to campus users
and the public. In partnership with Blink, UT Dallas is identified on a map that
illustrates all locations where there is a charging station. To encourage students to
live closer to campus, UT Dallas Comet Discounts includes local apartment housing.
Many apartments located near UTD offer discounts on rent, fees, and/or deposits for
UTD students. To get around campus, Comet Cabs provide free on-campus transportation for
students, staff, and faculty. Comet Cruisers are a free shuttle bus system that serves
UT Dallas and the surrounding community. This shuttle does not require a pass or
identification from passengers. Our support for sustainable transportation also includes
promotion of bicycling and a new DART station to be introduced in 2026.
Bicycle Friendly University
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
In January of 2021, the University of Texas at Dallas was awarded a Bronze
Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) Certification, awarded by the League of
American Bicyclists. To collect data for our application to BFU, the Office of Sustainability
led a committee of stakeholders on campus, including Parking & Transportation,
the Police Department, and University Housing. To promote bicycling, UTD has increased
secure and convenient bike rack locations throughout campus. Additionally, UT Dallas
now provides commuter shower passes for faculty and staff that commute via a form of
active transportation. UT Dallas also offers extensive education surrounding bicycle
safety and bike theft prevention. The Bronze BFU Certification has also motivated several
projects for bicycling on campus including bike maintenance clinics and educational
group rides.
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