LEED Certification (commitment)

UT Austin made a concrete commitment to Sustainable Resource Use at UT Austin, 2009. UT Austin will “pursue LEED certification on all current and future capital improvement projects.”

Campus Sustainability (policy commitment)

By adopting the Campus Sustainability Policy, UT Austin has committed to “(…) reduce life cycle costs, restore or maintain the functioning of natural systems, and enhance human well-being.” This includes loose objectives for improving campus sustainability by focusing on 5 key areas: academics, operations, campus planning, administration and outreach. More information can be found in the UT Handbook of Operating Procedures.

Energy Star Partner (commitment)

“All electronic equipment purchased for the university in any department should be Energy Star products. In addition, Energy Star products will be required in new buildings and renovations.” EHS reference link.

Reduce Energy Consumption (goal)

UT’s executive officers created The Demand-Side Energy Management and Conservation (DSEMC) Program to establish and implement a comprehensive program that shall achieve a “significant and substantial reduction in energy consumption.” See the DSEMC Concept Charter for more information. PR information for DSEMC can be found through UTakeCharge.

Culture of sustainable energy management (goal)

The following are contained within the Facilities Services Strategic Plan (2007-2012)

• Develop and implement an organizational structure that allows identification, completion, and monitoring of energy conservation projects.
• Develop a culture of energy awareness across campus (incorporate energy conservation aspects into daily activities).
• Work with PMCS and Campus Planning in the development of energy efficient construction standards.
• Develop operational standards (e.g., setting policy on temperatures).
• Develop and publish a university energy policy.

Please feel free to post any other official sustainability commitments/goals not included above.