University of North Texas - Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability Initiatives

2005 UNT launched the first PhD program in Environmental Ethics in the world.
2008 UNT became the first large public university in Texas to sign the "American College and University President's Climate Commitment" (ACUPCC). As of September 2012, twenty-four of the 658 signatory institutions of higher learning were from Texas. Of those twenty-four, five were full undergraduate-graduate institutions (2 private, 3 public). Of those five, UNT was the largest. The objectives include achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 and ensuring that all new university buildings and facilities meet a minimum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating by the U.S. Green Building Council
2011 The Life Science Complex, newly constructed, became UNT's first LEED certified structure, earning a Gold rating. The Complex is a state-of-the-art research facility that houses the university's biochemistry, molecular biology, developmental physiology, genetics and plant sciences programs. The building features four climate-controlled rooftop greenhouses and one of the country's most sophisticated aquatics laboratories with more than 2,500 tanks.
2011 Apogee Stadium, the one-year-old football stadium, became the first newly built sports stadium in the world to earn a Platinum LEED certification, the highest of four certifications. The facility features wind turbines, eco-friendly building materials, and native landscape architecture.
2012 The Business Leadership Building (newly constructed) received Gold LEED certification.
2012 UNT installed electric vehicle charging stations at two student parking lots
2012 The Princeton Review's Guide to 322 Green Colleges, 2012 Edition, listed UNT for the second consecutive year, citing its top 17-percent ranking among green-compliant universities nationwide under ACUPCC. The article stated that forty percent of the energy on campus is derived from renewable sources, and 43 percent of the buildings have undergone energy retrofits. The campus has posted strong numbers in recycling: since 2009, the university has recycled nearly 1,000 tons of waste materials. UNT offers graduate degrees in Environmental Science and Public Administration and Management.
2013 UNT's Highland Street parking garage (newly constructed) received Gold LEED certification.

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