University of Texas – El Paso

School details:
Full-time enrollment: 14,000
Part-time enrollment: 7,000
Location: El Paso, Texas

Administration

• The university has written a sustainability plan.
• Green chemicals are used in custodial, grounds, HVAC, and building maintenance shops.

Green Building

• UTEP is working on a formal green building policy.
• Ten campus buildings follow the Texas state energy code, which mandates energy efficiency.
• Three buildings, currently under construction, will meet LEED Silver standards.
• The university is constructing a green roof.
• To improve energy efficiency, UTEP has installed LED and other energy-efficient lighting, energy management systems, power and thermal metering in many buildings, and variable speed drives.
• To conserve water, low-flow faucets, low-flow showerheads, and waterless urinals have been installed in buildings.
• In campus landscaping, native plants are used since they require less water, irrigation is controlled electronically, and several areas utilize rainwater.
• Campus speed bumps and many park benches are made of recycled products.

Climate Change & Energy

• The university is installing wind turbines on two buildings. UTEP is also considering installing photovoltaic panels on the roof of a parking garage.
• The campus features solar-powered street lighting.
• Temperatures have been set back across campus.
• The school runs campaigns to encourage members of the campus community to reduce their energy use.

Recycling

• The university recycles traditional materials including aluminum and cardboard. Steel scrap is also recycled.
• Electronic communication is widely used, reducing the school’s necessity for paper.

Student Involvement

• Students are engaged with sustainability through presentations, volunteer projects, and recycling competitions.
• The university hosts an annual hot dog cookoff contest, called the “Watt Dog,” in which the contestants must only cook with solar energy.
• Sixty graduate students focus on environmental sciences.

Transportation

• The university offers incentives for those who carpool to campus.
• Free transportation is provided around campus.
• UTEP’s fleet includes 10 biodiesel-fueled and 15 electric vehicles.