University of New Mexico – Taos

School details:
Full-time enrollment: 1,306
Location: Taos, New Mexico

Administration

• The university is working on creating a formal sustainability plan.
• The school signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment in June 2007.
• A sustainability committee addresses environmental, economic, and social responsibility issues.
• The university has adopted an Energy Star purchasing policy.

Green Building

• All new construction and major renovations will meet or exceed LEED Silver standards and will be energy-efficient.
• The Library and Learning Center, currently in the planning phase, will meet LEED standards.
• Energy-efficient lights have been installed in parking lots. Motion sensors shut off these lights automatically.
• Solar tube windows are used for passive daytime lighting.
• Variable speed drives and energy management systems have been installed in campus buildings to reduce energy use and increase efficiency.
• Low-flow faucets have been installed in bathrooms, and buildings are metered individually for water.
• Weather-informed irrigation is used on the campus grounds.
• The university is planning to install a rainwater catchment system.

Climate Change & Energy

• The campus generates solar energy on campus for hot water and electricity.
• The university has also purchased wind power.
• UNMT is conducting a greenhouse gas emissions inventory.
• Campus computers have been set to save energy when not in use.
• The school newsletter contains tips to conserve electricity.

Recycling

• The university recycles traditional materials including aluminum, glass, paper, and some plastics.
• Used printer cartridges are also recycled.

Student Involvement

• The Green Technology Center teaches students about sustainability.
• Students can get involved with environmental issues by joining the Ecology Club.
• The university’s core curriculum includes a class on environmental science.

Transportation

• The university provides free transportation to campus from a bus stop Park and Ride location, and it offers incentives to students and employees who ride the bus to campus.