Sustainability at The University of Texas at El Paso
UTEP's Sustainability Message
Sustainable practices, in the broad sense, are a means to ensure the way we work, think, and grow as a University involves the world around us. By definition, sustainability asks us to maintain our way of life for the future. We have to make lifestyle transformations and choices in our daily practices. In many ways, we have been doing that. For example, UTEP saves more than $2.5 million a year as a result of energy-saving efforts; promotes water conservation through the use of native plants in landscaping and other xeriscaping measures; and pursues transportation alternatives through car and van-pooling initiatives, electric vehicle procurements, and biodiesel shuttle operations. The University will also be the first in the community with a “Green Roof,” which is a symbol of our sustainability efforts. While the University practices these efforts singly in our departments, colleges, and facilities, as a whole I am asking for a campus-wide cultural movement in which we think “Green” from the rooftops down. To initiate this green cultural movement, this website is implemented as a window into our current operational practices. This website also serves as a way to communicate with you and promote sustainability awareness throughout the community. Our vision and principles are provided below to petition you to become a part of our green culture.
UTEP Sustainability Policy
UTEP is committed to environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, and sustainability. To support our environmental commitments, UTEP has developed sustainable practices that promote energy-saving goals, reduce carbon emissions and waste streams, and encourage green building design. UTEP has implemented operational practices throughout campus and will continue to look for alternatives that meaningfully contribute to the environment. In addition, UTEP will promote our sustainability goals by:
- Encouraging a culture who thinks “green”
- Incorporating green practices into daily business operations
- Supporting environmental stewardship through institutional and academic programs
- Promoting health and safety throughout campus
- Enhancing awareness throughout the University and local communities
UT System Sustainability Policy
The Board of Regents (“Board”) of The University of Texas System (“System”) is committed to stewardship of the environment and promoting the principals of energy efficiency and sustainability. System’s commitment to energy savings goals, reductions in carbon emissions and sustainable design is evident in existing practices. System will continue to implement well-thought-out initiatives that increase efficiencies, reduce emissions, and promote sustainability practices that contribute meaningfully to the environment, while still achieving excellence in higher education. System’s decisions and actions regarding sustainability practices will be guided by its mission statement and reflective of budgetary constraints and legal, regulatory and programmatic requirements, while continuing to further the missions of the institutions comprising System (“Institutions”). – “The University of Texas System Policy on Sustainability Practices,” The University of Texas System Board of Regents, February 2009