UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
overall building performance. “We focus a lot on how we supply energy and water efficiently to buildings,” says Mr. Walker. “We place a relentless emphasis on efficiency.” Mr. Walker explains that it is extremely important to ensure that new campus buildings are constructed in the right way. “When we build a new building we do it with long term performance in mind.” Aspects that must be taken into account include materials, energy efficiency, transportation, and recycling. UT’s on-campus power plant helps significantly by providing natural gas-based power that allows UT to be self-sufficient. “The power plant is internationally recognised for its efficiency.” UT’s commitment to sustainability has also been apparent in other areas. Adjust50 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE
ments to their impressive irrigation system saved approximately 100,000,000 gallons of water last year, while 24% of their overall dining hall budget is now spent on locally sourced or sustainably processed food. In addition to this, all food waste is composted, including both front-of-house waste and waste from the kitchens. The UT Athletics department has also recently made composting a priority and now has a zero waste target for their stadium; something almost unheard of for a university stadium of their size. LOOKING FORWARD The ‘living lab’ is an exciting campus wideproject which is currently in the very early stages. “Various colleges at UT Austin