The Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability (TRACS) Summit 2024 was held at the South Padre Island Convention Center--one of the world's most exquisite barrier islands and most biologically diverse regions of North America. The focus was on education for sustainability development, along with the opportunity to engage and overcome emerging issues that are arising in today's society. The planning committee's main intent was to provide motivating workshops, a stimulating atmosphere for sharing data, generating exciting ideas, and galvanizing collaborations, providing a platform for launching life- long affiliations.
The following synopsis offers a look back at the 2024 Summit. Highlights include who was there, what was shared, and what was said about the conference.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
TEXAS INSTITUTIONS REPRESENTED
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS | EXHIBITORS
COPPERWIRE
Thank you
PLATiNuM
SPONSOR
PLATiNuM
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Silver
Bronze
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Thanks to the support and participation of all, we put on an exceptional event with 6 motivational guest speakers, 45 presentations, 31 exhibitors, 13 sponsors, and a closing reception. Over 230 faculty, students and staff from twenty-two campuses across Texas, and beyond, attended the event. The Exhibitor Tradeshow featured sustainable products and services.
Over 50 participants set sail on an Eco-Tour excursion, a sea life safari from which participants learned about the local wildlife, research, conservation, and ecology of the Laguna Madre. Through the program sessions, tours, exhibits, and networking receptions, attendees engaged their peers in meaningful dialogue to shift sustainability forward across Texas.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Colleen Hook, Executive Director City of McAllen | Quinta Mazatlan | Center for Urban Ecology
Colleen has been working at “growing” Quinta Mazatlan since before its opening in 2006 as a mansion with a mission working to restore one native backyard at a time. Thanks to a strong team of partners and supporters, the project has now doubled in size with the creation of the Center for Urban Ecology, referred to as the CUE. The CUE promotes “sustainable development” through the enhancement of ecotourism, education and protection of the environment.
Chris Sias, RA, Principal Architect Megamorphisis, Harlingen, TX
Chris is a native Texan and his life path has journeyed through Texas with beginnings in the Chihuahuan desert of El Paso, to the hustle of the DFW Metroplex, retreating to West Texas life in the Lubbock plains, followed by a southern migration to San Antoino where “The Tex meets the Mex”, and finally settling in the “Valley” where the gulf coast meets the Tamaulipan Thornscrub.
Rick Archer, FAIA, Founding Partner Overland Partner Architecture + Urban Design, San Antonio, TX
Rick plays an active role as Design Principal with a focus on projects in the areas of education, healthcare, non-profit and urban design. Under Rick’s leadership, Overland’s work has been recognized in places of cultural and natural significance, with notable awards including the AIA’s COTE Top 10 Award, Architect Top 50 Award in Sustainability and Design and the Texas Architect Firm of the Year Award among other national, regional and local awards. In his role as CEO, Rick leads an international community of creative problem-solvers at Overland. Serving as a mentor, teacher and collaborative partner, Rick is known for drawing out the best from his teams and clients. He is an active leader in community initiatives around the globe, with a focus on education, sustainability, social equity and design that inspires human flourishing.
This journey gives Chris an appreciation of Texas’ diversity, and he brings that to his work at Megamorphosis. Project types that Chris has worked on range from Ecotourism, University Buildings, Air Traffic Control Towers, single family residences, and many others in between. Chris has earned a reputation for thoughtful, environmentally responsible, and award-winning design.
John Brush, Urban Ecologist City of McAllen | Center for Urban Ecology
John specializes in urban habitat restoration and nature interpretation. He leads the Tiny Forest initiative for the City of McAllen with the goal of making nature more accessible to children and families while supporting plant and wildlife diversity. He received his MS in Biology from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR
GUEST SPEAKERS
Patrick McNulty, Mayor, City of South Padre Island
Laura Lara, Associate Vice President for Planning & Construction University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Dr. Kevin M. Peek, Professor of Economics South Texas College
Kelly Wellman, TRACS Co-Chair
Director Office for Sustainability
Texas A&M
Berry Patel, CEO/President, Ruby Red Hospitality
Dr. Dahlia Guerra, Special Assistant to the Dean College of Fine Arts
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Dr. David Hicks Professor School of Earth Env & Marine Sci University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Richard Johnson, TRACS Co-Chair Senior Executive Director for Sustainability
Rice University
COMMENTS
“Giving us space for students, faculty, administration staff to showcase our research. I think this conference helped people learn about the different avenues for sustainability initiatives, like for example administratively, facilities wise. It is exciting to go back to our campus with this new information.”
- Olvia Prior
Thrilled to share that I got a chance to present our work last week at the TRACS Summit, hosted at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in the beautiful South Padre Island. The engagement and feedback on our tool's potential impact were truly inspiring! ”
- Aashay Bharadwaj
“I had an amazing time at the Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability Conference #TRACS2024! I explored the natural beauty of South Padre Island, connected with my peers in the sustainability realm, and learned from other Texas universities about their sustainability initiatives.”
- Caroline E Gamble
“I met empowering students and staff who shared how sustainability uniquely advances leadership development, experiencial learning, and large-scale waste diversion and emissions reduction at each of their campuses. I especially enjoyed conversations about sustainability’s role in cultural preservation and the arts.”
- Eloiza Dy
“I had an amazing time at the Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability Conference #TRACS2024! South Padre Island provided the perfect backdrop for meaningful discussions on sustainability with colleagues from across Texas.”
- Aimee Jones
THE PROGRAM MONDAY JAN 29
BOAT TOUR
OPENING RECEPTION
The first day of the 2024 Summit for the Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability event hosted by UTRGV marked an exciting start to three days of collaboration, learning, and inspiration centered around sustainability in higher education. The event brought together representatives from various Texas universities, community colleges, and educational institutions, all united by a common goal: to advance sustainability practices on their campuses and create a positive impact on our environment. Invitees had the opportunity to board the sea life safari cruise with the intent to provide an introduction and overview of the ecology of the Laguna Madre. The 2-hour-long trip was accompanied by Dr. David Hicks who narrated the natural history of this great estuary.
Later in the evening, attendees were welcomed to the newly renovated SPI Convention Centre, located on 30 beautifully scenic acres with a view of the Laguna Madre Bay. The welcoming reception commenced with a warm welcome from [Speaker], who emphasized [key point]. Day one came to an end with UTRGV Interim Dean Dahlia Guerra inviting the audience to enjoy the sounds of the Rio Grande Valley introducing Mariachi Aztlán, a nationally renowned musical group. The first day of the TRACS event not only delivered valuable insights but also fostered a sense of enthusiasm and camaraderie among the participants, harboring excitement for the upcoming remaining two days.
THE PROGRAM
TUESDAY
JAN 30
PRESENTATIONS
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
The second day of the summit continued to ignite passion and foster collaboration among attendees as they delved into the intersection of sustainability. The day welcomed invitees with a nutritious light continental breakfast, offering a variety of options for individual choice. The day kicked off with a diverse range of presentations and panel discussions led by sustainability experts, faculty members, and industry leaders. These sessions covered a wide spectrum of topics, [including energy conservation, waste reduction, water management, sustainable transportation, curriculum integration, and community engagement.] [At the same time], participants had the opportunity to engage in interactive workshops focused on practical sustainability solutions. These hands-on sessions provided a platform for attendees to share ideas, collaborate, and learn actionable strategies to implement sustainable practices within their own campus environments. During the lunch break, attendees were treated to engaging keynote addresses by renowned sustainability specialists: [Rick Archer, Chris Sias, Colleen Hook, John Brush].
As the day progressed, participants and exhibitors converged at the tradeshow, creating a bustling marketplace of sustainable products, technologies, and services. The trade show featured a wide array of exhibitors, including sustainability-focused companies, nonprofit organizations, and student-led initiatives. Attendees had the opportunity to explore innovative solutions, network with industry professionals, and uncover new opportunities for collaboration.
THE PROGRAM WEDNESDAY JAN 31
PRESENTATIONS
POSTER SESSIONS
CLOSING RECEPTION
Day three initiated by continuing an engaging series of presentations, where experts and practitioners shared their insights on a wide range of sustainability topics. Attendees immersed themselves in innovative approaches, research findings, and successful case studies, further enriching their understanding of sustainable practices in higher education.
During the lunch break, the tradeshow took center stage, with additional presentations scheduled alongside the exhibitor booths. This arrangement created a vibrant atmosphere where attendees could explore the tradeshow offerings while also benefiting from educational presentations. These presentations during the tradeshow provided a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their sustainability initiatives, products, and services to a captivated audience. It fostered meaningful conversations and connections between participants and exhibitors, paving the way for future collaborations. The end of some presentations featured exciting raffle activity during the trade show presentations. Attendees eagerly participated for a chance to win sustainable prizes generously provided by exhibitors and sponsors. Winners walked away with tangible reminders of their participation in the event and a connection to the sustainable ideals explored throughout the TRACS event.
In the afternoon, a poster presentation session took place, showcasing research and sustainability projects from students, faculty, and staff members. The poster session offered a platform for individuals to share their innovative ideas, findings, and practical solutions related to sustainability. Attendees engaged with the presenters, asked questions, and exchanged insights, creating a dynamic and interactive environment. As the day drew to a close, a closing reception was held to commemorate the successful completion of the 2024
SUSTAINABLE FACTS
Location
South Padre Island
Padre Island National Seashore is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world. In addition to its 70 miles of protected coastline, other important ecosystems abound, including rare coastal prairie, a complex and dynamic dune system, wind tidal flats teeming with life, and the Laguna Madre, one of the few hypersaline lagoon environments left in the world. The National Seashore and surrounding waters provide important habitat for marine and terrestrial plants and animals, including a number of rare, threatened, and endangered species, such as the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle. Situated along the Central Flyway, Padre Island is a globally important area for over 380 migratory, overwintering, and resident bird species. Padre Island National Seashore is not just a place of natural wonder; it is a stronghold of conservation and a reminder of our responsibility to protect and preserve our fragile ecosystems.
Facility
South Padre Island Convention Center
SPI has undertaken a deliberate initiative to establish an environmentally sustainable purchasing plan for the convention center. Recent renovations have resulted in the transformation of the SPI Convention Center, featuring impressive green features such as solar lighting. South Padre Island is committed to advancing sustainability further, as reflected in their Capital Investment Plan 2023-2027, which prioritizes projects that minimize their ecological footprint, produce the least amount of pollution, and take environmental effects into account.
Food
UTRGV Dining Services in the Rio Grande Valley provided all foods for the events. UTRGV Dining is dedicated to implementing sustainable practices in its operations, aiming to reduce its environmental impact and food waste while promoting informed food choices. UTRGV Dining prioritizes responsible sourcing by purchasing from local vendors within the Valley, selected for their ethical and sustainability standards. All seafood purchases adhere to the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program guidelines, and dairy products come from cows not treated with rBGH or rBST, while shell eggs are cage-free and certified Animal Welfare Approved. Coffee served in dining halls and Market locations is Eco-Certified.
Conference Materials
• Tote Bags, made from Jute, feature a nature-inspired design with padded cotton rope handles, soothing colors and natural accents.
• Journals come with a 100% recycled paperboard cover and recycled lined paper.
• Bamboo Utensils consisted of a stainless straw and brush set, and a custom cotton pouch, offering eco-friendly options with bamboo's rapid renewability, making it a sustainable alternative to plastic for a waste-free lunch.
• The TRACS Summit Agenda as well as the presentations and final report are to be posted electronically rather than printed .
On behalf of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Office of Sustainability and the Executive Committee of the Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability (TRACS), we want to express our deepest gratitude for your participation in the recent TRACS 2024 Summit held at South Padre Island. Your presence and engagement were crucial in making this multi-stakeholder event a resounding success.
This year's summit brought together a diverse group of individuals representing academia, research institutions, government agencies, businesses, and community organizations. This unique blend of perspectives fueled thought-provoking discussions, innovative ideas, and a collaborative spirit that powered the entire event.
The success of TRACS 2024 wasn't just about individual contributions, it was about the synergy created by bringing together such diverse stakeholders. This collaborative approach is vital for tackling complex challenges which lead to sustainable solutions for our campuses and for Texas, and we saw firsthand the power of collaboration in action.
The development and integration of sustainability initiatives in Texas higher education institutions are building on the Sustainable Development Goals adopted globally in 2015. We are proud to be witness Sustainability as the future of Texas and stewards for environmental responsibility, partners for regional economic prosperity, and a passion for people and equity and we know this journey wouldn't be possible without your engagement.
TRACS 2024 Summit may have concluded, but the journey towards a sustainable Texas continues. We believe that by working together, we can leverage the combined knowledge, expertise, and passion of diverse stakeholders to create a brighter future for our state.
Thank You!
Thank you once again for being part of TRACS 2024. Your participation made this event truly special, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. Please keep on the lookout for the upcoming TRACS 2025 Summit announcement!
