Office of Sustainability

The Office of Sustainability is committed to fostering a harmonious relationship between our activities and the environment. Our vision is to create a campus and community where sustainability is not just a concept, but a way of life.

About

At the University of Texas at Arlington, sustainability is defined as a path of continuous improvement where actions protect and enhance human and natural resources needed for future generations to enjoy a quality of life equal to or greater than our own. This definition encompasses three key aspects:

Economic success, Environmental conservation, Social equity

Also known as the triple bottom line, this holistic approach to sustainability recognizes that our economy and society are dependent on a healthy environment. UTA's sustainability efforts focus on developing more sustainable communities by addressing the natural, built, economic, cultural, and social environments5. This comprehensive definition guides the university's initiatives in areas such as:

Sustainability-focused curriculum, Community engagement and outreach, Energy efficiency, Transportation, Waste management, Water conservation

By adopting this definition, UTA aims to create a sustainable campus that not only improves the quality of campus life but also prepares students for future challenges and opportunities in various industries and sectors where sustainability plays a crucial role

Emissions Inventory

UTA’s campus underwent an expansion in size from 2010 to 2022. Despite this expansion, the greenhouse gas emissions per square foot have been cut by almost a third in this time. Between FY 2017 and FY 2022, total greenhouse gas emissions at UTA decreased overall.

Emission Inventory

Sustainability Dashboard

The Sustainability Dashboard is a tool that the Office of Sustainability is using to share key performance metrics with the community. It displays UTA’s performance against multiple sustainability metrics including Energy Usage, Transportation, Waste, Water, Food, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Dashboard

RCE NORTH TEXAS

RCE is a network of 75 multidisciplinary stakeholders including higher education institutions, businesses, non-governmental organizations, community associations, and local, regional, state and federal government agencies that share a vision of a healthy, equitable, and resilient North Texas

RCE

NORTH TEXAS FOOD POLICY ALLIANCE

NTFPA is a diverse group ranging from public health and community nonprofit organizations to educational institutions. NTFPA’s 42 partnering organizations represent the 16 counties in North Texas, bringing their experience an knowledge to work towards a more sustainable and equitable food system.

NTFPA

Eco Map

UTA’s Eco Map shows all sustainability related locations & programs on campus. Designed to show alignment of various programs to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, this work has been implemented across campus to demonstrate the collaborative and multidisciplinary future of sustainability work.

See the Green Map here

A Message from the UTA's Office of Sustainability

In a world where the challenges of environmental stewardship and social responsibility are ever more pressing, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. As the University's Office of Sustainability, we are committed to embracing this challenge head-on, leading the way towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

Initiatives That Matter

Over the past years, we have undertaken several initiatives aimed at reducing our ecological footprint and promoting responsible practices. These include:

Resource Conservation: We have implemented energy-efficient measures across campus buildings, reducing our energy consumption while also lowering costs. Water conservation efforts, waste reduction strategies, and recycling programs are contributing to a more sustainable campus ecosystem.
Education and Outreach: Our sustainability education programs have empowered students, faculty, and staff with the knowledge and tools to make environmentally conscious choices. Workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns have fostered a culture of environmental stewardship.
Transportation: Encouraging alternative transportation options such as biking, carsharing, and public transit has not only reduced traffic congestion but also decreased our carbon emissions.
Reducing Food Waste: we are taking proactive steps to combat food waste and create a more sustainable campus and community. Food scraps that cannot be recovered are diverted...

Engaging the Community

We firmly believe that sustainability is a collective effort. Your involvement and input are crucial to our success. We encourage you to participate in our sustainability events, workshops, and initiatives. Share your ideas, engage in discussions, and join us in creating a more sustainable campus and community.

man holding earthworm over jar and compost

Getting Involved

If you are passionate about sustainability and want to contribute, we welcome your involvement. Whether you are a student, faculty member, staff member, or community member, there are numerous ways to make a difference. Feel free to reach out to us at sustainability@uta.edu to learn more about volunteer opportunities, events, and ways to collaborate.

Together, we can create a more sustainable, vibrant, and resilient future. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our shared vision.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, our commitment to sustainability remains steadfast. We are actively exploring new avenues for renewable energy, enhancing our green spaces, and expanding partnerships that align with our sustainability goals. We are excited to bring you along on this journey of growth and positive change.

Sustainability brings together economic, environmental, and social aspects that reflect the complexity of the pressing issues faced by us as an organization and as part of the North Texas community. Industries, institutions, and organizations across all domains and sectors now intersect with sustainability challenges and opportunities, affecting the knowledge and skills required for the future workforce. We are committed to creating a sustainable campus through programs such as sustainability-focused curriculum, outreach, community engagement, energy efficiency, transportation, and waste management. At the Office of Sustainability at UTA, we aim to unify and integrate sustainability initiatives across campus. We are dedicated to educating the campus and community about the importance of thinking and acting sustainably so we can use resources responsibly and help improve the lives of present and future generations.