[{"document_url": "https://issuu.com/swattdesign/docs/issuu_3_15/52", "unformatted_src": "https://image.isu.pub/150423115833-c8e07025e505b5136a521cc978ab4380/jpg/page_52_thumb_large.jpg", "src": "https://image.isu.pub/150423115833-c8e07025e505b5136a521cc978ab4380/jpg/page_52_thumb_large.jpg", "formatted_filename": "page thumb large", "alt_text": "Page 52"}, null, {"document_url": "https://issuu.com/swattdesign/docs/issuu_3_15/52", "unformatted_src": "https://photo.isu.pub/swattdesign/photo_large.jpg", "src": "https://photo.isu.pub/swattdesign/photo_large.jpg", "formatted_filename": "photo large"}, null]
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

Sustainable Business Magazine

Published on Apr 23, 2015

Issue 03/15