|
UNT was included in The Princeton Review's 2012 Guide to 322 Green Colleges for the second consecutive year.
The guide recognizes institutions of higher education in the U.S. and Canada that demonstrate notable commitments to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation. The guide is released in collaboration with the U.S. Green Building Council -- the organization that oversees the LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, ranking system.
UNT has committed to achieving LEED Silver certification for all new buildings. UNT's newest LEED-certified buildings include:
Additionally, UNT has made a major commitment to energy savings and sustainability with its UNT SMART initiative. The 30-month, campus-wide, energy savings initiative is expected to save the university $3.2 million a year for the next 20 years. The university also has completed a unique research facility, the Zero Energy Research Laboratory, which will allow researchers and students to study and develop green energy technologies.
In 2008, UNT became the first large public university in Texas to sign the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment. Currently, UNT has completed all but two of the tangible actions outlined by the ACUPCC, and achieved Silver ranking in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS), making it the leading green university in Texas.
For additional information about UNT's commitment to the environment, visit the Office of Sustainability's website.
The full "Guide to 322 Green Colleges" -- the only free, comprehensive, annually updated guide to green colleges -- can be downloaded at The Princeton Review website and the Center for Green Schools website.
Buddy Price with UNT News Service can be reached at Buddy.Price@unt.edu.
|
