Other Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability initiatives underway at UT Southwestern Medical Center include: energy and water efficiency practices, alternate energy practices, climate protection practices, sustainable transportation practices, waste and recycling, and high-performance buildings.

Environmental/Energy

• New chillers are more energy-efficient. Updates also have been made to the natural-gas-powered steam boilers that heat campus buildings and process steam for research and clinical needs
• Xeriscape landscaping, which requires less water than traditional landscaping, is becoming more common across campus. 
• Energy-efficient lighting is used in all campus buildings.
• Employee uniforms are made from recycled polyster.
• Toner, battery, electronics, and paper recycling is required. Only mercury-free batteries are purchased.
• Non-Voc, or nontoxic, stains are used for all paint jobs.

Food Services

• The department uses organic foods and buys produce from local farmers.
• Reusable clam shells, mugs, and cups are available for use.
• An accelerated composter now in use minimizes electricity use and grease trap maintenance.

Green Champions

In 2011, UT Southwestern launched a Green Champion program. Green Champions are designated people within each department, floor, laboratory, or shift who focus on the medical center’s recycling practices. In addition to promoting the recycling program, champions monitor the recycling needs of their specific areas. These volunteers provide a vital link to their department/area about current and future energy-saving practices at UT Southwestern.