University of North Texas

UNT has been included in The Princeton Review’s “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.

Among UNT’s accomplishments:

• In 2011, UNT opened two LEED certified buildings - the new Business Leadership Building earned LEED Gold certification, and Apogee Stadium became the nation’s first newly-constructed collegiate stadium to achieve LEED Platinum certification.
• In 2012, three 100 kW community-scale wind turbines, above, near Apogee Stadium began operating.
• Additionally, UNT has made a major commitment to energy savings and sustainability with its UNT SMART initiative - a 30-month, campus-wide, energy savings initiative expected to save the university $3.2 million a year for the next 20.
• The university also just completed a unique research facility, known as the Zero Energy Research Laboratory, which will allow researchers and students to study and develop green energy technologies.

In 2008, UNT became the first university in Texas to sign the American College and University President's Climate Commitment. Currently, UNT has completed all but two of the tangible actions outlined by the group, and achieved Silver ranking in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS) making it the leading green university in Texas.

• Learn more about UNT’s commitment to the environment, Office of Sustainability.
• Find the full “Guide to 322 Green Colleges”.

-       Alyssa Yancey, News Promotions

Above, the wind turbines near Apogee Stadium.