Sustainability in the Curriculum

There are numerous opportunities for students to learn about sustainability and the environment at Trinity University.

 

 

Students can choose to major or minor in environmental studies, or take some classes at Trinity and abroad.

 

 

Opt to complete the Climate Changed First-Year Experience course during your first semester at Trinity.

 

 

Complete the Ecological Civilization in Asia or Nature, Culture, Catastrophes Interdisciplinary Clusters, or design your own centered around the environment.

A Campus Engaged with the Environment

As part of its commitment to preserving our local and global environments, Trinity has enacted several initiatives to reduce the campus’s environmental impact.

As a part of the Special Interest Housing, first-year students have the opportunity to live in our Sustainability Hall. This is a new living option where community members will work together to explore what it means to live sustainably. Students will have the support of Environmental Sciences faculty and will benefit from both educational and volunteer experiences such as litter, environmental justice, and concerns that impact both campus and the wider San Antonio community.

LEED-Certified Buildings

Trinity has constructed and renovated several buildings to achieve LEED-certified status, including:

  • Miller Residence Hall (LEED Gold, 2010) 
  • Calvert Residence Hall (LEED Gold, 2012 )
  • Center for the Sciences and Innovation, Phase 2 (LEED Gold, 2013)
  • Witt-Winn Residence Hall (LEED Silver, 2015)
  • Center for the Sciences and Innovation, Phase 3 (LEED Gold, 2017)
Water Conservation

The University employs several water conservation and reuse techniques to reduce water consumption on campus. Current initiatives include:

  • using recycled water for landscape irrigation
  • replacing fixtures with water-efficient, low-flow plumbing fixtures
  • using air conditioning condensate for flushing in the Center for the Sciences and Innovation
Energy Efficiency

Trinity has implemented several initiatives and improvements to increase the campus’ energy efficiency, such as:

  • participating in CPS Energy's Automated Demand Response program to conserve energy and reduce demand during peak usage times
  • installing energy recovery wheels in the Center for Sciences and Innovation to reduce climate control energy expenditure
  • incorporating efficiency features into the construction of the Central Plant Consolidation
  • conducting building submetering to monitor energy consumption and assess effectiveness
  • adding insulating glass, high-efficiency lighting, and lighting and thermal control sensors
Recycling Program

Trinity University manages a source-separated recycling program for mixed paper, bottles and cans (plastic and metal), and corrugated cardboard in most campus facilities. Feel free to read more about the recycling program.


Please direct any questions or concerns about the program to sustainability@retrorockerz.com.

Environmentally Conscientious Food Services

Together with Aramark, Trinity University has taken steps to offer more environmentally-friendly campus dining services.

Uniting to Make a Difference

The University is a proud, active member of the following organizations: 

  • CURC (College and University Recycling Coalition)
  • TRACS (Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability)
  • EcoExchangeEdu