The University of Tulsa is constantly thinking ahead about how to make our campus more sustainable and environmentally-conscious.  Here are some of the things already taking place:

New construction in the apartments and upcoming building projects are implementing "greener" techniques and products to increase the energy efficiencies and sustainability of our property.  Compact fluorescent bulbs, low-flow faucets and showers, motion-sensor lighting, and programmable thermostats are just some examples of how TU is attempting to reduce its use of natural resources.  The University is also working on "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (LEED) requirements for each of its buildings to match the national benchmark for designing and constructing buildings.

TU and Sodexho recently created a partnership with Tulsa Biofuels to supply the new production firm with used cooking grease (from french fries, chicken strips, etc) to create clean, commercial biodiesel.  Tulsa Biofuels processes the oil to make clean diesel that works in any diesel-compliant vehicle.  Currently the company distributes this biodiesel to local, non-profit organizations like Tulsa Public Schools and the City of Tulsa.

On March 26th, USC met with Bill Fisher, a member of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Building and Grounds Committee to discuss the 800+ trees that are going out across the campus this spring!  These trees were specifically chosen to be disease-resistant, damage-resistant (with respect to ice), and "shanked" (with very high branches) to promote free travel of cars or foot traffic beneath their branches.  The addition of so many trees at TU assists in creating a "climate neutral zone" by reducing the school's net emissions.

More information about other sustainability initiatives at TU will be added soon.