The Sustainability Department recognizes the importance of leading with sustainable initiatives through continual efforts supporting UTMB's missions of education, research, and patient care. In doing so, UTMB is committed to efficient energy management, resource conservation, and environmental excellence programs that embody environmental stewardship by design, and which will not deplete or harm natural or renewable resources for current or future generations.

Sustainability is the goal for everyone at UTMB. Each member of the faculty, students and staff share a common responsibility to reduce waste and actively promote environmentally conscious attitudes considerate of the impact we have on resources and ecological systems. Honoring this accountability further guarantees our ability to meet our needs without compromising the needs of future generations.

Education is an integral part of what we do. Through articles for publication, departmental presentations, and coordinated special campus events such as for Earth Day and Texas Recycling Day, the Sustainability Department continually strives to increase awareness on campus, and through the community.

With that in mind, we focus on three keys areas: Energy Management, Waste Management and Recycling, and Transportation Initiatives

ENERGY MANAGEMENT:

The East Plant expansion includes two new 3,550‑ton chillers and completion of the chilled water loop, allowing UTMB to begin phasing out aging R‑22 chillers from the 1960s. This transition reduces environmental impact while avoiding the high cost and regulatory challenges associated with R‑22 refrigerant.

Our Energy Management team is conducting ASHRAE Level II Energy Audits in select buildings, evaluating HVAC systems, lighting, controls, and building envelopes. These audits help identify efficiency improvements, with a strong focus on upgrading outdated building controls to support automated scheduling, temperature setbacks, and reduced air changes during unoccupied hours.

To further improve efficiency, UTMB uses chilled water optimization software at Galveston plants to determine the most efficient chiller operations based on real‑time campus demand. In addition, fault detection pilot programs are underway in several buildings to identify energy, maintenance, and comfort issues through the Building Automation System.

UTMB also tracks building Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and carbon emissions, using this data to prioritize facilities with the greatest opportunities for energy savings and emissions reduction.

WASTE MANAGEMENT/RECYCLING:

Every member of the UTMB community plays a critical role in reducing landfill waste by placing materials in the correct recycling and disposal streams. UTMB operates a recycling program comparable to a small Municipal Recovery Facility (MRF), where recyclable materials are collected, sorted, and prepared for reuse in the manufacturing supply chain.

UTMB actively collects paper (including books with covers removed), corrugated cardboard, aluminum, and approved plastics (#1–5 and #7). Once collected, materials are transported to an onsite recovery facility where they are further separated and baled to be sent to manufacturers to be converted into new products-reducing landfill disposal, conserving natural resources, and supporting the recycling economy.  Clean, empty recyclables significantly improve processing efficiency and recycling outcomes.

Materials requiring special handling must follow designated disposal pathways. Electronic waste, including computers, monitors, and cables, is managed directly by Materials Management to ensure proper tracking, data security, and responsible recycling. Batteries, which present environmental and safety risks, are collected and disposed of through Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) in accordance with regulatory requirements. Separating general recyclables from special waste streams protects employee safety, maintains compliance, and prevents contamination of recyclable materials.

UTMB continues to evaluate emerging recycling and waste reduction opportunities, including AI‑enabled sorting systems, Styrofoam densification, increased diversion of food and organic waste, expanded landscape debris processing, and grant funded pilot projects. These initiatives aim to improve recovery efficiency, reduce disposal costs, and advance UTMB’s long term sustainability goals.  ADD LINK TO IDEA /PRESENTATION/PROJECT REQUEST WEBFORM (will need new webform)

TRANSPORTATION:

UTMB values its position as the largest employer in Galveston County, and understands the impact that each member of the UTMB community has on environmental and ecological systems through daily commuting activities. With that, UTMB has the responsibility to encourage and promote environmentally-friendly commuting opportunities through services such as vanpooling, public transportation, and biking. Additionally, UTMB remains obligated to make a conscious effort to procure fleet vehicles with the highest fuel efficiency possible and in accordance with State of Texas regulation.  LINK TO SHUTTLE AND CAMPUS COMMUTING PAGES