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SMU LIVES GREEN, TEACHES GREEN
Americans continue to argue about what are acceptable levels of environmental protection and the debate is expanding from the basic
issues of clean air and water to more complicated questions surrounding climate change, biodiversity, deforestation and renewable energy.
Still, changes reflected around the country and here at SMU over the past 40 years
— since the first Earth Day — have been remarkable. Here’s a snapshot:
- The Environmental Protection Agency, created in 1970, now regulates environmental protection at every level of U.S. policy relating to natural resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry and international trade. SMU Environmental Engineering Professor Al Armendariz is administrator for Region 6, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and New Mexico.
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Nearly one-third of municipal solid waste is recycled nationally, according to the latest EPA statistics available. SMU recycled more than 18,000 pounds of waste material last year, ranging from leftover newspapers and soda cans to clippings trimmed from trees and shrubs.
- In 2011, SMU placed first among Texas private schools in the “Per
Capita Classic” division in the Recyclemania competition.
 SMU placed second among all 22 Texas colleges and universities in the per capita category, and in the top 15 percent nationwide when the results were measured against the 363 colleges and universities competing in that category. This was the 11th year for RecycleMania, and only the second year that SMU has entered the competition division. SMU collected 119 tons of recyclable material during the
2011 competition, compared to 78 tons collected during the 10-week period last year. SMU’s Sustainability Committee also sponsored an inter-campus recycling competition during RecycleMania,
Read more.
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Americans now build their homes and choose their appliances with an eye toward saving energy, earning currently available federal tax credits and saving on monthly utility bills. New SMU buildings, like the Lyle School of Engineering’s recently dedicated Caruth
Hall, are constructed to sustainable standards established by the U.S. Green
Building Council. SMU manages campus energy consumption, and SMU’s real-time water and electricity usage is on display at the “Building Dashboard.”
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 Protecting the environment has grown into a significant 21st Century career path, as businesses and government agencies hire environmental engineers, water quality experts, energy management experts and urban planners to support sustainable living and development. At SMU, students are pursuing degrees in environmental science and environmental studies through Dedman College and environmental engineering through the Lyle School of Engineering.
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SMU’s Sustainability Committee was formed to promote sustainability efforts on the Hilltop.
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