Going, Going Green

Dallas Seminary has long been committed to good stewardship of the environment, but in recent years we have become increasingly proactive. In addition to placing a high value on beauty in our campus setting, we also have done the following:

• Instituted a program for recycling paper, glass, aluminum cans, and batteries

• Phased out chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that harm the ozone layer

• Automated air-conditioning and heat, significantly reducing consumption

• Attempted to "build green" in design and construction

• Expanded Campbell Academic Center rather than demolishing it and building new (DTS recognized and awarded funding for reuse)

• Partnered with consultants and contractors to achieve sustainable design and adhere to the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) criteria for Leadership in Environmental and Efficiency Design (LEED®) in construction of Washington Hall

• Contracted through 2010 to purchase electricity that includes a portfolio of 40 percent renewable energies (such as wind, hydro, solar) at below-market rates compared to nonrenewable energies, saving about $1 million over an eight-year period

• Agreed with utility companies to have power turned off at DTS prior to hospitals and homes at the point of rolling blackouts

• Committed to using only low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) building materials

• Created a master plan built around maximum use of current facilities with planned renewal and reuse programs to postpone building new

• Provided bus stop on campus for free bus rides to and from the DART rail stations in the downtown Dallas and neighboring areas.