The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is dedicated to upholding sustainability on our campus. Our university, which is located in an urban environment, provides a unique opportunity for these efforts.
Annual Grant Competitions
The Sustainability Committee sponsors an annual grant competition to promote sustainability on campus. This year’s winners are:
Chad Overturf
Development of new composite wood from Styrofoam and organic waste materials
Dr. Chrystal Rose
Installation of a water bottle filling station in the UA Little Rock Pat Walker Center for Nursing Education Building
Shawn Bayouth and Julia Napolitano
Aerosol Can Recycling Program
Vasti Hernandez
Installing a Trash Boom on Coleman Creek
Building Renovations and Recycling
For the last twelve years, all major building renovations and new construction have received LEED accreditation from the US Green Building Council. Additionally, all mechanical and electrical systems were upgraded to reduce the use of electricity and natural gas. Valves were replaced on plumbing fixtures in restrooms with water-reducing controls.
To decrease contamination of recycled trash, receptacles have been placed adjacent to the recycling containers. We’ve also replaced several large waste dumpsters with units dedicated to cardboard collection.
Sustainability Events
Last fall we conducted our annual Sustainability Day event. Local vendors with environmentally friendly products set up tables on the university plaza. This event also had a station to collect unused electronics. Additionally, 500 LED lamps, power strips, and 2,000 IED light bulbs were distributed. These energy-saving supplies were provided by Entergy, the local electric provider.
The Spring 2022 Earth Day celebration was held in April. Like Sustainability Day, local vendors and organizations promoted their sustainability items and efforts. The remainder of the energy-efficient products from Entergy were distributed.
Campus Garden
The campus continues to operate a student-led campus garden. Our campus community can use the raised beds for growing produce for personal consumption. The Campus Garden provides produce for the school’s Food Pantry and for sale to the campus. The garden also operates a composting program that includes coffee grounds from campus offices.
Sustainability Committee Chair,
Jim Carr AC, GMB, CGP
Construction Management