Environmental Stewardship
Trinity's commitment to stewardship shapes how it plans, builds, and maintains the campus for both today's experience and tomorrow's future.
A Campus That Lives Its Values
Green Buildings
Multiple campus buildings are LEED-certified, reflecting Trinity’s commitment to sustainable design and construction.
Community Spaces
Outdoor spaces—including gardens and green areas—serve as places for learning and collaboration.
Programming
Students and members of the Trinity community can engage in sustainability through organizations such as Eco Allies and the Sustainability Committee, as well as campus events, research, internships, and volunteer opportunities.
Sustainability in the Curriculum
There are numerous opportunities for students to learn about sustainability and the environment at Trinity University.
Community Garden
The entire campus community is welcome to participate and help grow the garden. Students can partake in tending the garden by either volunteering or registering for a one-credit-hour, student-led course centered around community gardening.
Eco Allies
Eco Allies is Trinity University’s environmental organization, dedicated to sustainability on campus and in the local community. The group hosts events throughout the year, encourages sustainability and recycling on campus, and coordinates sustainability-related volunteer opportunities in the San Antonio area.
Sustainability in the Campus Master Plan
Trinity University’s campus master plan includes several features that will contribute to the University’s broader sustainability initiatives moving into the future, such as:
- increasing open space area
- reducing the heat island effect
- creating opportunities for on-site stormwater management
- reducing the need for automobile commuting with more on-campus housing and activities
- creating new green spaces and gardens on campus
Campus Planning and Operations
We are committed to stewarding the university with care, responsibility, and a long-term view. That means making thoughtful decisions about resources, caring for the spaces and infrastructure our community relies on, and strengthening our environmental responsibility in ways that are practical and meaningful. We know stewardship is not a destination or a single decision. It is ongoing work and may never be enough. However, our promise is to keep improving, balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s possibilities so the university remains strong, resilient, and welcoming for generations to come.
Through the University's strategic plan and ongoing operational initiatives, Trinity advances sustainability by:
- Expanding open and green space
- Reducing the heat island effect
- Supporting on-site stormwater management
- Enhancing walkability and reducing reliance on cars
Trinity also prioritizes resource stewardship across campus, including:
- Water reuse and low-flow systems
- Energy-efficient infrastructure and building systems
- Campus-wide recycling and waste reduction programs
In partnership with Chartwells, Trinity continues to expand environmentally responsible dining practices.