Editor’s Note: This article first appeared as part of the July 6 flipbook.

For the past few years, scientists have warned of the harsh climate effects coming to Texas. The unpredictable Texas summers have led to high temperatures earlier than expected, and Austin just experienced its hottest May ever recorded. This influx of heat has led to greater energy expenditure, placing added pressure on the climate and increasing the chance of blackouts. 

Although UT is on its own power grid, University Housing and Dining should implement solar panels in dorms in order to reduce the University’s carbon footprint as well as lower costs for tuition and room and board.

As the demand for cooler temperatures and air conditioning rises, many scientists are expecting an increase in blackouts across Texas. Michael Webber, a professor of mechanical engineering and an energy expert, said that although many Texans have a negative perception of renewable energy, it’s one of the main things saving Texans from the adverse effects of climate change. 

Emily Beagle, research associate for Webber Energy Group, said that solar energy would be a great fit for UT’s campus — UT is in an urban location, and the sun would be very effective due to Austin’s heat. Beagle also said the implementation of solar panels in residence halls would save the University money.

“They can get credit (from the government) for solar electricity that they produce, so that can reduce energy costs. There could definitely be money-saving opportunities for having additional low-cost sources to produce electricity on campus,” Beagle said. 

Sustainability is increasingly becoming a crucial topic of discussion for many college students. A 2020 survey by Students Organizing for Sustainability International showed that 92% of students believe universities should actively promote and implement renewable energy sources.

Anya Gandavadi, co-lead of the Environmental Justice Collective for the Campus Environmental Center, said there’s a huge benefit for UT because students are looking for sustainability efforts when deciding on which college to attend.

“UT would be attracting students that care about sustainable efforts on campus, also increasing the credibility of the University (by) bringing in funding, research opportunities, job creation and relative cooling effects on the building by adding solar panels to dorms,” environmental science sophomore Gandavadi said. 

University Housing and Dining has implemented renewable energy sources in the past, such as installing LED lights to dorm rooms. However, there have been few changes to address the University’s energy expenditure. 

Donald Ates, director of residential facilities for University Housing and Dining, said he follows student voices and searches for ways to implement more renewable energy sources in dorms. Ates also said the University receives funding for clean energy improvements. 

“Solar is really there to complement electricity and put electricity back into the grid … so it is a good sustainability (source),” Ates said. “But at the same time, some of the buildings are so big (that implementing) solar for the amount of money (would) be cost prohibitive. I would look at some of our smaller buildings. Good examples are Littlefield, Carothers and Blanton, compared to Jester (Center).”

Big dorms like Jester Center would not be ideal for solar panels due to the age and structure of the buildings. However, smaller dorm buildings such as Littlefield would be great to start the process of implementing solar panels. This may seem like a small change, but it could make a big difference in reducing UT’s carbon footprint. In fact, studies have shown that the average college dorm consumes 30.2% of electrical energy — even when no one is in the room. 

As the effects of climate change continue to get more extreme, it’s essential for the University to decrease energy expenditure in residence halls and implement solar panels on campus to reduce UT’s carbon footprint. 

DuBois is a public relations and sociology sophomore from Killeen, Texas.