Southwestern’s commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility has lead to it being the second university in Texas to sign the Talloires (pronounced Tal-Whar) Declaration, an initiative that calls on the University to envision programs and practices that make our world more sustainable.

Initiatives include a Green/Civic Engagement residence hall, computer-based effluent water irrigation systems, an alternative transportation Pirate Bike Program, use of sustainable/recycled products, low/no maintenance building finishes and products, low-volume shower heads and LEED certification on all new construction projects–just to name a few.

What is the Talloires Declaration?

Composed in 1990 at an international conference in Talloires, France, this is the first official statement made by university administrators of a commitment to environmental sustainability in higher education. The Talloires Declaration is a ten-point action plan for incorporating sustainability and environmental literacy in teaching, research, operations and outreach at colleges and universities. It has been signed by over 350 university presidents and chancellors in over 40 countries.