Sustainability

From the very concrete that formed its structure to the soap at the wash basin, this facility has an environmental conscience. The AT& T Executive Education and Conference Center is built to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification standards.

The University of Texas and its partner FLIK Conference Centers have implemented many green and sustainable features in the center's design and construction, accommodations, dining and facility maintenance.

FLIK Sustainability Policy (pdf)

DURING CONSTRUCTION

Exterior limestone and brick purchased locally to reduce fuel use and pollution
Concrete structure is 20 percent fly ash, a remnant of burning coal obtained from a nearby power plant, which would otherwise have become landfill
Exterior skin has insulation outside the wall structure to reduce energy leakage
Low-emissivity glass windows limit heat radiation
Indoor air quality controlled for low emissions of odors from building materials and furnishings
Extensive recycling program resulting in over 75 percent of construction waste being recycled

AROUND THE FACILITY

Courtyard has native plants from the five ecological regions of Texas, using drip irrigation
Parking garage has two-stage lighting based on motion sensor and occupancy, offers reserved parking for hybrid and high-efficiency vehicles
Two mature live oak trees were reclaimed from the construction site of Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium and now call the center grounds home
Compact fluorescent lighting which uses considerably less energy is installed throughout the facility, including guest rooms
Extensive use of recycled paper products
Dumpster with cardboard compactor to reduce landfill volume
Extensive use of Green Seal, biodegradable cleaning products

IN THE CONFERENCE AREAS

All systems and devices are of energy saver design and built for energy efficiency
Wall panels, ceiling tiles and other treatments incorporate recycled materials wherever possible are noted for the high degree of sound-dampening qualities to reduce “noise bleed’ between meeting rooms
Filtered water with glasses in lieu of bottled water
Recycling containers

IN THE GUEST ROOMS

Thermostat regulates temperature by signal that detects guest presence
Cleaning methods emphasize biodegradable products in reusable containers
Reusable glasses and mugs in guest rooms
Towel and sheet re-use program
“Green” Zero bathroom amenities
Low-flow plumbing in guest bathrooms

IN THE DINING AREAS

Organic, local and farmed-fresh foods
Milk is RBGH FREE
Chicken is antibiotic and hormone free
Eggs are cage free
Beef is raised on 100% grass fed diet
Fish is never frozen