Jim Walker, executive director of the Central Texas Sustainability Project for the past nine years, has been appointed to the new position of director of sustainability at The University of Texas at Austin.
The appointment furthers the institution’s commitment to a greener campus and follows on the heels of the 2008 Campus Sustainability Policy and the release of the university’s first greenhouse gas inventory in March 2009.
“I’m really excited,” Walker said. “The university is already doing so much, and I look forward to reinforcing the many students, faculty and staff who are–and have been–promoting sustainability on campus. Together we will figure out how to build on existing efforts and do more.”
Walker, who joined the university on April 1, said he plans to continue in an advisory role with the Central Texas Sustainability Project. He is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, and is active in community initiatives, such as the Mueller Airport Redevelopment and Envision Central Texas where he is the board chair.
“Jim has been a visible supporter of sustainable efforts in our community for many years,” says Pat Clubb, vice president for university operations at the university. “I believe he will help us integrate sustainable practices into our daily operations, as well as find solutions to challenges facing our campus and the broader urban area we all live in.”
As the director of sustainability, Walker is part of the university’s Campus Planning and Facilities Management unit. He will work closely with the President’s Task Force on Sustainability and plans to meet frequently with on-campus and off-campus stakeholders to identify existing sustainability efforts and opportunities for collaboration. Walker will assume his new position full-time by Aug. 1.
