A University of North Texas dorm that reduces the school's carbon footprint is the first of its kind in Texas.
Crumley Hall has earned the prestigious Energy Star rating, a national symbol for protecting the environment, after years of improvements.
"It's a very large accomplishment," said John Flippin, UNT construction manager. "The dorms are open 24/7. It is a heavy-use building. We felt like it is a great opportunity for us to save energy."
The home away from home for nearly 250 UNT students has been around for half a century.
The improvements range in size and cost from the coating on the roof all the way down to the new boilers in the basement. Old windows were replaced by energy-efficient ones, and exterior lighting was taken over by LED lights.
Eventually, Flippin said it will pay off.
"Energy use is one of our largest expenses," he said. "Even though some of the things may not benefit directly to the students and residents, they indirectly benefit them by us being able to keep our cost down."
