Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

The University of Texas Collaborates to Advance Sustainability

  • 11/22/19

AUSTIN, TX and SANTA BARBARA, CA – A gift from Yardi® will support research efforts coordinated by the Energy Institute at The University of Texas at Austin (UT) to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the built real estate environment.

The Energy Institute (EI) facilitates interdisciplinary research and engagement to transform the future of energy worldwide. EI, which includes more than 300 researchers and 30-plus research centers, provides a gateway for UT initiatives designed to enable a globally sustainable energy transition.

"We deeply appreciate the support from Yardi, which helps us accelerate our focus on fueling a sustainable energy transition. A key element of this is energy use and emissions mitigation in the built environment, where global demand is growing for better technology and tools to support efficiency in building design, construction and operations," says Dr. Varun Rai, director of the Energy Institute. "Yardi's gift enables us to support interdisciplinary research in this area at various school departments and research units across UT."

"The real estate industry is the fourth largest source of emissions in the U.S. The average commercial building wastes an estimated 30 percent of its energy consumption. There are tremendous opportunities to help occupants, owners, investors, and communities benefit from improved energy efficiency," says Akshai Rao, vice president of procure to pay and energy for Yardi and a UT Austin alumnus. "UT is a leader in research that is generating breakthroughs across the spectrum of energy issues, and Yardi is pleased to support these efforts through the Energy Institute."

About the Energy Institute
The Energy Institute (EI) at the University of Texas at Austin facilitates interdisciplinary research and engagement to transform the future of energy worldwide. With over 350 researchers and 30-plus research centers and initiatives focused on energy at UT, EI also serves as the gateway for innovative public and private collaborations with UT to advance a sustainable energy transition globally.

About Yardi
Yardi develops and supports industry-leading investment and property management software for all types and sizes of real estate companies. Established in 1984, Yardi is based in Santa Barbara, CA, and serves clients worldwide. For more information on how Yardi is Energized for Tomorrow, visit yardi.com.

Featured

  • Campus Safety Requires Using Every Resource Available

    Across the U.S., school and campus leaders are facing a security landscape that has changed dramatically over the past decade. Incidents on school property have increased in recent years, with several consecutive years setting record totals. According to analysis of data by CNN, dozens of shootings now occur on school grounds annually across K-12 and higher education environments.

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • Embry-Riddle Completes Construction on Research, Lab Facility

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach, Fla., recently announced the end of construction on a new research and lab facility on campus. The Center for Aerospace Engineering II (CAT II) will support aerospace research and technology development and broke ground last summer.

  • AAADM Announces Building Safety Month Initiatives

    The American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM) recently announced its support of Building Safety Month as declared by the International Code Council (ICC), according to a news release.