University of Houston - Downtown

The University of Houston – Downtown (UHD) Center for Urban Agriculture and Sustainability (CUAS) was founded in 2015 through a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture. Its goal is to create and support sustainable neighborhoods in the Houston area using engagement and best practices in business, technology and science. Seventy percent of UHD’s 14,265 students are from underrepresented populations, and 80% of freshmen are the first in their families to attend college. Past projects in CUAS include solar-powered technology, community irrigation systems, an automatic composter and an aquaponics system.

UHD is building a new College of Sciences and Technology facility that will be the first Gold LEED Certified building in the University of Houston System. A $252,824 grant from Sun Club will provide funding for an energy-independent, 75-panel, 23.6 kW, PV solar energy off-grid system, along with batteries to support the electricity needs of two environmental teaching labs. This installation will demonstrate real-time sustainability practices to 400 students.

In addition, Sun Club funding will allow for the purchase of research-grade, custom photosynthesis system laboratory equipment for student and faculty environmental and field studies teaching, demonstration and research.