Texas Southern University Launches BIT for Resilient HBCUs with Campus Kickoff Event

Texas Southern University officially kicked off a new chapter in campus sustainability and climate leadership on Wednesday, January 21, with the launch of the Building Improvement Toolkits (BIT) for Resilient Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) initiative. Hosted by the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, the event brought together students, faculty, and national partners to mark the beginning of a three-year pilot program designed to strengthen resilience at HBCUs while preparing the next generation of climate leaders.

Texas Southern University is one of five HBCUs selected nationwide to participate in the BIT initiative, sponsored by Sustain Our Future Foundation (SOFF) and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and implemented in partnership with Southface Institute. Through the program, TSU will receive $150,000, along with technical assistance, workforce development opportunities, and access to building management tools aimed at reducing energy consumption and operational costs across campus.

The kickoff event opened with remarks from Dr. Robert D. Bullard, Founder and Director of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice. “This university has a rich history as it relates to environment, sustainability, and justice,” said Dr. Bullard. “So, we are proud to have been selected to house this program at Texas Southern University.”

Widely recognized as the father of environmental justice, Dr. Bullard highlighted the legacy of HBCUs as early leaders in addressing environmental health, energy equity, climate change, and resilience. He also reflected on his decades-long collaboration with Southface Institute and its founder, underscoring the importance of sustained partnerships in advancing meaningful change.

Stephen Ward, Program Manager at Southface Institute, outlined how the BIT model delivers measurable results through practical, cost-effective building improvements. Historically, BIT projects have reduced energy use by up to 20 percent without requiring major capital investments. That translates to savings that institutions can reinvest into academic programs, student services, and other priority needs.

Dr. Denae King, Associate Director of the Bullard Center, added, “We have a lot of work to do when we think of resiliency and sustainability on our campus. But we will do everything we can to make this a success.”

The five Texas Southern University students selected as 2026 fellows will focus on key sustainability areas across campus:

• Johnjuana Fisher – Storytelling
• Gloria Ekezie – Energy
• Aaliyah Jackson – Water
• Amonie Rowe – Waste
• Aiyana Courtney English-Jones – Indoor Air Quality

The fellows have already completed initial training sessions and received their physical Champion Toolkits, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to champion resilient best practices on campus and in surrounding communities.

Obiageli Onuba, Grants and Community Manager at Sustain Our Future Foundation, reinforced SOFF’s commitment to resourcing community-driven climate solutions. “HBCUs have always led with unlimited ideas while working with limited resources,” Onuba shared. “So we are proud to help fund this program.”

With oversight from the Bullard Center and collaboration across campus departments, students will translate this training into real-world application, helping to implement and support sustainability practices at Texas Southern University while developing the skills needed to sustain and expand these efforts community-wide.

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