George Washington University

College Sustainability Report Card 2007

George Washington University has been working on campus sustainability issues since it signed a partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency in 1994 to jointly "green" the University. Six separate committees composed of faculty, staff, and students work to address issues on campus.

Over 15 years ago, the University began efforts to upgrade both lighting and mechanical systems to be more energy efficient. Other retrofits include window and appliance replacement. The University is also looking to incorporate energy efficiency into the design of future campus development projects. GW currently does not produce any renewable energy on campus. However, as part of the New Building Development Standards, which are currently under development, the use of photovoltaics will be evaluated as an alternative energy source.

The University’s vendor for food services, Sodexho, provides local produce from various farms in both Maryland and Virginia whenever possible. Also, Sodexho purchases other food items from local businesses, including Bread and Chocolate (pastries), Asmar’s (kosher foods), and Anadolla (breads). In addition, Sodexho recycles mixed paper, glass, and aluminum cans as part of GW’s recycling program.

The University is exploring sustainability and green building efforts, however there is no formal green building policy at this time. Duques Hall and Potomac House both opened in 2006 and were designed to, and achieved, a number of LEED points without certification. Among the green building features incorporated in these projects were operable windows, low emission building materials and finishes, and daylight maximizing design. For future campus projects, the University intends to evaluate additional green building features, including high-efficiency mechanical systems, green roofs, and photovoltaics.

The University has no known policy of disclosure of endowment holdings or its shareholder voting record.

The University prioritizes investing to maximize profit and has not made any public statements about investigating or investing in renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.

The University has not made any public statements about active ownership or a proxy voting policy.