New York University

College Sustainability Report Card 2007

In October 2006, NYU formed an Energy Sustainability Task Force to design the Green Action Plan, which allows students, faculty, and administrators to assess the University’s progress in sustainability efforts. It will also set the agenda for how NYU should move its sustainability efforts forward and is responsible for reviewing and awarding grants for research and demonstration programs submitted by students, faculty, and administrators from the $1 million fund that NYU has been established for this purpose.

The University recently recruited an executive-level position responsible for coordinating overall energy strategy. In October 2006, NYU announced the purchase of 118 million kilowatt-hours of national and regional renewable wind energy credits, the largest purchase of wind credits by any university in the country and enough to offset NYU's annual electricity use. NYU is also exploring using solar power for minor electrical loads. Finally, construction on a new 13.5 megawatt-hour-capacity cogeneration facility that will power 30 of the largest buildings on campus is scheduled to be completed in 2008.

NYU has been on PETA ’s top ten list for best universities for vegans and vegetarians. Produce is purchased from local suppliers to the greatest extent possible and the University works with Aramark’s director of sustainability to identify other initiatives. In the fall of 2005, a university-operated café was transitioned into Ecoground with fair trade, environmentally-conscious coffee with organic blends. NYU has a successful and comprehensive recycling program that has a diversion rate of 32.2 percent.

NYU joined the U.S. Green Building Council in October 2006, and plans to increase the use of green technology and products in numerous construction and renovation projects in the future. Retrofits include high-efficiency restroom fixtures, occupancy sensors, an HVAC system that complies with the New York energy conservation code, and a demand controlled ventilation system.

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.