Tulane University

College Sustainability Report Card 2007

The Office of Environmental Affairs was established in 1999 on the initiative of the president of the student-run Green Club. The Office employs an environmental coordinator and a largely student staff that has worked on such initiatives as green building and LEED certification, a campus Energy Star program, environmental audits, and an inventory of campus emissions. The University's School of Architecture has also been working to promote sustainable building, design, and planning in the reconstruction of post-Katrina New Orleans.

The University has performed a campus environmental audit and a greenhouse gas emissions inventory, as well as several lighting retrofits. A cogeneration plant offers the University a more efficient alternative to the standard boiler plant, and education campaigns, as well as improvements in the energy management system have helped to further reduce energy use.

Food services, which is contracted through Sodexho, has partnered with Earthbound Organics to provide organic produce, salads and snacks. Four years ago, a gourmet food concept was opened with organic and non-organic offerings, and this program has increased the amount of organic foods available on campus by 15 percent. The University recycles and has temporarily suspended its composting program.

While Tulane does not require LEED certification for building projects, one new project is currently seeking certification with the U.S. Green Building Council, and two green building projects were completed in the 1990s before the advent of the LEED system. Other efficiency measures have also been taken in recent construction projects, including partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program. Students voted to recommend a green renovation of one of the residence halls, which would feature a green roof.

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.