University of Wisconsin

College Sustainability Report Card 2007

The University of Wisconsin employs both a sustainability project manager and an environmental management coordinator, who work on campus initiatives to advance sustainability and environmentally-sound practices on campus. In accordance with the Governor's Executive Order, all campuses must cut their energy use per square foot by 10 percent by 2008.

The Green Bay campus has agreed to buy credits to supply 10 percent of its energy needs with renewable energy. The Oshkosh campus was the first campus in Wisconsin to purchase green power and currently uses green power for 3 percent of its needs. Both the state and the University system have committed to procuring 20 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2011, and the Governor has set a goal of making four of the University's thirteen campuses energy independent, relying exclusively on renewable energy, by 2012.

The University offers local, organic meals in several dining halls and its Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems is working to connect local farmers to universities. The University has proposed building a waste management laboratory that will include composting facilities.

The University has not yet sought LEED certification for any of its building projects, since the projects are managed under the Wisconsin Department of Administration's Division of State Facilities. Work is being done, however, to establish a green building policy that incorporates LEED standards. The Governors Executive Order requires that all new buildings be 30 percent more energy efficient than commercial codes require.

A list of current investment holdings and the 2004 proxy voting record is available on the web or by contacting the trust funds office.

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 of Wisconsin System Trust Funds consider social responsibility criteria in voting shareholder proxy proposals and seek student and public comment on issues of significant social concern.